NIGEL Adkins' Sunday switch to Southampton brought to an end an amazing seven days at S****horpe United. Today the S****horpe Telegraph looks back at how the drama began to unfold last Monday - and how it escatled during the week.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
After a weekend that saw Adkins installed as the bookies' favourite for the Southampton job, chairman Steve Wharton refuses to pour cold water on the speculation. "I know there is speculation, but I really do not want to say anything," he says.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
A big flutter of 'informed money' mean former Hull City boss Phil Brown takes over as the favourite for the job. Adkins takes Iron training as normal, but talk linking him with the south coast refuses to go away. The United manager is told by the chairman of Saints' Supporters' Trust to think carefully if he is offered the job, given the security of his position at Glanford Park.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Speaking exclusively to the Telegraph, Adkins comments for the first time on the speculation, insisting it shows what S****horpe have achieved. "I would like to think there is always going to be speculation because if there is, then it shows we are always going to be doing things positively and doing things right," says the United chief.
After refusing to rule himself out of a St Mary's switch if the chance comes along, it's clear there is some substance to the rumours and later in the day, media reports from Southampton confirm Adkins and Andy Crosby have been for an interview with Saints chairman Nicola Cortese and are on the verge of behing offered the job.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
An unbelievable 24 hours at Glanford Park, the likes of which have never seen before - nor are likely to again, unfolds. First thing in the morning, S****horpe release a statement saying Adkins and Crosby have agreed terms at St Mary's and look to be on their way, though no compensation has been agreed. Then Iron chairman Steve Wharton tells the Telegraph the move looks to be off because talks between the two clubs have broken down.
As the day progresses though, things seem to swing back in the other direction. Late facing the media in a press conference, Adkins bats away questions about his future, although does strongly suggest that his move to St Mary's is very alive - and is one he would be interested in." I think anybody would be interested in Southampton when you look at it, what a fantastic football club. It’s steeped in tradition, it wants to get back to the Premiership, it’s got a fantastic stadium and honest, fantastic supporters who want to see their team back in the Premiership," he beams
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Although saying little on the subject, with compensation for Adkins still to be agreed, Wharton reveals he is looking for the situation to be resolved before the weekend. Although locked in talks with Ian Baraclough, likely to involve plans to put the 39-year-old in caretaker charge should the Iron boss move on, it emerges Adkins will take charge of Saturday's match with Bristol City. Again he dodges questions about his future.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Skipper Cliff Byrne tells the Telegraph speculation about their manager's future and a hectic week will not affect the Iron's players when it comes to facing Bristol City. "There is nothing at all that can tear us away from what we want to do this weekend," he says. "The mood is good. There has been a bit of extra banter this week for one reason or another. It's been kept bubbling along."
Although United improve after a lacklustre first half, they are beaten by Bristol City 2-0. After the game Adkins once again remains tight lipped on his future - but acts as though it is likely to be his last match in charge. He calls for a resolution on the matter before the end of the weekend.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
After a day of silence, events finally reach a conclusion at 9pm, when it is confirmed Adkins is the new manager of Southampton - signing a three-year deal at St Mary's. Neither club reveals details of compensation, but the Telegraph believes it is in the region of £200,000. United quickly reveal Baraclough will take over in caretaker charge of first-team affairs.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
In his first day as United's new manager, Baraclough reveals he has been itching to get a chance to become a boss - ever since specualtion linking Adkins with St Mary's first surfaced. "You never choose the time when you go into management," he says. "It's just a case of being in the right place at the right time. Maybe it's time now."
