Adkins prepares Saints for the best

[itchen_dan]

Good interview in the Independent with Adkins about the club and the upcoming season.

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/adkins-prepares-saints-for-the-best-8007891.html

[trousers]

Cheers for posting Dan - great article

[hypochondriac]

Good interview in the Independent with Adkins about the club and the upcoming season.

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/adkins-prepares-saints-for-the-best-8007891.html

 

Its not steven davis' first taste of the Prem.

[B Rabbit]

Good interview in the Independent with Adkins about the club and the upcoming season.

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/adkins-prepares-saints-for-the-best-8007891.html

Great article...well researched...

 

'Like Lambert and most of his players – including new signings Jay Rodriguez from Burnley, Nathaniel Clyne from Crystal Palace and Steven Davis from Rangers – Adkins, 47, will be tasting the top flight for the first time.'

[TABLE=class: infobox vcard, width: 22]

[TR]

[TH]2004–2007[/TH]

[TD]Aston Villa[/TD]

[TD=align: right]91[/TD]

[TD=align: right](5)[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TH]2007–2008[/TH]

[TD]Fulham[/TD]

[TD=align: right]22[/TD]

[TD=align: right](0)[/TD]

[/TR]

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[trousers]

"Adkins hopes to add to his squad, but Southampton's history means that they do not need the example of Portsmouth to know what can go wrong when a club overreaches in search of success. Adkins preaches evolution rather than revolution, with the club's highly regarded academy continuing to play its part.

"Finance is there, but in the right, structured way. We've learned the lessons of administration. It was a horrible time for the football club and a lot of people suffered.

"As a manager you sometimes think of winning the next game and needing money for a player, and you forget about the heart and soul of the club. If we get the structure right then there'll be a production line for many years to come of players playing the Southampton way, which will be financially right for this club. Whether I am still the manager at that time is another question, but you've got to think above that."

[B Rabbit]

Its not steven davis' first taste of the Prem.

 

Damn u!

[hypochondriac]

Damn u!

 

Ha and I'm typing on a phone. Too slow!

[B Rabbit]

Ha and I'm typing on a phone. Too slow!

I was researching...and half asleep. I am the bestest.

[Turkish]

More comments about his long term future as manager. Slightly odd in an otherwise positive article.

[Frank's cousin]

More comments about his long term future as manager. Slightly odd in an otherwise positive article.

 

To be honest I think he knows the score - and accepts it. He is unproven at a much higher level, and knows NC is ambitious - he keeps us up and we progress he stays as will have shown he can learn and improve at a pace that is required by NC. We struggle or just survive, with no real improvement and I suspect NC will act.

 

Rather than in previous years, there is a plan and a chairman who obviously wants to give Adkins a well earned chance he deserves, but who is probably realistic and pragmatic enough to know that loyalty and sentiment may not be enough to deliver the performance he desires. Its now up to Adkins to step up again and prove himself.

 

Dont think any dark agenda here, just pragmatism.

[Faz]

More comments about his long term future as manager. Slightly odd in an otherwise positive article.

 

I think he was referring to the stream of players coming from the Academy, playing the "Southampton way". What is the average length of tenure of an EPL manager? And then take out Fergie and Wenger, and re-work it. I think he's looking some way in to the future.

[beatlesaint]

I think he was referring to the stream of players coming from the Academy, playing the "Southampton way". What is the average length of tenure of an EPL manager? And then take out Fergie and Wenger, and re-work it. I think he's looking some way in to the future.

 

Thats how i read it. He is saying the structure is set up to be in place for many many years and not just during his tenure.

[lloydie]

Thing is with regards to Adkins future, I understand why if we weren't doing well enough, that NC might act on adkins future with us. But, i honestly cant think of one manager, given the way nicola wants the 'southampton way' to be approached, that would suit the job role AND is realistic?

[Turkish]

I think he was referring to the stream of players coming from the Academy, playing the "Southampton way". What is the average length of tenure of an EPL manager? And then take out Fergie and Wenger, and re-work it. I think he's looking some way in to the future.

 

Maybe, I find it a little strange that a manager who is preparing for his biggest season ever and achieved extraordinary things in his time here is regularly mentioning his future in a relatively negative way.

[hypochondriac]

Adkins was verbally sacked three times last season. Obviously never came to anything in the end but you can imagine that he isn't sure about his long term future.

Edited 5 August, 2012 by hypochondriac

[Turkish]

Admins was verbally sacked three times last season. Obviously never came to anything in the end but you can imagine that he isn't sure about his long term future.

 

When was this? I know about one time about this time last year, during the summer. When else?

[hypochondriac]

When was this? I know about one time about this time last year, during the summer. When else?

 

No idea when. An ex player who I get tickets from told me who said that Adkins had told him.

[Turkish]

No idea when. An ex player who I get tickets from told me who said that Adkins had told him.

 

I'm sure I'll be shouted down for this but I know for definite this happened last summer and Les Reid had to sort things out and smooth everything over between them.

[Toadhall Saint]

I'm sure I'll be shouted down for this but I know for definite this happened last summer and Les Reid had to sort things out and smooth everything over between them.

 

 

Were you there then?

[Turkish]

Were you there then?

 

See what I mean.Usual mongy response whenever anyone doesn't say everything is magnificent.

[hypochondriac]

I'm sure I'll be shouted down for this but I know for definite this happened last summer and Les Reid had to sort things out and smooth everything over between them.

 

Thanks for the info. Similar to the sort of things I heard then. The impression I get is that cortese is a typical Italian and very emotional. It wouldn't surprise me if we are lower mid table after a few months to see Nigel sacked. Wouldn't be a surprise anyway though I hope not

[FloridaMarlin]

Thats how i read it. He is saying the structure is set up to be in place for many many years and not just during his tenure.

 

An attitude in complete contrast to the short-termism of H Redknapp.

 

Adkins thinks about the long-term future of the club, either with or without him. Redknapp only ever thinks of what a club can offer him as a vehicle to his personal ambition.

[The9]

Thanks for the info. Similar to the sort of things I heard then. The impression I get is that cortese is a typical Italian and very emotional. It wouldn't surprise me if we are lower mid table after a few months to see Nigel sacked. Wouldn't be a surprise anyway though I hope not

 

He's screwed if we beat anyone by 4...

[Bearsy]

Some interesting infos there hypo and turkish! I can believe it, I mean i was thinking NA's comments is weird. All managers know they can get sacked but you don't often hear them boasting about it.

[Victor]

Good interview in the Independent with Adkins about the club and the upcoming season.

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/adkins-prepares-saints-for-the-best-8007891.html

 

 

To quote the Editor of the Wall Street Journal: 'If I read upcoming in TWSJ again I shall be downcoming and somebody will be outgoing'.

 

A nasty, nasty word; 'coming' is quite adequate and quicker to type.

 

HTH

[capitalsaint]

I'm sure I'll be shouted down for this but I know for definite this happened last summer and Les Reid had to sort things out and smooth everything over between them.

 

Interesting, do you know what the cause of their disagreement was?

[farawaysaint]

Oh good, I do so love positive stories about the management of our club.

[Raging Bull]

Interesting, do you know what the cause of their disagreement was?

 

Can only be coming second

 

 

 

Cortese is a selfish man and always likes to come first!

[Raging Bull]

More comments about his long term future as manager. Slightly odd in an otherwise positive article.

 

 

It is still strange to read the negative part, even after his comments after Cov. On the other hand its no different to Mancini at city worrying about his position if he'd come second.

 

If someone was to say to me, pull your socks up or you're likely to lose a contract I'd know what I'd be doing.

[Alain Perrin]

To quote the Editor of the Wall Street Journal: 'If I read upcoming in TWSJ again I shall be downcoming and somebody will be outgoing'.

 

A nasty, nasty word; 'coming' is quite adequate and quicker to type.

 

HTH

 

Without being a grammar or spelling pendant, "upcoming" is perfectly acceptable in this context, perhaps even more so than your preference of "coming".

 

"Coming" should indicate something that is near but usually is used with a qualifier - i.e. "this coming Tuesday". "Upcoming" should be used where no qualifier is present or something is not imminent. Given that the season is two weeks away I'd suggest "upcoming" is appropriate.

 

Either way, just because you have a preference, doesn't mean that others need to live within it.

 

HTH

[Dig Dig]

I'm sure I'll be shouted down for this but I know for definite this happened last summer and Les Reid had to sort things out and smooth everything over between them.

 

Poor bastard if true, doesn't deserve to have to be looking over his shoulder every 5 mins.

[hypochondriac]

Interesting, do you know what the cause of their disagreement was?

 

Not sire about the summer but I heard that the ones I heard of were after certain defeats. Cortese would go ballistic but maybe calm down after.

[Danbert]

More comments about his long term future as manager. Slightly odd in an otherwise positive article.

 

He's just being realistic I guess. It's a shame though that, having found an excellent manager, the club are likely to lose him or sack him at some point in the not to distant future.

[Turkish]

They had two fall outs in the summer. Adkins was "sacked" because he went off on holiday and Cortese was trying to contact him, about what I don't know, but he was unable too for 3 days, when he finally did he let rip at him saying a manager he can't get hold of is no good to him, he's sacked etc. This was the one Les Reid had to clam Cortese down over and made him see sense. the other one Was over the Gorkss deal. Adkins really wanted him and for whatever reason the deal never happened but the player was here expecting to sign only for the plug to be pulled at the last minute (unconfirmed reports cortese lost his rag with the agent) Again Reid acting as peace maker although on this occasion Adkins wasn't sacked.

[rshephard3]

NA is in a tough position. First possibility: Saints current squad scrap around at the bottom and Cortese thinks we can do better with another manager. Second possibility: NA does remarkably well and maintains us in midtable. Cortese sees this success but gets frustrated at SFC and Adkins as not being shiny enough for bigger name players. Cortese again thinks we could do better with another manager.

 

I honestly think the season coming will see one of these scenarios played out. Hope I'm wrong as I really like Adkins and respect the superb job he has done.

[merrimd]

NA is in a tough position. First possibility: Saints current squad scrap around at the bottom and Cortese thinks we can do better with another manager. Second possibility: NA does remarkably well and maintains us in midtable. Cortese sees this success but gets frustrated at SFC and Adkins as not being shiny enough for bigger name players. Cortese again thinks we could do better with another manager.

 

I honestly think the season coming will see one of these scenarios played out. Hope I'm wrong as I really like Adkins and respect the superb job he has done.

 

Or NA does very well, gets us top 5 by xmas, liverpool sack Rodgers and NA walks. Goes both ways!

[Turkish]

NA is in a tough position. First possibility: Saints current squad scrap around at the bottom and Cortese thinks we can do better with another manager. Second possibility: NA does remarkably well and maintains us in midtable. Cortese sees this success but gets frustrated at SFC and Adkins as not being shiny enough for bigger name players. Cortese again thinks we could do better with another manager.

 

I honestly think the season coming will see one of these scenarios played out. Hope I'm wrong as I really like Adkins and respect the superb job he has done.

 

Les Reids role is crucial. Cortese listens to him and whilst every decision is Cortese, football wise Reid is a huge influence. To give Cortese his due, unlike Lowe he knows he knows FA about football so leans on Reid for advice.

[beatlesaint]

Les Reids role is crucial. Cortese listens to him and whilst every decision is Cortese, football wise Reid is a huge influence. To give Cortese his due, unlike Lowe he knows he knows FA about football so leans on Reid for advice.

 

If true, and i have no reason to doubt it, then Les Reid has earned his salary ten times over already by his actions last summer. We would never have gotten off to that start which ultimately played a major part in our success with a new man in charge.

 

I sincerely hope Les Reid knows we would be hard pushed to find another manager with all the skills Adkins has.

[Dalek2003]

To be honest I think he knows the score - and accepts it. He is unproven at a much higher level, and knows NC is ambitious - he keeps us up and we progress he stays as will have shown he can learn and improve at a pace that is required by NC. We struggle or just survive, with no real improvement and I suspect NC will act.

 

Rather than in previous years, there is a plan and a chairman who obviously wants to give Adkins a well earned chance he deserves, but who is probably realistic and pragmatic enough to know that loyalty and sentiment may not be enough to deliver the performance he desires. Its now up to Adkins to step up again and prove himself.

 

Dont think any dark agenda here, just pragmatism.

What you say sounds ok, but it really depends onwhat NC expects and in rlation to our investment in the team. I am very much in agreement with NA's comments about building the team in a sustainable way and think we will try and stay up but not break the bank to do so. In other words, going down will not be a disaster as long as we keep morale up and continue to build in the NPC.

This fits perfectly with my belief that we are trying to do a WBA, and employing the 'YOYO' strategy. NA will not be sackked and after what happened to themit is a very sensible ploy.

[paulwantsapint]

Cortese sacking Adkins then seeing sense sounds a bit like Brian Clough continually resigning from derby one day someone decides to accept it

 

Anyway Adkins is talking about the day he retires & Adam Lallana takes over as boss

[GAS]

Maybe, I find it a little strange that a manager who is preparing for his biggest season ever and achieved extraordinary things in his time here is regularly mentioning his future in a relatively negative way.

Perhaps a positive way as he see's the ambition of the club and the will to succeed. Although saying that the most successful managers are given time through the good and bad times.

[MINIBARCELONASAINT]

Another "verbal sacking" came around the time of the Leicester game.

[sandwichsaint]

Another "verbal sacking" came around the time of the Leicester game.

 

Agreed, Adkins was 'verbally sacked' from my sofa that evening too: fortunately I saw sense too and in the morning I reneged and asked him to carry on for another 10 years, in Nigel we trust!

[cellone]

Agreed, Adkins was 'verbally sacked' from my sofa that evening too: fortunately I saw sense too and in the morning I reneged and asked him to carry on for another 10 years, in Nigel we trust!

 

You softy. I only kept him on 'cos I couldn't make up my mind on a replacement.

[Dark Munster]

"As a manager you sometimes think of winning the next game and needing money for a player, and you forget about the heart and soul of the club. If we get the structure right then there'll be a production line for many years to come of players playing the Southampton way, which will be financially right for this club. Whether I am still the manager at that time is another question, but you've got to think above that."

 

Seems like he's saying that a manager should think about long term future of the club, possibly beyond his tenure. Doesn't seem that sinister to me.

 

Having said that, if we do a QPR and only survive by our fingernails, or worse, I think the axe will fall.

[yateleysaint]

If it's looking dodgy at any stage I don't think Adkins will be given the whole season. I reckon he'll be gone by Christmas if Saints are anywhere near the relegation places.

 

I believe he should be given time but I don't think Cortese does.

[Raging Bull]

Altenativly he's thinking, I can't be fecked to work under this bloke if he isn't prepared to give me the time I need.

 

If all this "verbal sacking" is to be believed.

[Gingeletiss]

Our fecking fans....you couldn't make it up, seriously, our club deserves better than some of you!

[mikee]

Thanks for the info. Similar to the sort of things I heard then. The impression I get is that cortese is a typical Italian and very emotional. It wouldn't surprise me if we are lower mid table after a few months to see Nigel sacked. Wouldn't be a surprise anyway though I hope not

 

reading this reminded me of that QPR documentary with that Italian guy who was looking after rangers on behalf of Briatore - he came across as a right nutter who flys off the handles with each goal conceded.

 

somehow though this doesn't ring true with the impression you get from Cortese when he speaks (albeit rarely) about his plans and ambitions for SFC where he seems very determined and calculated rather than emotional and reactionary.

 

I wonder if there isn't some italian stereotyping going on here.

 

Cortese comes across as too professional and stubborn to fire one minute and then kiss and make up the next.

[Frank's cousin]

In any business , sport or whatever, the intelligent and experienced recognise that everyone has unique skills and limitations. That means at times decsions have to be made based on what is best for the implemenation of the startegy, and not loyalty or sentiment. Smart people recognise where they lack experience and also that if they do prove to be unable to learn at the required pace, they may have to step aside or be moved on. Harsh, but a reality.

 

That said, I find it odd that stories of verbal sackings and kiss and make up, get so much response - even if true, you can spin these things the other way quite easily, in if you want to look at positives rarther than negatives - eg. only a relationship that is STRONG enough would stand up to emotional swings of the nature some are alluding to. Football is about passion, and emotins run high after defeat, especially when everytone is working to an agreesive strategy, so it could be argued that they are comfortable with each other, respectful, but able to express those emotions now and again, without fear?

 

Am I reading too much into certain posters responses? At times it appears like some welcome negative stories and almost want them to be true/become true, just to justify their concerns or issues with NC... but then I am just a paranoid cynical ***ker.