With the nation covered in a blanket of snow on Friday morning, it was seen as a beautiful start to the day for some. “Snow day!” many a member of the public exclaimed as they took a day off work. However, on the south coast, in Southampton to be precise, one man was to be enduring his extended, unforced time away from work.
When news began to reach football fans and pundits alike of Nigel Adkins sacking by Saints, many were perplexed as to the decision by chairman Nicola Cortese. The Italian had opted to relieve the 47-year-old of his duties, despite suffering just two defeats in 12 games, while coming off the back of two very good results away at Aston Villa and Chelsea, respectively.
Saints fans were simply shocked, to say the least. Almost instantaneously after his sacking, Maurico Pochettino was announced as his replacement. The Argentine has been out of work since his time with Espanyol came to an abrupt end with the club rooted to the foot of La Liga.
As a result of Cortese’s choice on Friday, reports suggest that supporters will be staging a ‘White Handkerchief’ protest during Saints’ encounter with Everton tonight, regardless of this being Pochettino’s first game in charge of the club.
As harsh as it was to see Adkins handed the sack, now is the time for supporters to band together and throw their weight firmly behind the new man at the helm. With Saints languishing just three points above the relegation zone, a positive result at St. Mary’s tonight is essential to their Premier League future.
The club may’ve been on a strong run of form prior to Friday and rather than focus on voicing their displeasure for Cortese, fans must voice their support for the players and Pochettino, especially if they are to remain in the top flight of English football for the new season.