Saints' Shock Boss Switch

Soutampton replace Nigel Adkins ahead of Blues clash.

Southampton's preparations for Monday's game against Everton have been hit by the shock sacking of Nigel Adkins.

Adkins was relieved of his duties on Friday, just three days before the Blues play at St Mary's.

Mauricio Pochettino, the former Espanyol manager, has taken over as boss of the Saints, who sit 15th in the Premier League table following Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Chelsea.

Adkins' exit drew plenty of surprise from the football world, with vice President of the LMA Lawrie McMenemy, himself a former Southampton manager, saying: "He (Pochettino) hasn't got that long to get everything sorted out, the games come thick and fast. Everton at home isn't easy and the next game is - would you believe - at Old Trafford.

"I suppose if he wins both of them, he'd start winning supporters over, but in the meantime supporters will be equally shocked, and everybody will be feeling sorry for Nigel Adkins."