Southampton sack Nigel Adkins! ...appoints Mauricio Pochettino as new manager

Southampton have sacked Nigel Adkins — and appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager.

Adkins, 47, secured back-to-back promotions with Saints since taking over in 2010, leading the club from League One to the Premier League.

Southampton lie 15th in table, three points above the relegation zone.

Pochettino is the former manager for Spanish side Espanyol and left the Catalan club in September last year after three seasons.

The Argentine said: “This is the kind of opportunity that any coach would relish.

"Southampton is a club with great heritage and an even more exciting future.

"There is a clear vision to take the club to a new era of sustained success in the Premier League, and beyond, which I’m delighted to be part of.”

Pochettino will take charge of Southampton for Monday’s game against Everton.