Everton's David Moyes will be Mauricio Pochettino's first opponent as Saints boss

David Moyes David Moyes

Everton boss David Moyes has become used to seeing Premier League managers given the chop - but yesterday's sacking of Nigel Adkins at Southampton caught him by surprise.

The Toffees will be the opponents on Monday when Mauricio Pochettino takes charge of his first Saints match.

The Argentinian was immediately installed in the hotseat after Adkins was shown the door despite successive promotions and with Southampton sitting 15th in the table, three points clear of the relegation zone.

Moyes said: "I'm very surprised. I was talking to my staff during the week and complimenting how well Nigel Adkins had done. It was always going to be difficult after two promotions. Anybody who does that coming up, it's a long way up.

"He'd just got himself out of the bottom three and moved up and I don't think there would have been many people looking at Nigel Adkins to be sacked in that position."

Moyes will celebrate 11 years in charge at Goodison Park in March but the faith shown in him by chairman Bill Kenwright and the board is an increasingly rare commodity in football.

The Scot said: "I don't know if we are scratching our heads any more, and that's probably the football world we're in. I'm not saying it's the right one, and I'm not just willing to brush it aside. But that's the way it looks just now.

"I'm really fortunate and, if you look at the clubs who have kept their managers for longer periods, I think that's tended to work better than continually changing managers."

Comments(5)

St. Case says...
4:15pm Sat 19 Jan 13

Well said by one of the most respected and decent managers in the game! But The Saints will still Go Marching In, and aim for a win...

RedArmy1 says...
4:17pm Sat 19 Jan 13

WE GO TO WIN AGAINST EVERTON.

PLAYERS WILL WANT TO IMPRESS.
AND WE AIM TO SHUT UP THOSE TOFFEE FANS.

KINGSLAND NORTH -NORTHAM - ITCHEN NORTH.

WE ARE SOUTHAMPTON. COYR

Jesus_02 says...
6:01pm Sat 19 Jan 13

What does Moyes and Fergie know about football?

Spirit of 58 says...
6:11pm Sat 19 Jan 13

He knows there but for the grace it could be him someday

Dubai-saints89 says...
7:35am Sun 20 Jan 13

im sure were all still pretty pi**ed Adkins has gone and im sure we really want to show our frustration to the board and the new manager but i honestly think we should support the new manager and the boards decision with respect. i was a bit cheesed of when pardrew got the sack but Adkins came in and delivered. you never know, this new bloke might be even better. i just hope we don't wave those white hanky's and protest outside the club because its not going to bring him back nor is it going to help us stay in the lge. we should show full support and focus on cheering the lads during the game

click2find

Get Adobe Flash player
About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree