SAINTS caretaker boss Dean Wilkins admitted today that Alan Pardew’s sacking came as a surprise to him.

The assistant manager has been placed in temporary charge of team affairs after Pardew, first team coach Wally Downes and goalkeeping coach Stuart Murdoch were relieved of their duties.

Wilkins took charge of training at Staplewood this morning, before addressing the media.

The 48-year-old, who was brought into the club by Pardew last year, said this morning’s news had come as a shock to him.

“I was surprised,” he said.

“I’ve not even really had time to think about it, because the job I’ve been asked to do is to prepare the team.

“So we’ve literally got on with that this morning.

“I got the call just to come straight to the training ground and take care of the squad, which is exactly what I’m trying to do.

“The chairman spoke to me and has asked me to take care of it for the foreseeable future.

“How long that is I have no idea, but the only thing that I will guarantee is that I will do the best job I possibly can.”