1:10am Saturday 4th September 2010
SCUNTHORPE United boss Nigel Adkins has emerged as the new favourite to succeed Alan Pardew as Saints manager – and last night he refused to deny he was on his way to St Mary’s.
Adkins yesterday shot to the top of the book-makers’ list of candidates to become Saints' new manager following Pardew's sacking on Monday.
The 45 year-old was a guest on Sky Sports’ Football League show last night.
And when asked specifically if he was leaving Glanford Park for St Mary’s, Adkins replied intriguingly: “Shall we move on to the next question.”
Adkins admitted he was flattered to be linked with Saints and said it reflected well on everyone at Scunthorpe.
“If we are up there (in the betting) and getting the recognition that is down to a lot of hard work by a lot of people at our football club,” he said.
“I’m very pleased (to be the favourite) for everyone at our football club because we have been linked with a lot of clubs in the past and it’s just recognition for all the hard work that goes on at our club – the chairman, coaching staff and players.
“I think it’s great testament to all the hard work that’s going on at our football club.”
Adkins’ first managerial job was with Bangor City.
He was in charge of the League of Wales side between 1993 and 1996 and guided them to successive titles in 1994 and 1995.
He initially went to Scunthorpe as the club’s physio.
But following a brief but successful spell as caretaker manager following the departure of Brian Laws he was named as The Iron’s new permanent manager in December 2006.
And at Scunthorpe he has twice achieved the target Saints have been set this season - promotion from League One.
Scunthorpe won promotion to the second tier as champions in Adkins' first season in charge.
They were relegated back to the third tier the following campaign but bounced back immediately and performed above expectations to retain their Championship status last season.
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