DEAN Wilkins has been thanked by new Saints boss Nigel Adkins for the support he has shown him since taking over.

Wilkins had filled the role as caretaker manager for the last two weeks, following the sacking of Alan Pardew.

He has now stepped aside from that job, after Adkins was appointed on Sunday.

Wilkins, who was Pardew’s assistant, has already gone on record stating chairman Nicola Cortese wants him to remain at Saints.

But Adkins’ assistant manager Andy Crosby has followed him from Scunthorpe, and Wilkins’ future role is yet to be announced by the club.

But the new boss spoke glowingly of Wilkins today.

“Dean’s been very loyal to this club,” said Adkins. “He was placed in a position when the previous manager left and he was placed there because he’s a safe pair of hands."

Full story in tomorrow's Daily Echo