FORMER Saints boss Alan Pardew was last night named as the LMA's manager of the season - with the man currently in charge of the club, Nigel Adkins, missing out.

Pardew, who is now with Newcastle, received the honour at the League Managers Association's annual awards dinner, in London, after guiding his team to a fifth place finish in the top flight.

As well as winning the overall award, Pardew - who was sacked by Saints in August 2010 - was also voted by his peers as the Premier League manager of the year.

Reading's Brian McDermott received the Championship gong after steering the Royals to the title, edging out Adkins, who had also been shortlisted.

LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson said: "There is no doubt that the LMA Annual Awards are perceived as the most accurate measure of a manager's ability because there are no better judges of your performance than your peers.

"Alan Pardew's achievements at Newcastle this season are there for all to see and it is just reward that he should be named as LMA Manager of the Year.

"I'm often asked, where are all the English coaches? My answer is 'We have plenty of them, they just need an opportunity.' I am delighted for Alan that he has taken his opportunity."

Richard Bevan, chief executive of the LMA, said: "Tonight is a celebration of this season's managerial achievements across the top four leagues in the professional game. To receive votes from and to be acknowledged by your fellow managers and competitors is a great honour.

"Alan is fully deserving of this recognition and what he has achieved in such a short space of time with Newcastle is very impressive."