SAINTS boss Nigel Adkins is refusing to give up on his “shocking” defence.

Saints’ leaky backline has so far shipped 28 goals in just ten games, a major reason why the club find themselves bottom of the Premier League.

Only one other club in the top seven tiers of English football have conceded more goals on average in their league games than Saints’ 2.8 – Conference North club Hinckley Town (2.86 average).

Having already tried three goalkeepers and an amazing SIX back four combinations in just ten games, Adkins is finally hoping a fully fit squad will allow him to settle on a consistent defensive combination.

He remains confident that will lead to stability and some desperately-needed clean sheets.

Saints have gone 19 Premier League matches without keeping a clean sheet – a run stretching back to March 2005 when they beat Tottenham 1-0 at St Mary’s.

 

Full story in today's Daily Echo