Matt Le Tissier on Nigel Adkins sacking: 'Nothing's surprising and it's a bit of a laughing stock'

Adkins has been replaced with Mauricio Pochettino

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins (GETTY IMAGES)

Former Southampton captain Matt Le Tissier was not surprised to learn that Nigel Adkins had lost his job as the club's manager.

Saints' executive chairman Nicola Cortese this morning replaced the 47-year-old with former Argentina international Mauricio Pochettino.

Adkins had taken Southampton to back-to-back promotions and 15th in the Barclays Premier League since taking charge in September 2010. They drew 2-2 at Chelsea on Wednesday night.

Le Tissier was not caught on the hop, though, telling Sky Sports News: "It doesn't surprise me.

"It's a strange time of the season, they've lost two of the last 12 games and came from 2-0 down to draw at Chelsea.

"(But) it seems to be the way the club's being run under the chairman. Nothing's surprising and it's a bit of a laughing stock."

The ex-England international did concede the timing shocked him - Saints have been in good form and are clear of relegation trouble at present - but added he felt this could have been on the cards for some time.

"I'm shocked at the timing, it's very strange and it's an odd thing to come to terms with today," he said.

"I think he had a bit of pressure early on this season, people thought it might happen then; maybe they couldn't get the man they wanted then. It's all very strange.

"I think everyone is taken aback by it all. They have come to terms with life in the Premier League, had a tough start and have turned things round pretty well."

As the country's longest-serving manager, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has seen it all when it comes to sackings.

Like Le Tissier, he was not surprised.

"It is a crazy world. It is hard to believe. There is no point saying we are surprised. It seems very unfair," he said.

PA