Nigel Adkins out the exit at Southampton; enter Mauricio Pochettino

Southampton has decided enough is enough and dismissed Nigel Adkins, naming Mauricio Pochettino as the relegation-threatened team's new manager.

Nigel Adkins leaves Southampton on 22 points after 22 games.

Southampton have confirmed that Nigel Adkins has been dismissed as manager with Mauricio Pochettino appointed as their new boss.

Pochettino, the former Argentina international, will take charge of Southampton for Monday's game against Everton.

Saints executive chairman Nicola Cortese said: "This decision has been made with the long-term ambitions of Southampton Football Club in mind.

"Whilst we acknowledge the contribution Nigel has made during the past two years, for the club to progress and achieve our long-term targets a change was needed.

"Mauricio is a well-respected coach of substantial quality who has gained a reputation as an astute tactician and excellent man-manager. I have every confidence that he will inspire our talented squad of players to perform at the highest possible level.

"He also shares my belief that the most successful clubs are built by nurturing young players through a development system that provides a clear path to the first team, thereby creating a culture that keeps them at the club for the long term.

"This is an approach he has employed with great success in the past and I look forward to him bringing that experience and expertise to Southampton."

Pochettino will take his first training session with the Saints squad on Sunday.

"This is the kind of opportunity that any coach would relish," he said in a statement. "Southampton is a club with great heritage, and an even more exciting future. There is a clear vision to take the club to a new era of sustained success in the Premier League, and beyond, which I'm delighted to be part of."

Adkins joined Southampton from Scunthorpe in 2010 and he guided the Saints into the Premier League with back-to-back promotions.

Southampton started slowly on their return to the top flight but Adkins departs with the club three points outside the relegation zone after a run of just two defeats from their past 12 league games.

His final game in charge was Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Chelsea, when Southampton came from two goals down to claim a point.

Matt Le Tissier, the former Southampton captain was not surprised to learn that Adkins had lost his job.

He said: "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."

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