Southampton ready to appoint Alan Shearer as boss, as Adkins nears sack

Shearer in line for Southampton return

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Alan Shearer is the surprise name in the frame to replace struggling Southampton boss Nigel Adkins.

Adkins is under increasing pressure after Saints’ disappointing 3-0 League Cup capitulation at Leeds on Tuesday night and it is understood that chairman Nicola Cortese is anxious about the club’s predicament.

The reverse in Yorkshire followed a home loss to Tottenham, which condemned Adkins to a seventh defeat in his opening eight Premier League matches.

The Daily Mail reports that Shearer is being considered by Cortese, who is keen to bring in a high profile candidate.

Shearer, 42, is the Premier League’s all-time top scorer and played for Saints for four years before joining Blackburn in 1992.

The Geordie legend has limited managerial experience, however, and his brief spell in charge of Newcastle United resulted in the club’s relegation from the top-flight,

Speaking on Tuesday, Adkins, who led the south coast club to back-to-back promotions, shouldered all blame for the result at Elland Road.

“We didn’t perform anywhere near what’s expected of a Southampton Football Club team,” he said.

“Forty-eight hours ago we had a high-intensity game and I made the relevant changes. I take full responsibility. We wanted to play tomorrow, but the powers that be wanted it to be tonight.

“But we gave the players who have not been in the team to the chance to show what they could do, and they did not take it.”