Adkins - 'I Don't Owe Pardew Any Debt'

Last updated : 24 November 2012 By Footy Mad - Editor

Pardew was manager at St Mary's for just over a year and led the club to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy title, as well as agonisingly close to the League One play-offs despite a 10-point deduction.

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On Sunday the 51-year-old returns to Southampton for the first time since leaving the club in August 2010.

Nigel Adkins: "I don't think I owe him any debt [of gratitude] at all.

"Whatever situation arose, he moved on. I am the manager of Southampton Football Club.

"We've just had back-to-back promotions, we're doing ever so well in our forward progression.

"We're trying to make sure the youngsters come through the system here at Southampton.

"To have James Ward-Prowse, Ben Reeves and now Luke Shaw into the first-team is very rewarding.

"We always welcome the opposition manager, whoever it is, to St Mary's.

"When the whistle blows, then it is go to win a game of football.

"Afterwards we always invite them in for a drink. We've done that consistently. It doesn't matter who the manager is, that is what we've always done and what we will continue to do."