Nigel Adkins will remain in charge of Southampton for Saturday’s home game against Swansea City having been granted more time to revive the club’s fortunes after a dismal start in the Premier League.

Southampton’s manager of a little over two years emerged from talks with the club’s executive chairman, Nicola Cortese, reassured that he is to remain in charge for the immediate future despite fearing he may be relieved of his duties ahead of the weekend fixture.

However, the need to turn around recent miserable form is evident if Adkins is to avoid becoming the first top-flight manager to lose his job this season. Defeat to West Brom on Monday had deposited Southampton at the bottom of the table.

Guardian Service