Nigel Adkins feels no debt of gratitude to Alan Pardew

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins has insisted that he does not owe any thanks to previous boss Alan Pardew.

Adkins goes up against Pardew for the first time this weekend when Saints entertain Newcastle United.

The Saints boss believes that he has put his own stamp on things at St Mary's and does not think he owes Pardew any thanks for signings such as Rickie Lambert.

He told reporters: "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 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."

Saints sit in 19th place ahead of their match against the Magpies and can exit the relegation zone with a win.