Why Nigel Adkins is So Well Loved at Southampton FC

An Ode to Adkins!

For anyone who lived through the Nigel Adkins era at Southampton FC, there’s no mystery as to why he’s held in such high regard by fans. His time at the helm, particularly the back-to-back promotions that took the club from League One to the Premier League, cemented his legacy as a modern hero in the eyes of Saints supporters. But there’s something deeper that connects people like me to Adkins; his character, his approach to leadership, and the sense of positivity he embodied. As someone who looks to Adkins as a source of inspiration in my own career, there’s a lot we can all learn from the man.

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The Miracle of Back-to-Back Promotions

When Adkins took over at Southampton in 2010, the club was in League One, struggling to regain its identity and climb back up the football ladder. Under Adkins’ guidance, we witnessed one of the most remarkable periods in the club’s history. He led the team to promotion from League One to the Championship in his first full season, and then, almost unbelievably, took the club straight up to the Premier League the very next year. It was a meteoric rise that few could have predicted, but for Adkins, it was always part of a bigger plan.

What made it all the more special was the way he carried himself throughout the journey. Adkins wasn’t just about tactics and training sessions – although he was clearly adept at both – he was about mentality, attitude, and building a culture of belief. One of his favourite sayings, “control the controllables,” became a mantra not just for the players, but for many of us who followed his work. It’s a phrase I still use to this day in business, because it’s a reminder that while we can’t always influence what happens around us, we can take responsibility for how we respond to it.

The Poetry Press Conference

Perhaps the moment that most clearly illustrates the kind of person Nigel Adkins is occurred during a press conference after a difficult run of results in the Premier League. With pressure mounting and the media looking for signs of a crack in his positive demeanour, Adkins responded with an unexpected and unforgettable act: he quoted a poem.

The poem he chose was “The Man in the Glass” by Dale Wimbrow, a piece about self-reflection and accountability. The press room was stunned; it was such an unusual response, especially in the typically hard-nosed world of football management. But that’s Nigel Adkins; a man who leads with dignity and an inner calm, no matter what chaos is swirling around him.

For me, this moment wasn’t just about poetry, it was about resilience. Adkins was showing that even in times of hardship, you need to keep perspective and stay true to yourself. In business, as in football, there are going to be setbacks and periods of struggle. But it’s how you manage those moments that defines your long-term success. Quoting poetry may not always be the answer, but the principle of staying calm and looking inward is one I’ve taken with me through many tough decisions and challenges.

A True Gentleman of the Game

Beyond his tactical achievements and his way with words, what really stands out about Nigel Adkins is his reputation as a gentleman. Those who worked with him or played under him often speak of his kindness, his empathy, and the respect he had for everyone in the organisation. Players who weren’t getting regular game time still felt valued, because Adkins made sure they knew their role in the bigger picture. He wasn’t the kind of manager who ruled with fear or favouritism; he led by fostering a positive environment and instilling a sense of responsibility in everyone involved.

There’s a story that’s often shared about his time at Southampton, where he personally called a fan who had written a letter to the club expressing their struggles during a tough period. Adkins didn’t just send an email or a signed shirt, he took the time to speak with the fan, offering words of encouragement and thanking them for their support. It’s small gestures like these that show the measure of the man. In a world where so much of football is driven by money and ego, Adkins always seemed to represent something purer, a genuine love for the game and a commitment to the people around him.

Players’ Praise for Adkins’ Positivity and Trust

During his time at Southampton, many players commented on Adkins’ unique ability to instil confidence and positivity in the squad. Former Saints midfielder Adam Lallana said,

“Nigel created an atmosphere where every player felt important, whether they were starting or on the bench. He made us believe we could achieve anything.”

Lallana credits Adkins for playing a major role in his development and the club’s upward trajectory during that period.

Similarly, Rickie Lambert, a key figure in the club’s promotions, described Adkins as…

“the most positive man”

…he’d ever worked with. Lambert shared how Adkins was never one to point fingers after a bad result but instead encouraged players to reflect and take personal accountability, hence his favourite mantra, “Control the controllables.” Lambert said that this approach gave the squad a sense of collective responsibility and belief in their own abilities, which contributed to their rise through the leagues.

The Inspiration Behind the Scenes

Adkins’ influence wasn’t just limited to the pitch; he left a lasting impression on the club staff and others who worked with him. Former Southampton physio Matt Radcliffe once shared a story about Adkins’ motivational talks, which weren’t always conventional but were always effective. Before one crucial game, Adkins handed out a series of quotes from historical figures and thinkers, reminding everyone that “attitude determines altitude.” The effect was palpable, as the team went on to secure an important win. Radcliffe noted that Adkins had a talent for understanding what the team needed, not just tactically but mentally and emotionally, too.

Another story came from José Fonte, a centre-back who played under Adkins during Southampton’s promotion seasons. Fonte praised Adkins for his man-management skills, recalling how Adkins took the time to have one-on-one conversations with players, making them feel valued and heard. Fonte mentioned that Adkins’ genuine care for his players built trust and loyalty within the squad, which was crucial during the intense periods of the promotion campaigns.

Fans’ Stories: Personal Touches and Kind Gestures

Fans also have countless stories of Adkins going above and beyond. There are countless tales of inspiring interactions over the years and Adkins remains one of the most popular figures with Southampton Fans.

Another famous story involves Adkins visiting a terminally ill Southampton fan at their home after hearing about their situation through the club’s community outreach. The fan’s family spoke of how Adkins took time out of his day to sit with them, talk about football, and offer them solace during a tough time. These small but meaningful gestures further solidified his reputation as a gentleman of the game, someone who truly cared about the fans and the community.

Colleague Praise for Adkins’ Integrity

Other coaches and managers have also spoken highly of Adkins. Chris Wilder, a fellow manager, once remarked how Adkins’ positive outlook and calm demeanour stood out in a high-pressure industry. He commented on how Adkins’ methods inspired him to maintain balance in his own career, saying,

“Nigel is a proper football man who never lets the madness of the game change him.”

Wilder’s remarks underline how Adkins’ integrity in both winning and losing set him apart in a field often dominated by ego and short-termism.

Lasting Inspiration

As a Sales and Marketing Director, I’ve drawn on Adkins’ leadership philosophies in many aspects of my career. Whether it’s about focusing on the process rather than the outcome, “drawing a line under” unfavourable results, or remembering to “control the controllables,” his words and actions continue to resonate with me. In business, just as in football, there are countless variables you can’t predict. But having a clear mindset, treating people with respect, and staying grounded in your values can go a long way to overcoming those challenges.

Nigel Adkins will forever be a cherished figure at Southampton FC, not just for the promotions and the Premier League football, but for the way he carried himself during his time at the club. He’s a reminder that success isn’t just about results on the pitch (or in the boardroom), it’s about the way you approach life, something I strive to do in both my personal and professional worlds.

As I look back on Adkins’ tenure, I can’t help but feel that his legacy is one of enduring optimism and resilience. It’s a legacy I aim to channel in my own life, inspired by Nigel Adkins who knew that, sometimes, the most important thing you can do is stay positive, even when the odds are against you.

After all, as Adkins would say: “Control the controllables.” And the rest will follow.