Adkins actually did have a bit of an effect on me. To be honest, it's because I initially thought he was kind of a loser with all his hokey sayings and positive management style. He said the kinds of things where if I was at some kind of meeting with my boss and he said something like "Draw a blue line under it and move on" to motivate me I would roll my eyes. But it actually worked! So for the last year or so I've sort of been trying not to be such a cynical smart ass in my own life and actually try to live those Adkinisms with as much sincerity as I could muster. And I have to say, it somewhat worked for me as well. Except now of course Adkins got fired so I'm back to being cynical again. I understand it's time to move on and I agree, but NA being gone really does make it a less fun to root for Saints. A little bit of faith has been lost, maybe not in NC or Saints but just sort of that underlying "try hard and be a nice person and you can make it" spirit. That was something that was maybe a little special, or different above and beyond just rooting for your club. Perhaps as we get to know Pochettino he'll reveal something interesting in his own style that will make him amusing to root for as well.
Well, if when I read posts on here, I can tell those who have been totally untouched by Nigel's positivity.... You know who you are! I think those who have been influenced for the better by Nigel are those who naturally have an optimistic outlook on life and also who realise that when Bill Shankly made his famous life or death quip, he was probably joking. Positive attitudes being out the best in people. Nigel never really took any credit for the success he brought preferring to praise the players. My last boss was very much the same and he brought out measurable improvements in everyone he managed by concentrating on the plus side and cheering improvement, not just those who excelled. Maybe Nigel has has an effect on us on these boards. Is it just possible that there has been less cynicism on view than when he first took up the reins? I think perhaps there is.
Was it ever reliably reported at what stage Nigel was advised that he was no longer required, and what was the source of the information? Or is it just another in house story with no accurate details?
I think he 100% knew before the Chelsea game. There are a few clues where Nigel doesn't respond in his usual ever positive middle management manner, when asked certain questions. Before he had been totally consistent. I can only say this in the hindsight research of the Saints Player.
We have a poster on the Echo site claiming that NA found out watching Skysports before he was told officially! I would be totally gobsmacked if there was any truth in that rumour, sounds like the usual conspiracy theorists at work, I have asked for a source but nothing is coming forward.
Sir Alex Ferguson is quoted in the papers saying that Nigel had phoned him to discuss the situation the day before the Chelsea match.
Nigel must have had his doubts about his job security. If not before, then when he realised he was out of the loop about the Forren signing. The story about finding out on the television is just an old story that often rears its head in these situations. Can't see Cortese doing that. A representative of a betting firm reported on Sky that people were putting sizable sums on MP being our new manager at 25/1 on Thursday night and they took a sting ( poor bookies). Mind you, having doubts isn't the same as knowing...Nigel would still have been shocked and hurt.
It is sad that a lad who had no real playing career who worked himself into a position to be a Premier League manager should find himself out of favour .. but it's life and he'd be the first to say so. Remember his prophetic remarks immediately after the Coventry game. I am sure Mario will be enjoying a glass of red with Sir Alex tonight, but it will be interesting to see what the programme notes say. He's been around too long to be shocked for long.
Every day you learn something and every day Nigel taught me something. To show respect, appreciation for the efforts of others, the value of teamwork, to smile in adversity, not to get too down when things go wrong, to work hard, to be pleased but not to go overboard about your acievements, to be clear about what you are trying to do, to give credit where it is due, humility (no scrub that one).. etc. I loved the guy and every time I saw him he made me smile and feel good. I will miss him and hope that whatever he goes on to he has the success he deserves. Whatever club gets him they will be oh so lucky and we will envy their fans. Nigel has now gone and we have moved on. Having said all of that my man is still Nicola. Clear headed, driven, determined to achieve his aim of making our club a top club. I haven't made my mind up about the new manager but boy has he got some pretty big boots to fill.
One thing for sure is that he will need to fill them and some ... we know that NC has a target to meet.
