Adkins to savour Saints promotion

The Saints boss praised the character and professionalism of his players over the course of the entire campaign after goals from Billy Sharp, Jose Fonte, Jos Hooiveld and Adam Lallana saw off lowly Coventry 4-0 and propelled the south coast club to back-to-back promotions.

"We've put a lot of hard work in and a lot of hours but we've achieved something special this season," he said. "We achieved something special last season and I suppose it's that drive to do well. Everyone works so hard at this football club and it's great to see the smiles and delight on the supporters' faces."

He added: "It's been a nervy week for them but it's been well worth it. Every plaudit that goes their way they richly deserve because they've worked hard for it.

"I need to let it all soak in but it's been very, very special.

"I'd like to think I'm going to have a glass of champagne tonight because that's what you should do if you win."

While the Saints' party is just getting started, Coventry find themselves in a similar position to that which faced their hosts three years ago.

Back then, Southampton dropped into League One after being hit with a 10-point deduction by the Football League. But the Saints regrouped and rebuilt, and that is exactly what Sky Blues boss Andy Thorn intends to do over the summer as City prepare for life in the third tier.

"I've told the boys that we've got to use that as a learning curve and guide them to where we want to get to," he said. "What's happened to us, happened to them and we've got to try and be positive. Those are the levels you want to get to. I know we're young and I know we're inexperienced but there's nothing to stop you applying yourself properly and you get a winning mentality."

"We get back and we start and we freshen things up. They've done it, other teams have done it, now we have to do it."

Source: PA

Source: PA