By GEOFF SWEET
ALEX FERGUSON joined Southampton supporters in condemning the sacking of Nigel Adkins.
Some fans are threatening a boycott after chairman Nicola Cortese axed the man who led Saints to back-to-back promotions, replacing him with Argie Mauricio Pochettino.
Manchester United boss Fergie said: “This is a crazy world and I find it hard to believe. They had a really good result, 2-2 at Chelsea on Wednesday.
“There is no point saying we are surprised. Some strange things happen but this does seem very unfair.”
Saints legend Matt Le Tissier and their FA Cup- winning manager Lawrie McMenemy also joined the outcry.
Adkins took the South Coast club from the depths of League One up 51 places to 15th in the Premier League in a 28-month reign.
It guaranteed the club at least £90million over five years even if they get relegated — due to TV rights and parachute payments.
Cortese’s decision, made “with the long-term ambitions of Southampton Football Club in mind”, was met with outrage.
Pochettino does not speak English and his last job ended with the boot after Spanish club Espanyol fell into relegation danger.
His first match in charge of Saints sees Everton visit St Mary’s on Monday.
Le Tissier said: “It seems a little bit odd to me but the way the club has been run for the last couple of years by the chairman, nothing surprises me any more.
“It has come at a very strange time of the season, considering we’ve only lost two of the last 12 games and came back from 2-0 down against Chelsea.
“Sadly, once again, Cortese has made Southampton a bit of a laughing stock. Nigel was under a bit of pressure early on in the season and we thought it might happen then.
“Whether or not Cortese couldn’t quite get the man he wanted at that point, we don’t know, but the timing of it all is very, very strange.”
McMenemy, who masterminded Saints’ 1976 FA Cup triumph, added: “With due respect to the man, what does he know about our game? What does he know about our Premier League?
“He hasn’t got that long to get things sorted out.
“The games come thick and fast. Everton at home on Monday isn’t easy — then it’s a trip to Old Trafford.”
Long-term supporter Abe Hawken said: “I have a ticket for Monday but if other fans are protesting and not going, I won’t go either.
“What I would prefer is that everyone turns up and shows support for Nigel Adkins. I am gutted. What more can the man do?
“Unfortunately it isn’t that surprising.
“It is a strange decision at this point in the transfer window. I don’t understand why we appointed a manager who can’t speak English.”
Tina Croucher, a season-ticket holder for 36 years, said: “Devastating is the only word to describe it. It is embarrassing. It is the most shocking day I have ever had as a Saints fan.”
Adkins has the best win percentage — 54 per cent — of any boss in Southampton’s history.
