Southampton chairman Nick Cortese has defended the sacking of Nigel Adkins.

In making the decision to axe Adkins and bring in Mauricio Pochettino, Cortese said he was looking at the long-term future of the club.

"This decision has been made with the long-term ambitions of Southampton Football Club in mind," Cortese said in a statement.

"Whilst we acknowledge the contribution Nigel has made during the past two years, for the club to progress and achieve our long-term targets a change was needed.

"Mauricio is a well respected coach of substantial quality who has gained a reputation as an astute tactician and excellent man manager. I have every confidence that he will inspire our talented squad of players to perform at the highest possible level.

"He also shares my belief that the most successful clubs are built by nurturing young players through a development system that provides a clear path to the first team, thereby creating a culture that keeps them at the club for the long term.

"This is an approach he has employed with great success in the past and I look forward to him bringing that experience and expertise to Southampton."