Nigel Adkins calls for an end to Saints saga

Adkins wants to know by Monday whether he is to manage Scunthorpe or Southampton

Scunthorpe boss Nigel Adkins is hoping that his future will be resolved by Monday evening following Southampton's approach for his services.

Adkins has been encouraged following initial talks with the Saints, but the deal has hit a wall as the two clubs struggle to agree over compensation.

"This speculation cannot go on," said Adkins after Scunthorpe's 2-0 home defeat to Bristol City.

"Something needs resolving this weekend and I'll talk to my chairman tonight."

"By Monday morning, I need to be either the new manager at Southampton or the one still here at Scunthorpe."

Scunthorpe have previously claimed that Southampton asked Adkins to quit so they could avoid compensation, and withdrew the bid when he did not, an allegation the Saints deny.

606: DEBATE Have your say on the Adkins situation

But Adkins, whose side were undone against City by goals from Albert Adomah and David Clarkson, made clear his determination that his present club will not be left out of pocket should he move to St Mary's.

"I was not going to walk away from Scunthorpe while the question of compensation was unresolved," he added.

"I do know there was a big discrepancy between the amount that Southampton were offering and the figure that Scunthorpe were wanting.

"Southampton are a club now in the bottom four of League One and obviously in need of new leadership.

"It's a big club with big potential and anyone would be excited by the prospect of taking over there."

Adkins also emphasised that the question mark hanging over his Glanford Park future had no bearing on the loss to City.

"I made sure the players were focused and obviously this is not the result I wanted," he stated. "The first half was disappointing but I thought we battered Bristol in the second half without being able to get the goal we wanted."

City boss Keith Millen was delighted to collect his first Championship win of the season. "Hopefully this result will kick-start things for us now," he said.