Sheffield United: Nigel reveals job offer ahead of emotional return

Nigel Adkins is proud to be Sheffield United manager ©2015 Sport Image all rights reserved

Adkins won two promotions during his 14 year spell at Glanford Park before taking charge of Southampton five seasons ago.

Despite acknowledging United’s latest opponents “will always have a special place in my heart,” he told The Star: “Football is ruthless and you move on. All we are interested in now is doing right by Sheffield United.

Nigel Adkins is unveiled as Sheffield United manager in June

“I’ve got many good memories of my time there and those will always stay with me. But all my energies now are on Sheffield United. Yes, it will be nice to see some familiar faces because, when you leave, you don’t always get a chance to say goodbye. We gave everything there. Just as we are giving everything to Sheffield United.”

“I won’t deny Scunthorpe will always have a special place in my heart,” Adkins added. “We had a great spirit there and it was a real family club. We put our heart and soul into our work there and we are doing exactly the same here.

“I’m looking forward to the game but we are dedicated to Sheffield United.”

Adkins secured a place in Scunthorpe folklore when, five months after being appointed as Brian Laws’ permanent successor, he steered them to the 2007 League One title. But, speaking at United’s pre-match media briefing yesterday, Adkins explained how their arch-rivals Sheffield Wednesday nearly re-wrote the history books by attempting to lure him to Hillsborough as well.

“There was interest (when Laws left) but our chairman then, Steve Wharton, said ‘you are staying’ and that was that.” Adkins continued. “I did and we went on the win the division.”