They're not fourth in the league because of managers 2, 3 or 4. Dean Smith took 5 years to do that.
Seems to be the suggestion amongst the dwindling band who're able to remain positive about Adkins that, given time, he'll
inevitably succeed. That a lengthy period in charge is all a manager needs, & that success naturally follows.
But is this true? Or is it more the case that managers actually have to
earn longevity in a job through relative success. Dean Smith gradually built a club at Walsall by succeeding, gradually, season by season, within the parameters he had at that particular football club.
In Adkins's case, he gained promotion in his first season at both Scunny and at Southampton. He didn't have to be given time to succeed (because the circumstances were different). He did a great job at both clubs, but his positivity took them forward from the solid base they already had (built by Bisonhead at Scunny & the criminally underrated Pardew at Southampton); he rode the crest of the wave once it had been set properly in motion.
Not only has Adkins not succeeded here this season, in any shape or form. Just when the glimmers of some hope appear for the future, his bizarre decisions put the sparks out again.
I really fail to see any evidence that he's capable of building sustainable success, based on his past record or on signs since he's been here. He was brought in as the quick fix we all thought he'd be, & he's failed miserably. And the evidence you'd use to dredge up hope for for the future - trust in youth, an attacking gameplan, tactical flexibility, & decent use of resources - either gets snatched away after decent signs appear, or little or no evidence is offered in the first place.
Seems that wishful thinking is the best that can be offered to justify Nigel still being here tbh.
Personally, I'm with those who think he ought to be given the boot.