Nigel Adkins backs Southampton to shine after side thrash Aston Villa 4-1

Nigel Adkins insists Southampton are ready to make their mark on the Premier League after securing their first win of the season with a 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa.

Prior to the rout at St Mary's, promoted Saints had lost their opening four games and were rooted to the bottom of the table.

That had put the focus on Adkins' own position, but the Southampton manager claims the manner of his side's success against Villa demonstrates the unity within the club.

Southampton recovered after falling behind to a Darren Bent goal, scoring four times in the second half, thanks to Rickie Lambert's double, a Nathaniel Clyne strike and Ciaran Clark's own goal, to secure three points.

"This is a great victory for us, especially after going one down," Adkins said. "The players have responded well, there is a great belief here at Southampton that was demonstrated again today."

Adkins, who has had to deal with reports that Harry Redknapp was being lined up to replace him, received a loud ovation from the home support and he added: "From a personal point of view it was very nice because it just demonstrates we are together here at Southampton.