Saints seal promotion as rivals eye play-offs

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins praised the character and professionalism of his players after they secured a return to the Premier League.

Goals from Billy Sharp, Jose Fonte, Jos Hooiveld and Adam Lallana saw off lowly Coventry 4-0 and propelled Saints back to the top flight after a seven-year absence.

Adkins, who has now led the club to back-to-back promotions, said: “We’ve put a lot of hard work in and a lot of hours but we’ve achieved something special this season.”