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CARETAKER manager Steve Thompson refused to be drawn on rumours linking sacked Southampton boss Nigel Adkins with the Blackpool vacancy – maintaining he can be the man to take the club forward despite a 2-1 defeat against Cardiff.

Just 24 hours after his surprise sacking at Southampton, Adkins has become one of the front-runners to succeed Michael Appleton at Bloomfield Road.

Read More: Everton FC won't be complacent over Southampton turmoil

Goals from Tommy Smith and Kim Bo-kyung ensured Thompson’s short reign featured its third consecutive defeat, however, while remaining tight-lipped about Adkins he was unafraid to talk of his own ambitions.

“There’s always going to be speculation,” said Thompson, whose side’s goal came from a Gary Taylor-Fletcher header.

“But I think it needs sorting, especially for the lads because they need stability around the club.”