Former Coventry manager Adams is keen on the Saints job

The 46-year-old told BBC Radio Solent: "Of course I want it.

"It's not about sentiment, it's about 'can I do the job?'. I think if you look at my record, I can do the job."

He has managed six League clubs, most recently Coventry before being sacked in January 2007, and won promotion with Fulham, Brighton and Leicester.

Adams also previously managed Swansea and Brentford, but has been out of work since the start of the year when he left his post as Colchester United's assistant manager.

He was a popular player in his time on the south coast, making over 150 appearances between 1989 and 1994.

606: DEBATE I would be astonished if the board had not already got a candidate or candidates lined up Lancashiresaint

"The Saints squad is as good as any in the league," Adams said.

"I haven't seen them on a regular basis - perhaps mid-table in the Championship is doing them a disservice."

"I don't think sentiment plays a part in choosing a manager of a football club, but I do know the area and the type of football the fans want.

"I'm delighted to be linked with it. It's a club I know well and have a lot of love for."

Asked if he would be applying for the role, Adams added: "Whether they want people to apply or not I don't know, but I have an agent and we'll do it in the correct manner."

First-team coach Jason Dodd and chief scout John Gorman were placed in temporary charge last week, following Burley's appointment as the new manager of Scotland.

Over the weekend, ex-Saints boss Glenn Hoddle ruled himself out, telling the BBC that he would be concentrating on his soccer academy.