Tranmere chairman issues statement as Nigel Adkins steps down after defeat to Accrington

Tranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios issues a statement as Nigel Adkins steps down after a 1-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley.

The 59 year old departs by mutual agreement just 15 months after taking charge following a winless run of 10 League Two matches.

Since taking over in November 2023, his side have lost 34 of his 72 games in charge, winning 23, and currently sit 22nd and are two points clear of the relegation zone.

The previous season, the ex-Scunthorpe, Southampton, Reading, Sheffield United, Hull and Charlton boss had guided the club to mid-table last season, finishing 16th on 57 points.

But six times in 34 league games this season leaves them in potentially returning to non league, which first happened to them in 2015 – ending a 94-year stay in the Football League.

Just 19 days ago, the Tranmere chairman stated in an open letter to fans that he believed sticking with Adkins was the right call, rather than “gambling” on a replacement before the Wirral club’s hoped-for takeover.

Hes got to go. He should of went a numerous of weeks ago.

It’s very easy to say it wasn’t good enough after another defeat but that tonight was BAD.

Meanwhile you’ve got him in the dugout CLAPPING.

Fuck off.#TRFC pic.twitter.com/pN7Wfg6qzK

— AndyLad (@PrentonParkAndy) February 25, 2025

Club Statement – Nigel Adkins

— Tranmere Rovers FC (@TranmereRovers) February 25, 2025

The Club can confirm that Andy Crosby will take charge of first team affairs for Saturday’s home game v Port Vale (kick off 12.30pm).#TRFC #SWA pic.twitter.com/WqTsoqk9Tf

— Tranmere Rovers FC (@TranmereRovers) February 26, 2025

CLUB STATEMENT:

Tranmere Rovers can confirm that Nigel Adkins has today stepped down as Manager, by mutual agreement. An announcement will be made about arrangements for his replacement in due course.

Chairman Mark Palios said “Nigel is a hugely experienced manager with a long and distinguished career, who came back as Technical Director of his hometown Club, where he had also been a player.

“He helped the Club by acting as interim manager before taking the role as Manager when needed last season and improved results, stabilising the season. No-one can doubt his commitment, effort or passion for Tranmere Rovers but this season has been hampered by a litany of injuries to, and suspensions of, key players which have all contributed to the current league position.

“Compared to the optimism at the start of the season we both acknowledge our league position is disappointing and that football is a results business. As a consequence, we have sadly both come to the conclusion that a change of Manager will give the team the best chance of making the most of the remaining 13 games.

“I don’t need to tell you that Nigel is a thoroughly decent man whose work ethic, commitment and professionalism through a very difficult period has been clear to see. He leaves with the Club’s best wishes for the future.”

FAVOURITES TO BECOME NEW TRANMERE MANAGER

BetVictor – 26 Feb
Ryan Lowe – 4/1
Leam Richardson – 5/1
Jon Brady – 6/1
Ian Evatt – 8/1
Paul Hurst – 10/1
Mark Kennedy – 10/1

Adkins said after defeat to Accrington, per Gazette Herald: “We didn’t get the result we were after today.

“We’ve gifted them the first goal, and the first goal is always very important, after that you’re always chasing the game.

“But we weren’t ruthless enough with the chances we had. We needed to win tonight and we haven’t done that.

“You’ve got to have belief and you’ve got to have hope, there are still games to play and you can’t throw the towel in yet.

“You’ve got to keep working and you’ve got to keep going. It was a very poor defeat tonight, we’ve got to change it and we’ve got to change it quick.

“It’s my hometown club and I’m never going to walk away at any point. I’m under contract to the football club and if the owner wants me to stay then I’ll do everything I can, that’s all I can do.

“I’ll continue to do that until asked differently.”

Accrington boss John Doolan said: “I’m honestly so proud of my team, they were all like warriors.

“We challenged them and asked if they could stand up and be resilient, as this is a tough place to come because the fans get behind the team.

“But when things don’t go well it can go the other way, and we made sure they went the other way with that performance tonight.

“It was so important that we won the game because of what was at stake and being at that end of the table.

“We knew we had to stay in the game and be challenging at half-time and if a few of our chances had gone in, it could have made things more comfortable at the break.

“The Liverpool game was great and it was brilliant pitting our wits against one of the best teams in Europe, but we knew we had bigger games coming and this was one.

“We’ve come here, we’ve put on an unbelievable display and I’m so happy for every single one of my players.”

Fans reacted after the Tranmere chairman issues a statement as Nigel Adkins steps down following defeat to Accrington…

@addo163: This could have been an agreeable statement 5, 4 or even 3 months ago. But, now, as much as I empathise getting your mate to leave is tough, and it’s a needed decision, still feels empty. We needed to give a manager a chance of a window.

@zzzoooman: 2 months too late. Please also announce that the back room staff have also been kicked out!

@M_Olver: 3 months too late. the entire backroom staff can go with him as well. needs a complete clear out.

@MJTRFC: 4 months later…. Might be too late time will tell but thank fuck

@rydingbicycles: Thanks Nigel. You’re a lovely man and the initial boost you gave the club was great. We all know this dragged on for too long but it wasn’t from lack of effort on your part. Let’s hope it’s not too late.

@GazzyHay: 4 months too late, miss management by the board for allowing this to continue for this long. Wait hang on the cynic in me would say….. just before the new season ticket sales start, to say we have been decisive

@thebernieb: This change had to happen, it should have been done after the FA cup defeat. I can’t help but feel to quote Palios “the dye has been cast” and we’re already down. The Chairmen failed to act again as he’s waited too long to do it. “mutual agreement” he’s still getting some ££.

@bigdikky5: No celebration here. Feels too little too late. No window. Less games and points to fight for. No obvious replacement that can save my club. This has never been life or death. But the life feels sucked out of our club #swa

@MarkWatkins210: Apart from Southampton, some 12-15 years ago, his managerial & playing record is unremarkable so I’m surprised he keeps getting managerial posts & proof that nice guys don’t always WIN.

@SteveGrundy15: Too little too late, absolutely no faith in Palios picking another manager, massive question marks over his judgement, be a miracle if anyone can keep us up under his ownership, but someone will have 13 games to do it

@MidlandsTrfc: Hopefully not too late. The question, do we trust the owners to make the right choice? This has to be done quickly, and whoever comes in, needs to be able to pick their own backroom team
@ATTTMPod

@thomyles: Need a change all round – @TheNigelAdkins an all round decent man – the back room have been there a while on one level or another. Might be too late – just need a saviour for now & that might be tough ask.

@psykix_: Get @ronniemoore53 in until the end of the season. And get Parky, Danns and the rest of them gone too

@W4Addick: Not a great surprise. We had Adkins briefly at #cafc He talks a good game (in his opinion) but in reality he’s a very average manager. He doesn’t like criticism from supporters either …

@J_Haley4: What about the rest? They all need to go not just Adkins the whole lot