Tranmere Rovers have today backed manager Nigel Adkins despite the club currently sitting 22nd in Sky Bet League Two, just three points above the relegation zone.
Adkins, 59, was appointed as manager permanently on November 2nd 2023, following a spell as interim manager. The former Southampton boss has managed 67 games during this spell and has won 23, drawn 13 and lost 31.
Difficult Season For Tranmere Rovers
This season has been far from easy for Rovers. Tranmere Rovers are the lowest scorers in League Two and have lost four of their last five games. The team have won just twice since the 22nd of November. They also have the worst away record in the division.
They currently sit in a precarious position and are just three points away from the relegation zone. Their position in the table, in addition to the standard of their performances, has rightfully left fans worried about the prospect of a second relegation to the National League in the club’s history.
This has led to supporters calling for Adkins’ dismissal, with loud chants calling for his sacking being heard at recent games. Additionally, the club’s social media has been flooded with “Adkins out” comments.
Despite this pressure, club chairman Mark Palios has today issued an update to supporters and fully backed the former Southampton and Hull City manager.
Chairman Issues Statement Backing Manager
In the update, Palios acknowledges the poor run of form and says he understands that the decision may be a contentious one. However, he does provide the reasoning behind his decision.
The 72-year-old argues that although there is a perception that changing a manager mid-season brings an upturn in form, statistically, it is just as likely to happen with Adkins still at the helm.
Palios then refers to Adkins’ vast experience as a manager, saying: “We have a manager with huge experience, a track record of many successes in his career, and a genuine passion for a club he has supported all his life. He is not a naïve young manager who has never faced tough times, and he still believes he can turn things around, so I cannot see what is to be gained by gambling on a less experienced/successful manager, with no real connection to the Club and who would be brought in to manage a squad that he has not chosen.
The former chief executive of the FA then claimed that a change in manager would not change the number of players who are unavailable through injury. He finished the managerial update by acknowledging that this decision will likely be unpopular but is one that he feels is best for the club.
Has The Right Call Been Made?
The update has, perhaps unsurprisingly, been met with outrage amongst fans on social media. Some fans have argued that changing a manager mid-season does, in fact, bring an upturn in results and have used fellow League Two side Swindon Town as an example.
Swindon appointed Ian Holloway on October 25th and have since risen from 22nd to 14th in the league. The Robins even recently defeated Tranmere 3-1 despite being 1-0 down until the 86th minute.
It is certainly hard to argue against the concerns of Tranmere fans. This is not only because of the poor results this season, but the performances themselves are far from inspiring and are perhaps suggestive of a team not playing for their manager.
In their last five games, Rovers have lost four, scored four, conceded 14 and had four red cards. Stats like this highlight the level of Tranmere’s performances in recent weeks and why relegation is looking like a real possibility.
Therefore, it is easy to see why the Super White Army does not share the same opinion as that of the chairman.
Tranmere travel to Salford City next, knowing that if results go against them, they could finish the day in the relegation zone.