Nigel Adkins has tonight departed as manager of Tranmere Rovers by mutual consent. The decision follows Rovers’ 1-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley at Prenton Park.
The result leaves Tranmere in 22nd place, just two points above Morecambe and five above Carlisle United who occupy the relegation zone. Tranmere announced the news in a statement posted on the club’s official website, which read:
” 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.”
How was Adkins’ time at Tranmere?
The former Southampton and Scunthorpe United manager returned to his boyhood club as a Technical Director in May 2023. He would soon be in the dugout however, and was made interim manager in September, following Ian Dawes’ dismissal.
He was in charge on an interim basis for 10 games where he recorded two wins, one draw and seven losses. The 59-year-old was then made permanent manager in November.
Adkins was in charge for 72 games where he recorded 23 wins, 15 draws and 34 defeats. Throughout his time as permanent manager, he amassed a points-per-game ratio of 1.17.
Was this inevitable?
Despite publicly backing Adkins earlier this month, the decision to part ways comes as no surprise. This is due to the club’s form throughout the course of this season.
Tranmere are the lowest scorers in the EFL this season with a tally of just 23 goals from 33 games. Additionally, Rovers have been equally as unimpressive in defence, conceding 52 goals this campaign- the most in the division.
Their last victory came on the 4th of January, a 1-0 home win over fellow strugglers Carlisle, and while the Super White Army may have hoped their side could kick on from this result, the reality has been the total opposite.
Since then, Tranmere have played 10 league matches. During this time they have amassed three points from draws against Gillingham, Fleetwood Town and MK Dons respectively.
However, the run has seen them defeated seven times and they have scored six goals while conceding a total of 14, with five of these coming in a 5-1 thrashing away at league leaders Walsall.
This run of form alongside their precarious league position means it comes as no shock to see the former Southampton manager depart Prenton Park.
Tranmere now find themselves staring a second relegation to the National League in 10 years in the face. Despite not being in the relegation zone this season, defeat in their next game coupled with a victory for relegation rivals Morecambe will see them slide into the bottom two.
Rovers begin life without Adkins this Saturday as they play host to promotion chasers Port Vale in Sky Bet League Two.