Adkins leaves Tranmere by mutual agreement

Nigel Adkins began his playing career with Tranmere Rovers

Nigel Adkins has left Tranmere Rovers by mutual agreement just 15 months after taking charge following a winless run of 10 League Two matches.

The decision to part ways comes in the wake of Tuesday's home defeat by fellow strugglers Accrington Stanley.

Adkins, 59, took the helm in November 2023 and lost 34 of his 72 games in charge, winning 23.

Tranmere are 22nd in League Two and are two points clear of the relegation zone.

Coach Andy Crosby will take charge for Saturday's home game against Port Vale.

"No-one can doubt his [Adkins'] 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," chairman Mark Palios said.

"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."

Former Scunthorpe United, Southampton, Reading, Sheffield United, Hull City and Charlton Athletic boss Adkins steered Tranmere to mid-table safety last season, finishing 16th on 57 points.

But this time round they have struggled - having won just six times in 34 league games, leaving them in danger of returning to non-league football, as first happened to them in 2015 - ending a 94-year stay in the Football League.

Birkenhead-born Adkins, who began his playing career at Prenton Park, returned to his home-town club in July 2023 as technical director.

He then took over as interim first-team boss after Ian Dawes was sacked two months later before being installed on a more permanent basis when he signed a two-and-half-year contract in November 2023.

Just 19 days ago, Tranmere chairman Palios said 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.

But Rovers have failed to win in the five games since, losing at Salford City and Notts County, either side of home draws with Fleetwood and MK Dons, before Tuesday's 1-0 loss sealed his fate.