Tranmere Rovers have confirmed that Andy Crosby will be in charge for their clash against Port Vale on Saturday (12:30pm kick-off). The news comes after Nigel Adkins left his role in the aftermath of Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat at home to relegation rivals Accrington Stanley.
The disappointment left Tranmere sitting just two points clear of the relegation zone, above Morecambe and Carlisle United – who are five points adrift at the bottom.
Crosby steps into the hot seat just two months after arriving at Prenton Park for a short-term period. The 51-year-old was part of the former Rovers manager’s backroom staff at the likes of Scunthorpe United, Southampton, Reading and Sheffield United.
On Saturday, he will be in the home dugout against former club Port Vale, over a year after he was sacked from his role as manager at Vale Park. It’s understood that the backroom staff remains in place after Adkins’ exit.
Crosby was installed as acting manager at Port Vale in February 2022 until the end of the season but got the job on a full-time basis in April 2023, winning 14 of his 44 matches in charge, losing 19 times.
In light of the narrow defeat to Accrington Stanley, a statement released by Tranmere shortly after full-time said: “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.”
Club co-owner Palios added: “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.”
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