Tranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios recently published an update on a variety of issues currently facing the club.
Among the topics covered, the one that perhaps shocked fans the most was his stance on manager Nigel Adkins’ position.
After collecting eight points from their first four games of the season, Rovers have plummeted to the lower reaches of League Two.
They are currently on a nine-game losing streak away from home, and have struggled to offset this deficit by winning consistently at home.
Since rumours began to surface regarding a potential takeover of the club, it has been accepted that Palios would, in the very near future, have passed the reins on to a new owner.
The names attached to this possible takeover have included Joe Tacopina, Donald Trump’s former lawyer, and the American rapper A$AP Rocky.
Having first come to the public’s attention in October, the process has dragged on, meaning that the January transfer window came and went without an injection of cash into the kitty.
As a result of this, Tranmere only brought in three young loanees in Jake Garrett from Blackburn and Manchester United duo Sam Mather and Louis Jackson.
With goals severely lacking this campaign, it has been felt that these additions have not adequately addressed the problem.
The last of these signings came through shortly after the deadline had passed on 4th February, and following an abject 3-1 home defeat to Colchester.
Ahead of the team’s trip to promotion chasing Salford, Palios’ statement was posted on the club’s website.
Sitting just three points above the relegation zone, the chairman announced his support for the increasingly beleaguered Adkins, saying that “in the current circumstances that may be seen as a contentious choice because it will fail to satisfy those demanding that ‘something needs to be done.’”
With Tranmere having taken one point from the last 15 on offer, it seemed a difficult argument for Palios to defend.
However, his rationale was that the much talked about ‘new manager bounce’ that teams seemingly enjoy upon the appointment of a new head coach was not supported by facts.
Having witnessed the crowd turn audibly against Adkins as the Colchester game neared its end, this was not what the Rovers faithful needed to hear.
TRFC Chairman’s Update – February 2025.
— Tranmere Rovers FC (@TranmereRovers) February 6, 2025
Just across the Mersey, David Moyes had rejuvenated Everton and put daylight between them and the Premier League relegation zone.
Unfortunately for Palios, the confidence placed in the manager was not backed up at Salford. Rovers fell to two Hakeeb Adelakun goals in the second half, as their away day troubles continued.
A banner was unfurled after the final whistle, across the back of the team coach. It simply said “ADKINS OUT.’
Another banner, similar in tone, was then affixed to the railings outside the club’s training ground on Sunday evening.
There was potential for Tuesday evening’s clash with Fleetwood to increase the toxicity around Prenton Park even further, however a more spirited and industrious performance limited the protesting to after full time.
It was a point gained, and Tranmere had looked the more likely to find a winner, yet their chronic lack of goals eventually led to another shutout.
With MK Dons visiting on Saturday, Tuesday’s point must be backed up with a victory, and with visits to high-flying Notts County, Grimsby and Bradford on the horizon, home matches are becoming must-win.
For supporters, their displeasure with Palios’ decision is understandable. They are worryingly close to dropping back into the National League, a division that they fought incredibly hard to escape.
It would appear that the takeover can’t come soon enough, as Tranmere remain in limbo with a want-away owner who has stated his support for a failing manager.
Featured image by Phil Kiel on Unsplash
