This, after all, is a man who twice led Scunthorpe United out of League One and led Southampton to back-to-back promotions to reach the Premier League.
True, those successes all came more than a decade ago and subsequent appointments at Reading, Sheffield United, Hull and Charlton failed to hit the same heights, but the fire is still burning in a man renowned as one of the most positive people in football.
Having initially been hired as Rovers’ technical director last May, Adkins stepped in as interim manager when Ian Dawes was sacked in September following a poor start to the season.
Appointed permanent boss in November, the 59-year-old, who hails from Birkenhead, led Tranmere out of choppy waters and they lay a comfortable 15th heading into yesterday’s final game of the season at Accrington.
After almost two years out of the dugout since leaving Charlton, it’s been a creditable return to management.
“It’s what I do, I love it, and I’m very thankful for the opportunity that was bestowed upon me,” he said. “The owner Mark Palios asked me to steady the ship and I’d like to think we’ve done that.
“The remit was to make sure we didn’t get relegated. We probably would have been fifth in the division from November, so we’ve been consistent in what we’ve been doing.
“This is where I’m from and Tranmere Rovers is a club I supported as a youngster. I made my debut as a 17-year-old.
“It was important that we didn’t end up back in the National League because the club worked so, so hard to get out of it.
“We managed to get things rocking in the right direction and it’s great credit to the players. We’ve scored a lot of goals, the fans have got behind us and we’ve won games.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 28, 2024 من The Football League Paper.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 28, 2024 من The Football League Paper.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM
Swans bid to mark new era in style...
MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD
WYCOMBE boss Wanderers Matt Bloomfield hailed his history-makers after victory at Lincoln City.
TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN
AN Evatt described his 100th win as Bolton boss as very special, although he needed Aaron Collins' injurytime goal to bring up the three figures.
DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS GRAB POINTS
NATHAN Lowe's strike inspired promotion-chasing Walsall to victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER
CAPTAIN Jamie Grimes headed in a late winner for Chesterfield after a game of very few chances appeared destined to remain goalless.`
COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH
HOLDERS Peterborough United have been drawn against fellow League One side Northampton Town in the Round of 32 of the newly-named Vertu Trophy.
HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE
WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight as Plymouth extended their unbeaten league home run to six after Andre Gray's last-gasp leveller.
MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW
Rangers home run continues
BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS
LUTON boss Rob Edwards felt it was a very good day at the office as his team turned in a gritty performance to beat Hull.
Rohl confident Owls
DANNY Rohl said getting results is the only thing missing as his Owls were held at home by Cardiff.