Tranmere once again find themselves searching for a new manager following Tuesday night’s parting of ways with Nigel Adkins. But who are the early contenders?
The early bookmakers’ odds were actually fairly interesting on Wednesday morning, with some exciting prospects. However, any optimism of an exciting or ambitious appointment need to be tempered by the reality of Mark Palios’ history of managerial appointments, not to mention the impending takeover.
That said, surely, he can see how important it is to bring a fresh face into the club, so here are some of those who have been tipped by fans, reporters or bookmakers so far.
Ryan Lowe
The early favourite with the bookies earlier today, Lowe is available having left Preston North End earlier this season. He has promotions on his CV with both Bury and Plymouth, all be it with very generous playing budgets at his disposal.
His appointment would be quite an exciting one and he has links to the club having played for us in 2013/14. Best not to talk too much about the way in which he left. Talksport reporter Alex Crook reports Rovers approached Lowe early Wednesday.
Ian Evatt
Former Bolton boss Evatt is probably an outsider in terms of whether he would be interested, however, he was as short as 7/1 with one bookmaker. The former defender did a good job in turning Bolton Wanderers around in League Two during the 2020/21 season, culminating in promotion.
Ronnie Moore
Tranmere legend Moore has been a frequent suggestion from fans on social media, wishing the veteran boss a return to Prenton Park to stave off the threat of relegation. Now 72, Ronnie’s last managerial position was at Eastleigh back in 2016. He was doing some scouting/recruitment for Hartlepool last season.
Jon Brady
Australian Brady is an interesting shout and was third favourite with one bookmaker earlier on Wednesday. He led Northampton Town to automatic promotion from League Two in 2022/23 and had the team competing well in League One following promotion. He resigned from his position at Sixfields in December. It feels like Brady would be quite an interesting and potentially exciting appointment in the summer, but perhaps not in the position we’re in now.
Wayne Rooney
Needs little introduction, but Rooney is appearing in the running in some places. Having left Plymouth earlier this season, it feels like Rooney would be the wrong person at the wrong time.
Robbie Fowler
Another former England striker desperate for another manager’s job is Robbie Fowler. Our sources suggest Fowler is incredibly keen on getting a job in League One or Two, and has made no secret of his interest in the Tranmere role. It’s another one that feels like it’s just a publicity appointment, and if there was ever a time for Rovers to consider one of those experiments (again), it definitely isn’t now.
Paul Ince
Speculation on social media suggests former England man Ince is looking for a return to management. He has a decent CV, most recently credited with doing a very respectable job with Reading under difficult circumstances. Ince remains Wirral-based.
Michael Appleton
Former Lincoln, Oxford, Blackpool and Charlton boss Appleton has had a mixed managerial career and seems to have been in the running for a few jobs recently, not least Carlisle United earlier this month. Appleton has been taking in League Two matches and was at Tranmere’s recent draw with MK Dons at Prenton Park.
Ged Brannan
A few fans have suggested former Tranmere favourite Ged Brannan would be a good option. There is certainly merit to that. He has done the hard yards as a coach and was appointed Morecambe manager last season before quitting in the summer due to the uncertainty at the club. He is currently Assistant Manager at Accrington.
Leam Richardson
Another front-runner as far as bookies are concerned, Richardson is as short as 5/1 right now. He led Wigan to the League One title in 2022 but was dismissed the following season. He wasn’t out of work for long as he was appointed manager of struggling Championship side Rotherham United, but failed to save them from the drop.
Here’s hoping interim manager Andy Crosby can lead Tranmere to an unlikely win over Port Vale on Saturday and that an exciting appointment is made before Tuesday’s trip to Grimsby.
