Tranmere Rovers have confirmed that interim manager Andy Crosby will be given the role on a permanent basis.
The 52-year-old joined the club in December, assisting then manager Nigel Adkins. It was his first role since departing Port Vale in February 2024 in what was his first permanent managerial appointment.
With Rovers struggling at the wrong end of League Two and on the cusp of a huge fight for the EFL status, the decision was made to part company with Adkins in February. Crosby was handed the reins on an interim basis until the end of the season whilst the search for a permanent successor took place.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion and Scunthorpe United defender sparked a remarkable turnaround at Prenton Park. He kickstarted a recovery with a 1-1 draw against former club Port Vale, the first of a six-game unbeaten run. A first defeat arrived at the hands of Harrogate Town, but a huge 4-0 victory over Chesterfield followed by a 3-3 draw with Accrington Stanley confirmed their place in the fourth tier next season.
Crosby ended the campaign with six wins, five draws and two defeats.
Tranmere Reward Crosby Success
With the 2024/25 campaign now confined to the history books, the Birkenhead-based side have opted to reward Crosby for his success by giving him the opportunity to lead the team into next season. In a statement on their official club website, chairman Mark Palios said:
“Andy achieved everything I asked of him as interim manager, turning a team that was struggling for confidence into one which was very difficult to beat and, crucially, securing our place in the EFL.
“He led the team to some great results in the final quarter of the season, was bold in his decision making, tactics and substitutions, and formed a great togetherness in the squad.”
Writer’s View
This is the least Crosby deserves. To achieve what he did in such a short space of time is remarkable, especially because Tranmere appeared to be in freefall. Prior to Nigel Adkins departure in February, many would have tipped them for the drop. However, their form in the last 12 matches of the season was only bettered by Chesterfield, Doncaster and Port Vale. Of course, two of those teams ended up with promotion whilst the other ended up in the play-offs. Crosby deserves this opportunity to prove he is capable of managing at this level after his disappointing spell at Vale.
