Interim Manager Nigel Adkins has highlighted the “honour and privilege” of leading Tranmere, as he prepares to take charge of his first home game this weekend.
Adkins joined Rovers in 1981 and made his senior debut for the Club as a 17-year-old, but is embracing a new responsibility 42 years on.
“I’ve got a smile on my face at the thought of it. It’s an honour and a privilege to wear the badge,” he said.
“It’s my hometown team. To have the honour of representing the Club is number one, but it’s a responsibility, you’ve got to make sure everyone sticks together.”
Tranmere welcome eighth-placed Accrington Stanley to Prenton Park on Saturday, as they look to end a winless run stretching back to the middle of August.
Last weekend saw a 3-2 away loss to Crawley Town, courtesy of a stoppage time Klaidi Lolos strike. However, Adkins believes his side has responded well to the manner of the defeat.
“We had our debrief on Monday morning, to learn the lessons,” he explained. “There’s many things for us to learn from, but many good things as well.
“We scored a couple of great goals, from Charlie Jolley and Sam Taylor. We’ve got to stop conceding, it’s a big part of what we’ve got to keep improving on.”
The interim boss believes Accrington, managed by long-serving gaffer John Coleman, will provide stern opposition for Rovers this weekend.
“You have to give the utmost respect. John’s an experienced manager, what he’s done, how they’ve overachieved consistently. You have to doff your cap and say well done.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game. You’ve got to compete, win knock downs, defend set plays. If you give them time, they’ll play. From my point of view, be aware of their strengths, mindful of the surprises, but make sure we can impose ourselves on the opposition.”
Adkins also provided an update on the players still unavailable, as Harvey Saunders returned against Crawley, following an ankle injury picked up last month against Milton Keynes Dons.
“We’ve got excellent medical and sports science staff here. The players are doing all they can, they want to be back involved.
“Sport equals injury. It’s how best we can get them back as quickly and safely as possible. There’s nothing worse than getting out there early, breaking down and being out for a longer period of time.
“Attitude-wise, they want to be helping. They can help their teammates by supporting those who are playing, showing how hard they’re working and by making sure players aren’t moody or sulking around, because that rubs off on people.”
Image: TRFC
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