Former Reading manager Nigel Adkins has made a full-time return to management at League Two Tranmere Rovers after impressing during an interim spell.

Adkins, who impressed early on with spells at Scunthorpe United and Southampton, was in charge in Berkshire between Spring 2013 and Winter 2014.

Finishing seventh in the Championship during his only full season in charge, the former goalkeeper has since gone on to have spells at Hull City and Charlton Athletic.

Appointed Technical Director at Prenton Park over the summer but was handed caretaker charge of his former club following the departure of Ian Dawes in September.

The Rovers are second from bottom in the fourth tier and are three points adrift of safety, but the 58-year-old has signed a contract with his hometown club until 2026.

Owner Mark Palios said: “Nigel inherited a team which was severely depleted by injuries and lacking in confidence, and during his time in interim charge we have still struggled to have a settled squad thanks to squad absences, whether through injuries or red cards.  We aren’t yet out of the injury mire – in particular, we have Luke Norris, Jake Leake and Sam Taylor still to return to the starting line-up – but I have confidence that Nigel has the right blend of skill sets, experience and, importantly, passion, for Tranmere Rovers, to get us back on track and take us forward for the longer term.” 

Adkins added: “It’s an honour to take the manager’s role at a club I previously played for, and which is my home-town club.  I have no illusions that we have work to do given our very poor start to the season, however, I would not have accepted this role on a permanent basis if I was not confident that we can put it right.  The infrastructure and support that is in place at Tranmere Rovers is top quality and with the support of the SWA it gives us a strong foundation as we look to build momentum and move up the table.”