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Edwards: I deserved more time

Image: Rob Edwards: Wanted more of a chance

Axed boss Rob Edwards has accused Tranmere's owners of failing to give him sufficient time at Prenton Park.

Rovers parted ways with Edwards last week after a seven-game winless streak saw them slip to the bottom of the Football League. The former Exeter assistant manager, who was only appointed in May, won just three of his 15 games in charge in all competitions and was replaced by the vastly-experienced Micky Adams last Friday. Edwards was hired when Tranmere were under the ownership of Peter Johnson, but soon found himself working under Mark and Nicola Palios after their takeover was confirmed later in the summer. And the disposed-of Edwards has criticised the pair for pulling the trigger too soon. "It is with great sadness that my contract was terminated last week," he said through a statement published on the League Managers Association's website. "In May I agreed with the club a philosophy trying to move Tranmere forward, giving the young homegrown players an opportunity to develop. "Very early on I realised that it was going to take longer than the new owner and most of the fans were prepared to give a first-time manager. "The recruitment in the summer was done under tight budget constraints which unfortunately didn't enable us to sign a proven goalscorer and, as it turned out, this was a major weakness in the team. "As the pressure to get a result increased the players' performance suffered, but I believe the team and individuals were developing and, as the scorelines showed, we weren't far away. "Contrary to certain comments made I used many current managers from the Premier League down as mentors. "As we struggled to get results the club introduced me to an ex-manager who I spoke to regularly once he'd come into the club. I never spurned the opportunity for advice. "I really enjoyed my short stay as manager of Tranmere Rovers and learned so much which I'll use in my future career. "I sincerely wish everyone connected to the club, from the owners, directors and the board, the coaching staff and players, through to the fans, all the very best moving forward. I hope the club can stabilise and return to a higher level." Chief executive Jeremy Butler was at the club when left-field choice Edwards was appointed and his exit from Prenton Park was also confirmed on Monday.

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