"When I was appointed interim manager of Tranmere Rovers in March last season, my sole focus was on securing League Two status for the football club.
"We had 13 games remaining and found ourselves in a perilous position - third from bottom in League Two. We went on to collect 23 points from those final fixtures and comfortably retained the club's place in the EFL.
"I was then given the opportunity to take the role on a permanent basis and set about trying to turn the club's fortunes around. A significant summer rebuild followed, with a considerable number of players and staff departing and new faces arriving in their place.
"We started the season strongly, taking eight points from our opening four fixtures, but injuries soon began to take a serious toll. Several first-choice players were either ruled out entirely or limited to bit-part roles, and our quest for consistency, performance and, most importantly, points became an uphill battle.
"The constant disruption to the team from game to game meant we could rarely work on the training pitch to the levels required. We were continually having to adapt, and yet just past the halfway mark - after 24 games - our record stood at eight wins, eight draws and eight defeats.
"The January transfer window was going to be vital. We needed to strengthen the areas of the squad hit hardest by injuries and improve competition for places. Instead, January brought only further injuries and marked the beginning of a run of defeats that very few managers would survive.
"I have had four weeks to reflect, and I have learnt many valuable lessons this season that I will carry forward with me.
"I would like to thank Mark and Nicola for giving me the opportunity to manage an amazing football club with a group of fans who care so passionately about it. I am sorry I wasn't the manager to lead the club on to better times.
"To Pete, the staff and the players - I wish you nothing but the very best for the remainder of the season and truly hope you can retain EFL status once again.
"And finally, to the Super White Army: stick with it. Your support was always greatly appreciated by me and my family, and I hope your passion and commitment is rewarded in the future."
