Here’s my take. The managers who have demonstrably failed have been sacked. For Hill and Mellon, I think it was mainly a breakdown in their relationship with the owners. Hill got us to the playoffs and to Wembley, but continually whinged and his sacking was expected if rather undeserved on results. Mellon got increasingly frustrated and irritated as last season wore on. He didn’t get the investment in strikers he needed, as well as having his budget “wasted” on development players. The fact he was visibly sacked and not allowed to leave early by mutual consent says it all.
With Adkins it’s a bit different. I think he and Palios are friends and there’s a degree of trust. They are seeing how Nigel gets on before any decision is made. Hence no announcement about recruiting a manager and why Nigel calls himself manager not caretaker. At worst, it’s buying a little time, which with 36 games to go we still have.