Despite Tranmere activating the automatic contract extension clause at the end of the season, Akins handed in a transfer request in July 2012 amid speculation about a move to fellow League One club Stevenage.
Tranmere's activation of the automatic contract extension clause did not prevent Akins from requesting a transfer in July 2012, which was sparked by rumors about a possible move to another League One club, such as Stevenage.