‘Meeting the opposition’ – Morecambe
Ahead of Tranmere’s sixth Play off Semi Final since 2017, I spoke to Morecambe supporter Mickey Millar who gave his thoughts on the Shrimps’ on and off field positions heading into the tie as well as giving his verdict on what he expects to see happening across the course of the ninety minutes. Derek Adams has done a fantastic job at Morecambe, taking them from being relegation favourites to a promotion push. Carlos Mendes-Gomes has been a massive help also, he’s set to inflict further damage on Thursday evening.
How long have you been a Morecambe supporter and how did you first find out about the club?
I’ve been a Morecambe fan for at least 10/11 years now, when I was at primary school they used to come in and hand free tickets, however it wasn’t until the 2015/16 season I started travelling to away games and since then I’ve been all over the country following the shrimps.
Considering where the club finished last season, what are your thoughts on the success of this campaign and how do you rate your chances of achieving promotion?
We’ve had an amazing season, so proud of the lads on how far we’ve come. Regardless of promotion or not we’ve had the season of our lives, 23 wins is incredible from our perspective, to go from Relegation Favourites to play offs is magnificent.
What are your thoughts on Shrimps’ instrumental gaffer Derek Adams?
The way he’s turned this Football Club around is out of this world, at the start of the season, we knew he would have a positive impact, but not to this extent.
What are your thoughts on Morecambe’s owner and who are they?
Jason Whittingham & Colin Goulding
They seem like good chaps, spoke to them a couple of times on away games, one game (Crawley away) comes to mind where they came and spoke to the fans. Also, when I did a fundraiser they were really helpful in helping me raise funds for my chosen charity so for that I’ll always have respect for them.
What players will pose the greatest threats to Tranmere across the course of the two legs?
Forwards Cole Stockton and Carlos Mendes Gomes.
What is your score prediction for the game at Prenton Park and what do you think your playing style will be?
Don’t want to predict a score in case I jinx anything, but I’d like to see us go for it against you.
Random fact about Morecambe? (The place or the club itself)
We’ve got the best pies in the EFL!
Proudest moment as a fan?
Probably Coventry away in 2018, the way the fans and players celebrated will stick with me forever. Also this season is a massive hit, seeing the lads bond and gel together the way they have, just wish we were in the grounds to witness it.
What is your opinion on Rovers?
Decent club, great fan base.
Cole Stockton and Ben Pringle may come up against their former club, Tranmere. Stockton made his name at Rovers following his progression through the academy ranks. What are your thoughts on the two attackers?
Stockton has been decent this season, managed to score for us and get some assists and I’d say he’s been an asset to the squad. Pringle we haven’t seen too much of this season, but from what we’ve seen he’s a decent enough player.
Given that Tranmere have sacked Keith Hill ahead of this game, are you more fearful of the opposition and from an outsider’s perspective, what was your reaction to that news?
Definitely more fearful because we’ve all seen teams come out of their shell under different management.
Regardless of whether Adams’ men get past their opponents, what would you like to see happen in the summer in terms of incomings and outgoings?
I’d love to see us keep Carlos Mendes Gomes, I think he’s been incredible this season for us. However, I can see a club from a higher level snapping him up.
Thank you for talking to me ahead of the game mate,
My pleasure!
Atletico Madrid academy graduate, Carlos Mendes Gomes, is set to pose Tranmere a fair few problems as they look to turn wrongs to rights following last season’s devastating PPG demotion.