Meeting the opposition – Salford City F.C
This weekend, Tranmere Rovers host Salford City in a League Two fixture, as they search for their first win six. The Whites’ recent run hasn’t been good enough and there are serious concerns that they will drop out of the promotion mix and the playoffs themselves if that doesn’t change soon enough. Thus, Keith Hill’s men need to beat Gary Bowyer’s Ammies.
With this game in mind, I spoke to a Salford City supporter in the form of Adam Franks. He told me about his experiences as a supporter before giving an insight into Salford’s on and off pitch positions as well as the upcoming game itself, amongst other subjects.
How long have you been a Salford City supporter and when/how did you first come across the club?
I’ve been a Salford supporter for fifteen years, my first game was back in 2006 vs FC United at The Willows. The club came across as my Nana’s next door neighbour’s son, Matthew Burke, played for the club.
Highest and lowest points across that time?
Lowest point for me would have been the play off semi final defeat against Halifax when we got beat on penalties. Was just a cruel way to go.
Random fact about the Ammies?
My random fact about Salford is that my stepdad, Les Whiteley, used to manage the club years ago.
What were your expectations going into the season and what are they now the campaign’s coming to a close?
Being a football league team is still such a surreal feeling because of how far we’ve come in such a short amount of time. My expectations were to survive and hopefully challenge some of the top teams that have been up there and got a good history about themselves.
Gary Bowyer was appointed manager last month, following the departure of Richie Wellens. It was another gaffer that was on the touchline the last time Salford hosted Tranmere, Graham Alexander. What are your thoughts on the departures of Wellens and Alexander? Also, what are your thoughts of Bowyer’s time so far?
The departure of Alexander came of a shock with the recent run of form and it being such an early start to the season.
Wellens was a good replacement but he tried to change the full format which backfired. He went to Swindon and was handed a squad who played the formation he wanted and he tried throwing that at the lads straight away and it backfired.
I think Bowyer will do well with these final run of games, he has to considering his contract only runs into the end of the season and I hope that the club can appoint someone on a long-term basis soon.
Who are the club’s owners and what are your thoughts on them?
I have a lot of respect for the owners of the club, both Class of 92, Karen Baird and the back room staff as the club wouldn’t be where they are without their constant support.
Your danger men?
For me I have three danger men within the Salford squad, Vaclav Hladky, Ibou Touray & Ashley Hunter.
The last meeting between Salford and Tranmere ended in a 2-2 draw, in mid-October. Thoughts on that game?
I was embarrassed with our final five minutes as being 2-0 up and to only come away with one point because of two very poor late goals.
How do you see the game panning out this weekend? (Score prediction etc) and why, if you do, do you think the game this weekend will pose more interesting questions than last time?
On the back of two wins and a loss against a strong Bolton side I see us doing well as Tranmere are still without James Vaughan who has been their target man throughout this campaign. I hope we come away with a clean sheet but it’ll be a tough game and hopefully full of goals.
What starting eleven do you think Bowyer will select?
Hladky, Clarke, Eastham, Turnbull, Touray, Towell, Coutts, Lowe, Hunter, Brandon Thomas Asante & Henderson.
Thoughts on Tranmere? The club in general.
Tranmere are a solid team with a very decent past record and I did think they would be challenging for promotion. I wasn’t wrong.
Thoughts on the Ammies’ winter transfer business? That is crucial, more often than not, in determining whether the club can reach their late found ambitions.
The transfer business this season has been very good, I’ve been impressed with every player the club has brought in.
Who is your favourite all time Salford player?
My all time favourite Salford City player has got to be Scott Burton. Scott was a solid leader in the midfield and put his heart on the line every time he stepped on the pitch.
Midfielder Scott Burton, ‘he was a solid leader’.