Ethan Hoijord

I have had the great pleasure of producing an interview with Enoch Showunmi.

In this piece I speak to former football league striker Enoch Showunmi. The London born forward played for his parents country, Nigeria, on two occasions and has many stories to tell. He once played at Wembley, he has featured alongside current England star Jack Grealish and he has had many unfortunate injuries. All of these are delved into, in great detail. We also spoke about his time in Merseyside playing for Tranmere Rovers and his current work venture as founder and CEO of Global Soccer Pathways. I hope you enjoy the read.

Where were you born and in what year?

Born and raised in London to Nigerian parents in 1982.

What were your first experiences of football?

I recall my first experience was playing in a tournament against older kids. I was eight then and I simply just fell in love with the game. From then on, I continuously played when I could.

What football team did you support as a kid?

Liverpool. It was forced on me from my dad. He probably was a glory hunter but I endured the years of frustration where we didn’t manage to win the title (laughs).

What was the first professional club you played for?

My first professional club was Luton Town FC. I turned pro at 21 years old. I was never at a pro academy in my youth. In fact, I was playing 11th tier football prior to signing my first professional contract so it was a culture shock especially playing over christmas and new years. The training everyday, sometimes twice a day in preseason, took its toll on my body.

Who was your biggest help in the early stages of your career?

The biggest help for me really was my support network, my family and friends that believed in my dream also.  I do have to give credit, though, to the manager Mike Newell and the circumstances of the club being in administration that allowed me the time to come to terms with everyday football. 

As you said, Luton Town was where you signed your first professional contract, what was the club like at that time?

It was tough. I wasn’t getting paid for the first eight months of my time at Luton and most people were telling me to quit. However, I persevered and I’m glad I did as I earnt my first pro contract after scoring a hat trick in a league one game. The circumstances of the club being in administration that allowed me the time to come to terms with the professional game.

Who was the best player that you played alongside during your time at Luton, Bristol City and Leeds?

I played with some great players from Lee Trundle, Curtis Davies, Steve Howard, Robert Snodgrass, Jermaine Beckford and Jonny Howson at those clubs. Most went on to play premier league and international football.

Whilst at Luton, you made two appearances for your parents country of Nigeria. Do you take the most pride in these games more than any others? Was playing on an international level a dream come true? 

Playing international football was a dream. At 18 I used to tell my friends that I’d play pro football, I’d play for Nigeria and that Barcelona would bid for me by the time I was 28. I achieved two out of three in the space of a year. I didn’t make the third but you have to dream big to make anything in life. The games were against Ireland and Jamaica. We won both games. We beat Ireland 3-0 and Jamaica 2-0.

Were there any relatively famous faces in the Nigeria team you were in? Who were the games against?
The squad contained Kanu and Okocha who didn’t play but Obafemi Martins made his debut at that time as well. All great players.

You joined Tranmere in 2010, can you remember your first thoughts of the club when you joined? Had you heard about/played against Tranmere before?

I had played against Tranmere quite a few times. I always remember it being a tough place to play. I scored for Leeds United at Prenton Park but we lost 2-1. 

What made you sign for Tranmere? What were the facilities like at the club?

The facilities were great and the club gave me a place where I could reastablish my career after having a blood clot on my lungs whilst at Leeds. I went almost a year without playing football regularly. After this big unfortunate break, I played for Falkirk for six months before Tranmere gave me a new lease of life. 

You played under Les Parry and Ronnie Moore, what was the biggest difference between the two managers?

Ronnie Moore and Les Parry had different approaches but ultimately the team was young and we would always be towards the lower parts of the table. Whilst Parry was more about being creative in set pieces and video analysis of previous games. Ronnie put his stamp and experience on the team when he came in.

What was your most memorable Tranmere game?

A game I remember, as it was the game we stayed up, is Bournemouth away in my first season. We scored a late winner through Adam Mcgurk and although I was very tired in the last ten minutes I certainly found the energy to celebrate that important goal.

You spent two years at the club, from 2010-2012. However, did you intend to stay for longer?
Yes, I wanted to stay at Tranmere as I enjoyed my time at the club. In my first season I was top scorer and won the player of the season as well as the NW player of the year awards. The second season didn’t go as I planned as I cracked my fibula in the same place three times as I was rushed back from injury. I was told, in 2012, that the club couldn’t afford my wages. However, I would’ve probably signed for less if they had offered it to me.

After Tranmere, you played for Notts County while having loan spells at Torquay and Plymouth Argyle. You soon found yourself playing in the non-league for Wealdstone. Did you enjoy playing in the ‘non league’? Did this make you happy or was it upsetting as you edged towards the end of your career?

I didn’t really play in non-league. Wealdstone reached out as they were a local club to me in London but it wasn’t really me. I had fallen out of love for the game due to various reasons and I was just looking to keep fit and ticking over so I wanted some game time. I had offers from pro clubs but turned them down as I didn’t enjoy the game so I eventually left on my own terms.

You retired from football in 2015, are you enjoying ‘retirement’? What are the things that you enjoy doing?

I am enjoying retirement but the transition is difficult, even for me who had been planning since I was told I may never play football again whilst at Leeds United. It is different but there are so many transferable skills. Travelling for leisure is a big part of my life, there is so much of the world to see and there is so much I want to see.

What is your current work role?

I am now the Founder and the CEO of ‘global soccer pathways’.

What is ‘global soccer pathways’ about?

Global Soccer Pathways is a resource for players that are trying to take their game to the next level. Whether that is elite training, education, and combination of both and mindset/performance coaching. It is my own company and I have partners in Leeds United FC and Leeds Beckett University with the Carnegie International Soccer Academy as well as programs and books that I’ve put together for aspiring players. My email address is – info@globalsoccerpathways.com

What are your goals now as you set out to make a difference in the ‘beautiful game’?
My goals are to nurture human potential, to be able to help as many players, not just on the field but off the field. There are certain tools I used to be able to have that longevity in the game, despite the obstacles and the circumstances. Unleash Your Soccer Potential – Triple R Blueprint is the first book I’ve written to nurture this element. The tools however can be used in any sport or business or life to be able to achieve a desired outcome.

General questions:
What is the best memory you have in football? Playing for Nigeria and the earning player of the season award at Tranmere

Who was the best player you had a strike partnership with? Phil Jevons at Bristol City. I mostly played up top on my own during my career. Shout out to Ronan Murray at Notts County too.

Who was the best player that you’ve played with? On pure talent Jack Grealish, he came in on loan to Notts County when I was at the club. His quality was evident.

If you could’ve played in any other position, what would it be? I never played as a striker till I turned pro. I exclusively played midfield. During the first 4/5 years of my career, I played all forward and midfield positions.

What’s the best manager you’ve played under? The one who had the biggest impact on me aside from my start in the game was Steven Pressley at Falkirk

If you weren’t a footballer, what profession would you have? I’d be in the finance business

What’s the best stadium you’ve played at? Wembley, what a place that is to play.

What was your biggest achievement (club/international honour) in football? Going from 11 tier football to international football in under a year.

Thank you very much for reading,

Stay safe,

Ethan Hoijord

Tranmere Rovers v Brackley Town – The match preview

Friday 27th November 2020

@Prenton Park

FA Cup

Friday night football returns to Birkenhead as Keith Hill heads into his second game as Tranmere manager. It’s now time to go from league to cup football, the visitors to Merseyside being the National League North club Brackley Town. The two aims of this cup tie will be to bring six wins in a row in all competitions up to seven and progress into the third round of a special competition. This encounter will be televised to a wide audience as it is on the BBC. The ‘whites’ faithful should be excited about this one.

Fortunately for Rovers, they find themselves in a great position with only one player unavailable for match action. Striker Stefan Payne remains on the sidelines as he recovers from a fairly recent groin operation. This news should excite fans of the Merseyside club as there is a lot of quality in Hill’s squad, enough quality and depth to hopefully add to the victories of late. Payne is a long term absentee but he should hopefully be back before the season finishes.

Brackley Town Football Club are the Friday night visitors and they were founded in 1890 and the club moved to their current St James Park stadium in 1974. This stadium holds a capacity of 3,500 and on the touchlines you can find the technical area that Kevin Wilkin manages his sixth tier side. 

Wilkin was once a footballer, playing for clubs such as Northampton Town and Rushden and Diamonds across an eighteen year career. After he retired as a player, the Cambridgeshire born striker was appointed manager of Nuneaton Town in 2006. He went on to manage Wrexham before landing his current role in 2015. In his role at Nuneaton, he guided the club from the Southern league division one midlands to the conference premier which was the highest level they had played at for nine years. As manager of the ‘dragons’, Wrexham, he guided his team to the FA trophy final but he was defeated at Wembley against North Ferriby United. He has since left Wrexham for Brackley Town, the club remaining in the same division from when he first managed them to this day.  

‘The saints’ star man is striker Lee Ndlovu who has been at the club for four years. He represented Grantham Town and Ilkeston before signing for Wilkin’s team. The forward provides a strong physical presence and is also a great goalscorer. Achieving a goal total of 56 goals in 186 appearances. The 25-year-old scored last time out, in this competition against Bishop’s stortford. He is certainly a player who the defence should target, if his name appears on the teamsheet. 

Pre-match facts:

1. This is the first meeting between Brackley Town and Tranmere Rovers.
2. Tranmere have progressed from their last 18 FA Cup ties against non league opponents, excluding qualifiers.
3. Brackley Town are looking to reach the third round of the cup for the first time in their history.

Manager Keith Hill spoke to the press before his second game in the Prenton Park hot seat. He will be looking to add another win to his first victory, this time in a prestigious cup competition. 

Excitement for the game – ‘The players are in good spirits and they can’t wait for the upcoming games. We are really looking forward to Friday night’s match’ ‘I hope it is a very good and entertaining game. I hope it shows the values that we have as a football club’

Understanding the difficulties that the opponents will bring – ‘The FA Cup is a special competition. It will be a very tough challenge, psychologically and physically, our opponents will be able to express themselves with no fear and we have to be very similar’ ‘It is going to be a difficult game for the players and we have reminded them of that. We also have trust in the players to see the game through’

The need for a consistent performance level, in quality and professionalism – ‘We need to be as professional as we have been, our energy and performance levels are very high at this moment in time and we have to maintain it’ ‘We have continuity so we will stick to the processes that have served us well’

Squad depth bringing competition for places – ‘We have great competition for places. We want competition, we want the squad to be stimulated by the fact someone is ready to come and play in your place. The players have performed well consistently and relationships are being built both at the training ground and on matchdays’

Affection for the prestigious cup competition – ‘I grew up thinking that the FA Cup was the best competition in the world, that it was the most special. I still believe that remains and it is a special competition for me and the players. We are really looking forward to the game’

A chance to show the nation more about the team Tranmere are – ‘It is a great opportunity for the players and the football club to show how special and unique we are in front of the nation. I want us to perform and have a great spirit which they have already shown’

Quotes taken, as ever, from the club’s official website – https://www.tranmererovers.co.uk/news/2020/november/hill-cant-wait-for-fa-cup-under-prenton-park-floodlights/

I think Tranmere will look to rest players that have started in the past two matches, as the squad’s depth is strong enough to beat sides of a supposed weaker quality and the festive schedule is very busy. Brackley will be a tough side to beat. However, I expect Tranmere to win this cup tie.

Line up: Murphy, Nelson, Ellis, Monthe, Ridehalgh, Lloyd, Young, Banks, Woolery, Ferrier, Morris.

Scoreline: Tranmere 4 Brackley 0

(The prize for the competition winners, the famous FA Cup trophy. Pictured here at Wembley stadium, the ground that the semi finals and the final will be played at)

Thank you very much for reading, 

Stay safe, 

Ethan Hoijord

Tranmere Rovers v Carlisle United

Tuesday 24th November 2020

@PrentonPark

English Football League Two

Kieth Hill’s managerial reign of Tranmere Rovers started off in perfect fashion, with a closely contested narrow victory at home to fellow promotion chasers Carlisle United. This win means that the Merseyside club have won six of their last six encounters, in all competitions, placing the ‘whites’ one point away from the fourth division playoffs.

The game started off as it would go on, in an extremely scrappy fashion. However, although it was scrappy there was a clear showing of attacking intent and this is something that I predicted would be seen in my match preview. Scott Davies getting off his line really quickly to dive at the feet of a Carlisle attacker in the box, in the opening few minutes.

There was nearly a huge injury blow to the Rovers squad depth as young loanee right-back Lee O’Connor put in an extremely strong challenge for the ball. Immediately, he got straight back up. However, he would soon go down and require medical attention. Fortunately, the defender would be okay to play on as he returned to the pitch after walking to the sidelines.

Attacking midfielder Otis Khan was the first Tranmere man to trouble the ‘Cumbrians’ goalkeeper Paul Farman. His left footed strike from 18 yards out being tipped over the bar by the shot stopper, an attempt seemingly taking him by surprise. The resulting corner met the head of James Vaughan, who put his effort just over the bar.

A period of pressure by the visitors saw centre-half Manny Monthe and goalkeeper Scott Davies being called into action, they did their duties impressively. The defender did brilliantly to flick away a dangerous corner before the veteran goalkeeper produced a great save to palm away a powerful front post header. 

Due to both sides showing a great intent to attack, many corners were taken as results of the teams attacking play. Rovers veteran midfielder Liam Feeney swung his set piece into the six yard box, this was claimed by visiting goalkeeper Farman. At the other end, newly signed defender Rhys Bennett headed well wide from a Carlisle corner. The wait for an opening goal continued.

A spell of patient build up play from the hosts resulted in Morris slicing his half volley wide before the in-form young forward Corey Blackett-Taylor used his pace to force himself past ‘blues’ defender Aaron Hayden. The forward managed to get into the box with the aim of picking out forward Vaughan but the visitors managed to clear their lines. 

The pair would soon link up when Vaughan looked to flick on to Blackett-Taylor. However, again the Carlisle defence managed to clear their lines.

The final piece of attacking action of the first half came from Chris Beech’s team, Davies saw himself well positioned to catch a Gime Toure cross from the right.

The half ended goalless, despite the great effort seen in the attacking intent displayed by both promotion chasing league two sides. It seemed obvious that this game would finish with a goal, my prediction was for a 1-0 scoreline as both defences were also on top form. I just hoped that the goal would be in Tranmere’s favour.

This goal nearly came in the first piece of action of the second half. This is further proof that football league clubs should be equipped with the same technology that premier league teams have, in this case goal-line technology was necessary. However, having looked back the linesman seemed to have got this call correct.

There were shouts for a goal, that the ball had crossed over the line when tricky forward Blackett-Taylor fired a shot which was spilled behind by the keeper. The ref waved play on much to the Rovers players frustrations.

However, he wouldn’t have to wait too much longer before opening the scoreline. A beautiful ball by veteran centre half Peter Clarke was played into the feet of the young speedster who cut inside the Carlisle defence and smashed the ball straight into the far corner. Another showing of the great quality that the Birmingham-born attacker possesses. 

This was followed by another period of great pressure from the ‘whites’. Midfielder Feeney eventually fired a cross into the box, the cross driving inches past holding midfielder Jay Spearing’s head. The holding midfielder had once again performed his defensive duties brilliantly, linking the defence to the attack and showing no way past for the Carlisle attackers. Thus, it would’ve been great to see him double Rovers’ lead.

Feeney would again soon cross the ball into the box, this time resulting in the Carlisle goalkeeper tipping his deep cross away at the back post.

Carlisle nearly found an equalizer from the boots of leading goalscorer Jon Mellish, goal assisting Peter Clarke being really well positioned to block the shot from inside the box.

This was followed by Hill’s first substitution as Tranmere manager. Midfielder replacing midfielder. Paul Lewis getting his first set of minutes under a new manager, as Feneey who had performed well was subbed off halfway through the second half.

As Carlisle battled for their share of the goals, Hayden elbowed centre half Monthe’s head as both players jumped up for the ball. Substitute midfielder Lewis was soon booked for a supposed late tackle as he battled a defender for the ball at the other end. 

Vaughan nearly added to the scoreline by doubling Rovers’ lead. His header glancing agonisingly wide past the far post as Tranmere searched for their second. 

The ‘whites’ used up three of their five possible replacements when they swapped goalscorer Blackett-Taylor and in-form midfielder Otis Khan for attacker Kaiyne Woolery and new liverpudlian signing Danny Lloyd. The supposed aim of this was to add fresh legs to the attacking and midfield ranks.

There was little action left of this closely contested league two encounter. In truth, it became a bit scrappy. 

However, the Merseyside club dug in and Clarke again used his body to get in the way of a low drive from inside the box before goalkeeper Scott Davies produced a great save to tip the ball around his post. 

Striker would soon replace defender as Vaughan was brought off for Sid Nelson, the ambition was to now not to go for another but to keep the lead they already had. 

However, this became a bit fearful when Davies chose to punch a few crosses late on into the game and missed but his performance would be known for the magnificent saves he pulled off to keep Rovers in the lead.

Tranmere Rovers 1 Carlisle United 0

Line ups –

Tranmere Rovers: Davies, O’Connor, Clarke, Monthe, Macdonald, Spearing, Morris, Khan (Lloyd 77’), Feeney (Lewis 64’), Vaughan (Nelson 91’), Blackett-Taylor (Woolery 76’)

Carlisle United: Farman, Tanner, Hayden, Bennett, Anderton, Riley (Reilly 72’), Guy, Mellish, Alessandra, Kayode (Obiero 83’), Toure (Patrick 61’) 

Stats –

Possession 65%/35%

Shots 7/12

Shots on target 3/2

Corners 6/8

Fouls 14/14

Referee: David Rock

Tranmere Rovers v Carlisle United – The match preview:

Tuesday 24th November 2020

@PrentonPark

English Football League Two

Keith Hill’s time in the Prenton Park hot-seat starts off with a game this Tuesday night against fellow promotion chasers Carlisle United. This encounter will see two clubs, both in great form, come head to head and viewers should be set for a fascinating watch of great attacking intent. If Rovers win and many results go their way they could go up to 6th, inside the playoffs, this would be a perfect start to Hill’s reign. There is plenty on the line.

There is only one certain absentee for Tranmere in this fixture. Striker Stefan Payne is recovering from a recent groin injury operation and will thus be unavailable. Full-back Liam Ridehalgh is a doubt, but not a certainty. The defender stepping up in his recovery processes. However, there is one piece of great news as attacking midfielder Paul Lewis has returned to match fitness. He was subbed late on at home to Grimsby Town, in Tranmere’s 5-0 weekend win, before scoring from the edge of the box after a perfect Morgan Ferrier assist. The services of Paul Lewis will be a great addition to the new manager’s initial plans.

Carlisle United, who sit fourth in the league table, play their home games at Brunton Park and are managed by 46 year old Chris Beech. Beech has been manager since November 2019 and did a great job in keeping his side in the football league in his first season. His ambitions have now been raised, through the start to the season his team has experienced.  The summer saw a great overhaul of squad members, seventeen players were either loaned out or sent away from the club on a permanent basis. One of the many players that left the club was young forward Harry Mckirdy, who was released before signing for Port Vale. However, the ‘Cumbrians’ managed to boost their attacking ranks as Gime Toure joined on a free transfer from the non-league Hartlepool United and Joshua Kayode signed a loan deal that would keep him in the north west until the following summer. Both players have had a great start to the 2020/21 campaign. However, it is Jon Mellish that tops their goalscoring charts with a great record of nine in fifteen. This is Mellish’s second season at the club and if the 6ft2inch 23-year-old starts on Tuesday night, he is certainly a player to look out for.

I expect to see an unchanged eleven from the one that put five past Grimsby at home. Each player put in a great shift on Saturday and this should be rewarded. I also don’t see a way of getting a win against this Tranmere side if they perform in the same manner. 

Line up; Davies, O’Connor, Clarke, Monthe, Macdonald, Spearing, Morris, Khan, Feeney, Vaughan, Blackett-Taylor

Scoreline; Tranmere 2 Carlisle United 1

Saturday’s man of the match Jay Spearing spoke to the press ahead of Tuesday night’s fixture; the midfielder spoke about many different subjects.

On the new manager and his plans:

“Hill had a meeting with us all as a squad on Monday, where he introduced himself and told us his ideas of what he wants to do going forwards, these ideas are very exciting” 

“The squad is going to be used over the next couple of weeks and he is ready to involve everybody. Everyone has a fresh start, so they have got to prove their place and earn their shirt moving forward”

“I’ve only ever heard good things about him. As soon as a new manager comes in you want to get the ball rolling and get on the field to work on his ways, so keeping Dawesy and Parky involved, it is good times and we want to keep this run going”

On Tuesday’s visitors and the squad’s ambitions:

“Carlisle are going to be a tough side to play against. They are going to get in our faces and they are going to want to play”.

“We’ve had a good run, but we can’t dwell on that now. We want to get ourselves back up near the top of the table as it’s where we feel that we belong, this squad is capable of it but we need to keep togetherness and be a unit. We are looking forward to it”.

“Carlisle are on a good run of form, they have won a lot of games and they are sitting in the top four of the league, so it will be a difficult game. However, we are at home and we want to make Prenton Park as a difficult place to come as possible. We will relish this chance in our performances”

“To push up this league, it is about the whole team as a unit and as a squad”

Quotes, as ever, taken from the club’s official website.

https://www.tranmererovers.co.uk/news/2020/november/spearing-excited-to-work-with-new-boss-hill/

If you enjoyed this match preview and want to find out more about Tuesday’s visitors to Prenton Park, Carlisle United. Why not read my Q+A with a ‘Cumbrians’ fan to find out his thoughts on the state his club is in and his opinions on Tranmere; amongst other subjects. 

‘Meeting the opposition’ – Carlisle United F.C

(New manager, Kieth Hill, talking to former interim manager Ian Dawes in training on Monday. The pair will work together in their aim for promotion)

‘Meeting the opposition’ – Carlisle United:

On Tuesday, Carlisle United will travel to Merseyside to face Tranmere Rovers in league two action at Prenton Park. With that in mind, I placed questions towards sports journalism student @LukeWSports who supports the ‘Cumbrians’. I thought it would be interesting to see the thoughts of a fan who’s club will soon face Rovers, to see their opinions of Tranmere and their opinion on the state of their club at the moment; amongst other subjects.

How long have you been a supporter of Carlisle United? How did you discover the club?

I’ve been a fan of Carlisle United since I was 4. I went to see them play against Swansea at the Millenium Stadium in the Football League Trophy final, in 2006. They are my hometown team and I’ve never wanted to support any other.

Where did your club finish last season?

Last season, we finished 18th in league two.

What are your thoughts on your current manager and the state of your club at the moment?

It’s been a really positive start to Chris Beech’s reign as Carlisle manager. He pulled us out of trouble after he was appointed last season and we’ve had a great start to this season, I really think he could be the man to take us up to league one.

What are your expectations for this season?

At the start of the season my expectations were to simply avoid relegation. Now, I think a playoff spot is the least we need to get at this moment in time.

Which one player is your danger man? Why?

We have a number of dangermen so far this season: Gime Toure, JJ Kayode and Callum Guy. However, I’m going to say Jon Mellish because of the fact he has scored 11 goals in 12 games so far this season in all competitions and he just seems to pop up when the team needs someone to create something for them.

What is your score prediction for Tuesday night?

My prediction is a 2-1 Carlisle win, I think it’s going to be a really good game of football with two attacking sides but I think we will nick it.

Random fact about your town/club?

Carlisle was the only city in which the 2012 Olympic torch passed through twice.

Do you support/like any other club apart from Carlisle?

No, I will only ever support Carlisle as they are my team. Even if the club was to go extinct I would never support another team.

Proudest moment as a Carlisle supporter?

My proudest moment as a Carlisle supporter would have to be winning the JPT final 1-0 against Brentford at Wembley in 2011.

What is your opinion of Tranmere Rovers?

I thought Tranmere were a good side when we played against them 2 seasons ago, they had a good away following. This season they started off slow but the convincing win on the weekend against Grimsby is making me think the game against them will be a lot tougher than I originally thought.

I would like to thank Luke Westmorland for his time answering the questions that I placed towards him, this league encounter should be an interesting occasion and I hope that readers enjoyed this Q+A.

Tranmere Rovers v Grimsby Town – The match report

Saturday 21st November 2020

@PrentonPark

English Football League Two

With the attacking quality Tranmere have, it was obvious that sometime soon they would beat a side in their division whilst scoring many goals. However, few would have expected this to come on Saturday afternoon. That is exactly what happened, with a 5-0 victory over Ian Holloway’s Grimsby Town. Rovers are now only three points away from the play offs, with many games left to play. 

The ‘whites’ went into this game having won four of their past four, two being in different cup competitions against teams of a higher division. Their last time out saw a thrilling 4-3 win away to Port Vale, with a wonderful comeback having been 3-2 down in the 92nd minute. Thus, confidence was high and the team was starting to play in a beautifully attacking style. 

It was to the fans’ excitement when the team sheets were released as there was a great number of players in the starting eleven that could cause problems to the visitors defence. The bench was strong also, it wouldn’t have been a surprise to see any of the listed bench players to have been included in the starting eleven. However, looking at the reaction of the Grimsby faithful to their teams eleven they expected the game to be closely contested. In the end, looking at the scoreline, this was far from the case.

Rovers showed their intent from the off, they would put the ‘Mariners’ defence to the sword. This was seen with a great early chance being created by the man who would continue to cause many problems. Young forward Corey Blackett-Taylor would perfectly cross the ball to Vaughan, the striker unable to keep his shot on target from 12 yards out.

There would soon be another beautiful cross, this time from full-back Callum Macdonald. Striker James Vaughan would rise highest to meet the ball, powerfully heading his attempt into the corner of James Mckeown’s net. Rovers had opened the scoreline, this was to be the start of a very successful afternoon.

Vaughan would soon link up with Blackett-Taylor again. The pair continued to cause many problems with their attacking intent. The striker drove forward before slipping it through to the pacey forward who would fire his attempt wide of the target. This was another impressive bit of play. 

In my opinion, central midfielder Jay Spearing should be man of the match. He linked up the defence with the attack extremely well and in this situation, he threw his body in the way of a shot from distance to force a corner. Fortunately, Luke Waterfall’s header would fire over the back post harmlessly. 

This came before Rovers put three past their visitors in quick succession, six minutes to be precise. This meant an away victory would soon be out of the Cleethorpes side’s reach. 

Peter Clarke would fire a header past the Grimsby goalkeeper from a corner, the corner was taken brilliantly by forward veteran Liam Feeney. This was Clarke’s third goal of the season, he is now Tranmere’s second top goal scorer.

Shortly afterwards, winger Blackett-Taylor would use his pace and his skill to take the ball from the halfway line to the goal area. He would beat many members of the Grimsby defence in this run before being fouled before he could get a shot off. This foul came in the goal area, meaning his efforts would result in a penalty. 

Striker James Vaughan would score the third of the afternoon for Tranmere from the penalty spot, keeping his composure to fire the ball into the middle of the net. 

Vaughan is the quickest Rovers player to reach ten league goals since 1997. He had reached ten league goals in eighteen encounters, exactly what Andy Cook had managed to do after being signed in the summer of 2016.

The woes of the ‘Mariners’ would get worse when attacking midfielder Otis Khan would beat a few men and fire past their keeper into the bottom corner from 18 yards. 

There was little much action of the first half left to be played. Davies comfortably claimed a cross at his front post before the whistle blew to conclude a half to forget for Holloways ‘Mariners’.

Again Ian Dawes and Andy Parkinson’s ‘whites’ showed their intent from the off. Liam Feeney would beat the Grimsby Town defence with a quick step over before going to cross but the end product was only a goal kick.

Grimsby’s young striker Owen Windsor would try his best to clinch a goal back in the favour of the visitors, using his pace and skill to get in behind the Rovers defence. However, his attempt would be sliced wide past the Tranmere goalkeeper. 

A Grimsby forward that I haven’t mentioned as of yet but he made his quality known yesterday is Owura Edwards. It was evident in his performance that he is a fast skillful young forward and certainly one to watch across his career in the football league. In this situation he crossed the ball into the box. Again Tranmere’s defence showed no openings, Peter Clarke smashing it clear of the Tranmere goalline. A great piece of no nonsense defending from the veteran centre half. 

Ian Dawes used his substitutions for the first time this afternoon, making a double change for Rovers. Midfielder Paul Lewis and forward Kaiyne Woolery would replace the skillful wingers Corey Blackett-Taylor and Liam Feeney. The pair had caused many problems for the visiting defence with their performances.

Centre-half Manny Monthe would soon do well to get in the way of a shot from inside the box, as the ‘Mariners’ continued to try their best to pull one goal back. The defender would soon be booked for hauling back forward Edwards as he broke clear down the right.

The frustrated former premier league gaffer Ian Holloway was soon booked for his supposed aggression on the touchline. He must’ve used out of favour words towards the officials to receive this punishment. His side would make nothing of the free kick that Manny Monthe had gave away.

Rovers again used their chance of making five subsitions with another double change. The recently signed midfielder Danny Lloyd and striker Morgan Ferrier would replace the brace-scoring James Vaughan and another goalscorer in Otis Khan. 

Rovers would soon conclude the afternoon with a great bit of play between the changes that Ian Dawes had made earlier. Forward Morgan Ferrier would hold the ball up brilliantly, keeping it from a few Grimsby defenders, before spreading it to midfielder Paul Lewis who rifled the ball into the far corner. 

FULL TIME: Tranmere 5 Grimsby Town 0 

Match stats (taken from BBC Sport):

Possession – 57%/43%

Shots – 9/9

Shots on target – 6/1

Corners – 2/5  

Fouls – 13/21 

Thank you for reading,

Stay safe,

Ethan Hoijord

The appointment of Keith Hill

Saturday 21st November

The search for a manager has ended. Tranmere have appointed former Rochdale, Barnsley and Bolton manager Kieth Hill on a contract that sees him as manager at Prenton Park until the end of the season. The contract also holds an option to extend for a further year if he is to get the club promoted to the third division in the 2020/21 campaign. This was announced an hour after Tranmere’s 5-0 win at home against Ian Holloway’s Grimsby Town.

In the end it was not to be any of the names that I had mentioned in my shortlist of the next possible Tranmere managers. The dream of having the Cowley brothers or Nigel Adkins was concluded and replaced by an appointment of former Bolton, Barnsley and Rochdale manager Keith Hill. 

So, who is the new Tranmere manager? Why should we be excited, as fans, about the future of the club? What are the initial thoughts and feelings across the fan base? What are my initial thoughts? I aim to go into depth on all subject matters in this write-up.

Keith Hill is a 51 year old manager with a great experience of English football. He has managed 678 football league games, across the three different divisions below the premier league leaving him with a 38% win percentage. He also played in the football league, for clubs including Plymouth Argyle, Cheltenham Town and Rochdale. The centre half also featured for Blackburn Rovers, departing the club a few seasons before they won the newly formed premier league.  

The new Tranmere manager has achieved two promotions in the division that Rovers currently play in, one in each spell of his time as Rochdale manager. He has managed three different clubs across the span of a fourteen year career in the ‘hot seats’ of English football. More importantly, in four full seasons as a league two manager he has never finished outside of the play-offs. 

Hill’s managerial career started as manager of the ‘Dale’, he had played for the club for five years during his athletic years thus he knew the place well. The now 51 year old had excelled in this role, promoting the club from league two to league one before achieving the club’s highest league finish in over thirty years as they finished in the top ten of the third division. It wasn’t easy but he managed to show his quality in the earliest of occasions, in his first season, taking over a struggling team that he would guide to a play-off final that ultimately ended in defeat.

He would soon swap Manchester for Barnsley, promoting his personal position up by one division, in the summer of 2011. Barnsley were struggling financially, with a poor playing budget in relation to their fellow league competitors, this budget meant they were able to sign players from lower leagues such as forward Matt Done and tall defender Scott Wiseman. He would guide the club to championship safety. Yet he would be relieved of his duties halfway into his second campaign, following a poor start to the season with many influential players being unavailable for selection due to an injury crisis. Former promotion winner David Perkins being one of those unavailable players.

Very shortly afterwards, following the clubs dismissal of now Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman, Hill would return to the club he had once led to league two promotion. He would guide the club to another great league two promotion, the side being relegated when he was not at the club. His managerial quality would again be shown when he guided Rochdale to safety and they would soon become a side that was comfortable within midtable, which is an achievement for the size of the club and with the money he had at his disposal. However this momentum would dip and the ambitions would soon turn after a couple of seasons of being comfortable, the ambition was to now avoid relegation. Hill wouldn’t be relegated, his only relegation coming in his next managerial role, yet the club would be relegated a season after dismissing him of his duties. 

Keith Hill is supposedly, and this is where everything becomes controversial as the history of the club and Tranmere is steeped in rivalry, a fan of Bolton Wanderers. Thus, his ‘dream’ would come true when he was appointed manager of the ‘Trotters’ in August 2019. Yet Hill’s job, although he claimed it to be his ‘dream’, was always going to be tough as the club was suffering with administrational and financial issues. The greater manchester club would have to sign nine players in the few days that followed Hill’s appointment in order to have a comfortable squad depth as they had to start the season with an extremely inexperienced team. This squad depth would not be enough to reach the newly found ambition of the club, to stabilize themselves in the third division, they would be relegated after the season would be curtailed early due to the newly discovered worldwide problem .. the coronavirus outbreak. Hill had done well, Bolton had done well under the circumstances and they even managed to beat Tranmere in a home fixture in February. However, Bolton declared that his contract would not be extended.

Hill would be announced manager of Tranmere Rovers in mid November, having been out of the game since mid march. 

Why am I excited, after listening to his first interview, about the appointment of a manager that has never failed to finish outside of the playoffs in the club’s current division?. 

Taken, as ever, from the clubs official website; (https://www.tranmererovers.co.uk/news/2020/november/keith-hills-first-interview-as-tranmere-manager/)

Style of play we can expect to see – ‘Fans should be excited by the performances and results they see’ ‘We will score goals and I love attacking football, the DNA of the team will be to attack, we need to create the link between the team and the supporters’ ‘The football will certainly be enjoyable to watch’

The ambitions he has for the club – ‘Our aim is to challenge for promotion, this is an exciting challenge’ ‘It is about making progress and it is going to be small progress because at this moment in time there isn’t much that needs changing’ ‘There is a lot of ambition at this club and so there should be, this is a big club’

His admiration for the facilities he now has at his disposal – ‘The training facilities at the club’s training ground (Solar Campus) is exceptional’

Happiness about the Bolton-born manager’s new role – ‘I am very happy to be at this club’ ‘I am really excited about representing this fantastic football club’

Respect for the fans – ‘We have a tremendous fan base and the community is great as well, in terms of getting behind the team’ 

Squads quality in strength and depth – ‘This squad is experienced, it has a good depth and it is going to be a privilege to work with this group and the current staff’

Admiration for his staff, he will be working alongside interim managers Andy Parkinson and Ian Dawes – ‘The staff have done tremendous to turn this form around in the last five matches’

The need for togetherness, his joy that it is already there – ‘Just watching the away game against Port Vale, the togetherness and the celebrations as they erupted at the final whistle, it brought everyone together. It is maintaining and establishing that team spirit amongst the players, staff and supporters’

Thus, based on this interview and his managerial career so far I am very excited about the appointment of Keith Hill. Hill is a manager that has done well in his career so far, winning two promotions from this division and in my opinion he will soon make this a third. I love his optimism and his knowledge of the football club. It is great that he wants to play attacking progressive football as this is when the game is best played. It is also great that the words that he has used are words that mean he is proud to represent the fans and the board and he wants to use this pride to be successful with what he believes is a great squad. It is also great that he has chosen to keep Andy Parkinson and Ian Dawes at the club as they have guided the ‘whites’ to the hope of success with a beautiful playing style. Thus, I believe the future looks promising and I see nothing to be upset about.

Unfortunately it appears that the majority of the fanbase don’t share my views. The club appointed Hill at 6pm, across their social media platforms and the hate directed to this decision spiralled into a tweet under an hour later from the clubs co-owner Nicola Palios. ‘Only Tranmere fans could have a meltdown over the appointment of a manager who has only ever had success in this division. Sickened by some of the comments, I’m signing off twitter’. 

Thus, I decided it was best to get the thoughts of fans that may have a difference in opinion to mine. I would like to thank those that replied.

‘Definitely an interesting appointment. I can actually see it paying off and I’m very excited to see how we approach the game on Tuesday’ – @Callum_TRFC_

‘He might be it, he might not be, he says he brings attacking football, he has put a lot of pressure on himself from his interview but we will be fine if we can get the attack firing. He will be a good appointment if he doesn’t try and sabotage us. I am excited despite my initial disappointment but I am looking forward to this and it is also good that we have only signed him on a six month contract so he has time but his time reflects whether he is part of the clubs future or not. Did fantastic at Rochdale and he was steering Bolton in the right direction, look forward to what’s next’ – @lonelymanatpp

‘Disappointed with the appointment as I thought the club would be a bit more ambitious especially with the level of ambition prior when we were in league one. However, I do feel like he is experienced and the fact he wants to play attacking football and has kept Ian Dawes at the club does give me hope. If the style of football remains the same I’ll be thrilled as he gives the experience that they don’t have’ – @ftblsam

‘Quite underwhelming considering the names that were being linked to the job, however he’s kept Dawes at the club as well as Parkinson and he talks about playing attacking football whilst getting everyone involved with goals. It’ll be exciting to see how we play in the big games now we have a manager with experience to coach us through the season’ – @thomas_whewell

It will certainly be an interesting few weeks ahead.

Thank you very much for reading,

Stay safe,

Ethan Hoijord

Tranmere Rovers v Grimsby Town

English Football League Two

Saturday 21st November 2020

@PrentonPark

Ian Dawes and Andy Parkinson head into their third league game as joint interim managers this weekend, as they are set to host the ‘Mariners’ Grimsby Town. 

Saturday’s encounter is set to be a tough and entertaining closely-fought league fixture at Prenton Park, yet Rovers know all about games like these if the Merseyside club’s last few performances are anything to go by of course.

The first two fourth division displays under the Dawes and Parkinson interim reign have seen Tranmere pick up six points with two victories away from home. A 1-0 win at Harrogate as well as a 4-3 win at Port Vale. There has been an obvious improvement in quality in comparison to the standard shown in the first ten games of the season, there has been a great sense of togetherness with a great showing of attacking intent and Corey Blackett-Taylor has certainly added to the sides attacking ranks since coming back from injury. Thus, it will pose serious questions to the board if the same fighting spirit and footballing quality are shown as to why the next permanent manager isn’t already at the club,  as the long search for a Mike Jackson replacement goes on.

This weekend is set to pose many interesting questions of both sides, viewers are in for a great watch.

There are little, but yet still few, absentees from the upcoming tie against Ian Holloway’s ‘Mariners’.

Full-back Liam Ridehalgh is absent due to a groin injury, yet there is hope of the 29-year-old returning to training in the early stages of next week.

Forward Stefan Payne is another certain unavailable athlete, recovering from a recent operation that he had on a long term suffering groin injury.

Attacking midfielder Paul Lewis may make a return to action against Grimsby Town, the Liverpudlian 25-year-old sustained an injury in the FA Cup 1st round against Accrington Stanley.

In Ian Dawes and Andy Parkinson’s fifth competitive fixture together as joint interim managers, they are up against former Premier league boss Ian Holloway.

Holloway has managed in the first division with three different clubs: Queen’s Park Rangers, Blackpool and Crystal Palace. This was done by guiding the clubs to promotion from the championship, with an automatic place and a play-off final win against Cardiff City and Watford.

The 57 year old was appointed manager of the league two side in December 2019, fans being very excited about the appointment with what he had been able to add on his CV across the course of his football management career so far.

In his initial season, he guided the Blundell Park ‘Mariners’ to a comfortable position of 15th whilst securing the signatures of four promising footballers: attackers Billy Clarke, James Tilley and Elliot Grandin as well as full-back Bradley Garmston. Three of those four players have since been either released or ‘sold’ on a free transfer.

The summer of 2020 saw a major turnaround within the squad, fifteen names departed the north eastern gates including star midfielder Jake Hessenthaller. Fifteen names also came in, as hopefully beneficial replacements. Starman Owen Windsor signed a loan deal from Premier league West Bromwich Albion. The 19 year old centre forward has three goal involvements in eight appearances so far this season; two goals and an assist. He will certainly be a player that will pose questions of the Tranmere defence, if his name is on the team sheet.

His side are currently placed 19th, after a very uneven/poor start. Defeats including the ones against Salford City 4-0 and 1-0 away to Forest Green Rovers have added to the team’s woes as they have also been knocked out of all cup competitions. However, they will this weekend travel to Merseyside in the hope of adding to the league victory of last time out against Barrow AFC.

Predictions:

Line-up; Davies,Feeney,Nelson,Clarke,Monthe,Macdonald,Lloyd,Spearing,Morris,Vaughan,Blackett-Taylor

Scoreline;

Tranmere Rovers 3 Grimsby Town 1 

Quotes from interim manager Ian Dawes, heading into his third league encounter. He tells viewers about the injury list and what he expects to face this upcoming weekend:

“We have had a good run of performances and a good run of results, so we can’t complain at the moment and we want to keep that going. The players are playing well, and they are a joy to watch. The performances are important, and the entertainment is great, but we are just concerned about winning games. The more we perform, the more we play well together as a team, so going into the game, it is just important that we win the game. Results and performances lift the group, and the training has a buzz, and the lads are really eager to get the game started, they are looking forward to it. We are all looking forward to it as a group of staff, players, and I’m sure the fans are as well. He (Holloway) has had a great career and he is continuing to do really well at Grimsby. They have got a typical Holloway-style of football, so we know that the game won’t be easy, but we know if we keep performing and have the application that we have done in the past few games, then we are confident that we can win the game. We are only looking at what we are doing and what we are capable of doing, and what we plan to do moving forward, but we are aware of the opposition and where they are in the league and we’re wary of their strengths and threats, but it is more about us. I think that the mentality is different from the players. We are approaching games confident that we are going to go into it and win the game and the most important game is always the next one. Paul is back in training, so he will be available for selection for Saturday, so the injury update at the moment is, there’s only Rides who is carrying his little groin injury, It wasn’t as bad as we thought, which is great news, and we’re hoping to have him back training early next week. But other than that, everyone is back and we’re looking forward to Saturday.”

(Quotes as ever, taken from the club’s official website ‘https://www.tranmererovers.co.uk/news/2020/november/dawes-looking-to-keep-up-winning-run/’)

If you enjoyed reading this match preview, why not read the Q+A in the link below? I ask questions of a life-long Grimsby Town supporter about the club’s position on and off the pitch, get the repliers personal views and experiences as well as finding out his thoughts of this weekend’s fixture.

‘Meeting the opposition’ – Grimsby Town;

Thank you very much for reading, 

Stay safe,

Ethan Hoijord.

The future – the managers I’d love to see in the Prenton Park hot seat.

The next task the Palios’ have, if they weren’t busy enough already, is to appoint a manager in the hope of extending Rovers’ positive performances and results. Tranmere’s next league encounter is at home to Grimsby Town, this fixture will be played on Saturday afternoon. Andy Parkinson and Ian Dawes, the manager of the reserves, will of course take charge as interim managers. However, below is a list of names of managers that I’d love to see appointed if Parkinson and Dawes do not sign permenant deals as Tranmere’s joint managers.

Nigel Adkins – Birkenhead-born Adkins was once goalkeeper for Tranmere, between 1983 and 1986. He met Palios during his time at the club. He went on to play for Wigan Athletic and Bangor City. After his time as a goalkeeper, he went on to have a successful career as football manager. He managed: Scunthorpe, Southampton, Reading, Sheffield United and Reading. He has managed 535 league games and from this has a 42% win percentage. His greatest honours include two league one promotions with Scunthorpe United and he took Southampton from league one to the premier league. Adkins left his last role in the summer of 2019, following his contract’s end date as Hull City manager. 

Paul Cook – Liverpudlian manager Paul Cook had a successful career as a midfielder. He represented Wolverhampton, Burnley and Tranmere (aswell as many other clubs). Before retiring, as an athlete, in 2006. He has since managed Sligo Rovers, Chesterfield, Portsmouth and Wigan (amongst many others). He guided Chesterfield and Portsmouth to the league two title and won a title in a higher division, league one with Wigan. His successful 48% win percentage across 107 Portsmouth matches and 41% win percentage across 155 Wigan matches also speaks highly of what he is capable of, he will be a fantastic appointment for Tranmere. 

Cowley Brothers – The Cowley’s rose to ‘fame’ during their time at Braintree Town Football Club in the Vanarama National League. They took a team that looked set to be relegated, to the play-offs whilst playing a beautiful style of football. They did this whilst being part-time managers as they were also PE teachers at a local secondary school. After this season, they waved goodbye to the classrooms as they travelled up north to Lincoln City. They promoted the ‘Imps’ to the fourth division and went on a wonderful FA Cup run; beating Burnley at the premier league club’s stadium ‘Turf Moor’ to set up a tie away at Arsenal. After two seasons in league two, they took Lincoln to league one before being named as Huddersfield Town managers in the championship. It didn’t exactly work out for them during their time at the ‘Terriers’. However, their track record of success ‘speaks for itself’ and they are a pair that are highly sought after as football league managers. 

Graham Alexander – Graham Alexander has had a great career in football. He has played over 150 games for Scunthorpe, Luton, Preston and Burnley and he has since managed Fleetwood, Scunthorpe and Salford City. Whilst a player, he appeared for his nation of Scotland, over forty times. His win percentage as manager is successful, he has a 43% win percentage over 372 football league games which proves that he would be a good appointment. 

The recruitment stage is set to be a fairly interesting and exciting one, if the recruitment of players is anything to go by, the Tranmere faithful are set for a successful season ahead.

Port Vale 3 Tranmere Rovers 4

@Vale Park

EFL2

4/11/20

Ian Dawes and Andy Parkinson’s 100% winning streak continues into their fourth game together as interim managers, with an amazing comeback in Stoke-On-Trent. The game will certainly be one to remember for years to come, action packed from the start with dubious officiating and a very high quality shown within Rovers’ performance. Going into the game, I predicted that this league encounter at Vale Park against JohnAskey’s ‘Valiants’ was going to be very closely contested yet I believed we would win. I predicted correctly, yet I underestimated how much action was to be involved. Should Dawes and Parkinson be named as permanent managers? They are certainly showing the Tranmere managerial role the respect it deserves, taking their side from a team that lacked confidence and ability to create into a side that looks practically unbeatable. Very exciting times for the Merseyside club, as the quality ‘on paper’ proves its quality on the pitch.

I personally believe, although I have seen people say that the game completely changed when the hosts received a red card, that Tranmere were always in control of the game and their attacking threat was shown from the off. Vale defended very well in the opening stages as their visitors started off with an attacking intent. Rovers only managed to create a few overhit crosses in the opening ten minutes despite a period of high possession. For example, young forward Corey Blackett-Taylor paced past his man but his cross had too much power on it and it went out for a throw in. However, they would certainly scare their hosts when they failed to pounce onto the space that attacking midfielder Otis Khan found himself in. Khan’s shot hit the bar, from distance, before bouncing out of the goal area. It would be Vale that opened the scoring, in the 16th minute, 24-year-old midfielder Tom Conlon converting from the penalty spot. This wouldn’t stop the momentum that Dawes and Parkinson’s men had built, full-back Calum Macdonald’s shot from the edge of the area whistling past the post. There were certainly encouraging signs shown from the visitors ability to attack, after a period of possession and attacking intent. However, Vale would double the scoreline in the 24th minute. A well worked corner finding the feet of forward David Amoo in the box and he was able to fire it past veteran goalkeeper Scott Davies. This was to be Vale’s last attack of the half, yet Rovers continued to pile the pressure onto their opponents defence. Tranmere’s attacking intentions resulted in set pieces that the taker failed to fire past the first defender, which of course was a Port Vale man.

Again, the Merseyside club would start a half of the encounter between two promising sides by attacking their afternoon hosts. Khan brought the ball forward and found the feet of Blackett-Taylor on the wing, the wingers shot forcing the keeper into making a good save. The pressure seemed to be too much for Vale to handle, as tempers flared in the middle of the park. Tempers flared that highly that veteran midfielder Luke Joyce would deliver a reckless tackle on Kieron Morris, this high-footed tackle would see Port Vale going from eleven to ten men. Very shortly afterwards, Blackett-Taylor would again beat his defender before crossing the ball to striker James Vaughan who struck his fifth goal of the season. Vale fans complained that there was a push by the winger before he crossed the ball successfully into the box, I think that if a foul was given it would’ve been very ‘soft’. A few minutes of madness soon followed, either way Rovers managed to equalise. Newly recruited midfielder Danny Lloyd’s shot was blocked in the box, Vaughan followed up and he netted. Yet it was to be ruled out for an apparent Lloyd handball, when attempting to place it in the way of his team mate. However, a second penalty of the afternoon was soon given when a Vale defender was late to reach the ball in his box, inevitably striking his leg onto the leg of a Tranmere forward who had his eyes on the ball. Vaughan would smash the ball ‘home’ from the penalty spot to get his second of the afternoon, straight into the roof of the net. Rovers would make their first substitution of the half when midfielder, Danny Lloyd, replaced forward Morgan Ferrier. Dawes and Parkinson using this sub in the aim of scoring a winner. However, the ‘Valiants’ would soon get a free kick at the other end for a drag back on a shirt as they delivered the ball into the box. This free kick was delivered perfectly into the box, meeting the head of Devante Rodney before reaching the back of the net. A great disappointment as the Rovers side had their eyes on scoring the winner, the defending for this goal to blame as no one came close to marking the goalscorer. Kaiyne Woolery soon replaced Corey Blackett-Taylor, an addition of pace up front. The visiting interim managers made another sub before stoppage time, loanee striker Sam Smith replacing centre-half Sid Nelson the game plan was now obvious. In stoppage time, there were what supporters call ‘scenes’ or ‘limbs’ .. a certain great few moments of euphoria followed. Firstly, Manny Monthe hit the ball up from his defensive position .. the ball was headed backwards by a Port Vale defender into the feet of forward Kaiyne Woolery who slot ‘home’ perfectly from not too far out. Slight euphoria as a point was gained from a losing position, yet there was a belief that with a few minutes left on the clock there was more to come. Attack after attack, the ball soon fell to Morris who controlled perfectly and … HIT IT STRAIGHT INTO THE TOP CORNER FROM FAR OUT. Rovers had done it. Scott Davies ran up to the attacking end, as players piled on top of each other in a last minute celebration. A victory had been achieved, a very deserved victory. Scenes in front of the ‘Ifollow’ packages that were followed by an Ian Dawes fist pump, I suppose it was a gesture of pride towards Mark Palios. If there’s one thing that we, as Rovers fans, can be proud of excluding the quality that we showed it is the sense of togetherness between everyone from managerial positions to players. The celebration of Morris’ winning goal typified that. The sense of togetherness is something that is needed within a team that is striving towards promotion and it is something that we can thank Ian Dawes and Andy Parkinson for reigniting into a once seemingly battered squad.

Quotes – from Ian Dawes following this league victory – https://www.tranmererovers.co.uk/news/2020/november/dawes-on-dramatic-three-points-at-vale/:

“I know it was a 4-3 game, but I was always calm about the side,” he said. “Even at 2-0 down, I thought we played really well and were the team dominating possession and likely to score. We came unstuck with a penalty and a clever set-play. It was great play from them and something we weren’t aware of. At half-time, I said to the boys that we were the better team and we had to stay positive. I told them they would come through this with a result and it will be a point in the season where you go, ‘We didn’t half kick-on from there. Some people may say the sending off changed the game but even if we had kept eleven men on the pitch, the way we were playing, it was only a matter of time before we broke them down,” he admitted. We knew that the next goal after half-time was going to be important: we got it and knew we had the momentum then. Credit to the boys for the character and effort in the team, it was outstanding.  It was disappointing the way we conceded the third goal, it’s three set-plays conceded today and something we’ve got to look at. But, even at that point, Parky was telling me that we would be fine and that we would get back into this.” 

Stats:

Possession – 32%/68%

Shots – 8/15

Shots on target – 4/6

Corners – 2/5

Fouls – 19/15