Tranmere were at the top of League One…

When Tranmere Ruled League 1… For Two and a Half Months in 2012

For twelve games at the start of the 2012/13 season, Tranmere played some of the most electrifying football that the club had seen since the John King era, matching hard work with skill as they stormed to the top of the league. While somewhat ephemeral, it was also fantastic. Ronnie Moore had returned to Tranmere in March 2012 to arrest an alarming slide down the League 1 table. Replacing Les Parry after a run of 1 win in 20 matches, Moore galvanised the club, dragging them to safety with 6 wins and 4 draws from their final 13 games of the season. This run of form carried over the summer and into the start of the following campaign.

The bulk of the squad remained from the year before, allowing Moore to simply tweak what was already in place, rather than starting from scratch. The backline was built around Owain Fon Williams in goal, with Danny Holmes, Zoumana Bakayogo and Ash Taylor three quarters of a watertight defence that kept 6 clean sheets in their first 12 league games. The final piece of the jigsaw was Middlesbrough loanee Ben Gibson, signed to help ease an injury crisis in central defence. Gibson was largely unknown, a 19-year old graduate from the Boro academy with little league football under his belt. Not that this mattered. Gibson was the proverbial old head on young shoulders, with a comfort on the ball that stood him in good stead for a career further up the pyramid.

In midfield, Andy Robinson’s guile complimented Bakayogo’s pace from left back, with Robinson cutting infield and Bakayogo keeping the pitch as wide as possible with his overlapping runs. Moore had pulled off something of a coup by signing the highly rated James Wallace permanently from Everton. At just 20, Wallace had been handed the captain’s armband by his manager. Possessing a fine passing range, leadership and drive, Wallace was inspirational in the centre of the park. Alongside him, Liam Palmer arrived on loan from Sheffield Wednesday. Another relative youngster, Palmer was comfortable in possession and happy to keep circulating the ball with simple passes. Vying for the starting place on the right of the midfield four were Joe Thompson and Abdulai Bell-Baggie, both direct wingers harking back to the days of Johnny Morrissey and Pat Nevin.

The front two were Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro and Jake Cassidy. Cassidy had scored 5 goals in 10 appearances at the tail end of the previous season for Tranmere while on loan from Wolves. This run of form had convinced his parent club to allow him to return to Prenton Park for the first half of the next season. Akpa Akpro was a more maverick forward hailing from France and capable of producing moments of magic, as his song attested. Their different attributes worked well in concert, while permitting both to regularly find the back of the net.

What followed was as surprising as it was entertaining. Tranmere scored 29 goals in their opening dozen games, conceding just 8, and playing attractive, free-flowing football that propelled them to the top of the League 1 table. It was in stark contrast to Moore’s previous spell at the club. Operating with a comparatively limited budget, Moore assembled industrious sides that were often more than the sum of their parts, yet sprinkled with a touch of creativity. Despite their modest means, Tranmere finished 9th, 11th and 7th in successive years under Moore, with the play offs never being too far away. Indeed Moore spoke of his shock at being dismissed following his 3rd season at the helm.

On his return, Moore’s team played with a greater level of expansion that resulted in something of a goal glut, with Cassidy, Robinson and Akpa Akpro the men chiefly responsible, and Cassidy and Robinson both netting hat tricks by the start of September. While goals flew in at one end, the Taylor-GIbson axis was defensively sound at the other. The 6 clean sheets recorded from the opening 12 games was testament to that.

Opening the season with a resounding 3-1 home win against Leyton Orient, Rovers followed that up by beating Carlisle 3-0 at Brunton Park thanks to an incredible trio of goals from Robinson, that included two directly from free kicks. After salvaging a point away at Shrewsbury via a late Akpa Akpro goal, Tranmere then kept 4 consecutive clean sheets while putting four goals past Colchester, with Cassidy notching a hat trick of his own, and seeing off Coventry and Bury comfortably. An away trip to Crawley put Rovers in an unfamiliar position. Having gone ahead early, the Whites were suddenly 2-1 down. A surge down the left from Bakayogo, who picked out Cassidy, levelled the scores, before Akpa Akpro nudged the visitors ahead after the break. Cassidy pounced again to extend the lead, with Robinson rounding off the scoring as Tranmere came away from a barmy game 5-2 winners. Brentford’s 96th minute equaliser stopped the league leaders from recording a fourth straight victory, however it mattered little, as Moore’s men secured two away wins from their next two fixtures, against Scunthorpe and Notts County respectively. The win at Meadow Lane had come at a cost, however. Akpa Akpro had limped off with a fractured metatarsal and would be out for around 3 months. It was a precursor to what would ultimately derail Rovers’ season.

When Yeovil arrived at Prenton Park in mid-October they stunned all in attendance by racing into a 2-goal lead before half an hour had been played. Wallace headed home on the stroke of half time to cut the deficit and rally the home side into mounting a comeback. Just six minutes into the second half and Cassidy had drawn the hosts level, before Holmes completed the turnaround with 12 minutes to play.

The performance epitomised the early part of the season. Moore’s more usual attributes of grit and determination were blended with the creativity that had been on display throughout the campaign so far, to see his side collect 30 points from their first 12 games. It was a remarkable situation, made even more remarkable by the fact that Cassidy, Robinson and Akpa Akpro were all among the leading goal scorers in the division.

Ultimately, injuries would scupper the chances of the team fighting for promotion. Wallace was injured in an FA Cup tie against Chesterfield in December and spent nearly a year out, while Gibson, Robinson and Akpa Akpro all picked up lengthy injuries of their own. Cassidy’s loan was not extended and he played his final game for Tranmere that season on 1st January. The table toppers of late summer and early autumn would never get to play together again once Akpa Akpro hobbled off against Notts County. But what a late summer and early autumn it had been.

Mansfield Town FC meeting the opposition.

Mansfield Town FC meeting the opposition. 

On Saturday afternoon, Nigel Clough’s Mansfield Town travel to Prenton Park to face Tranmere Rovers. 

Rovers have greatly struggled to build any consistency this campaign however one shining light has been their home form, with wins against Leyton Orient and play-off chasers Salford City in the past month. 

The Stags are unbeaten in their last five, with a 4-0 away win against Carlisle United on Tuesday night thus they will be in high spirits going into this one. 

Ahead of the game, I spoke to Town supporter Sam Binch. 

After finishing 7th in League Two last season, Mansfield Town are currently placed sixth. How would you describe the campaign so far? 

Been a bit of a strange one as for most of it we’ve been inconsistent but still found ourselves in the play-off mix. A bit below where we want to be but we’re in some of our best form of the season ahead of this game.

Do you believe that the team is looking much better this season? If so, why? 

No, for the most part I would say we haven’t hit the heights of last season as of yet in terms or performance levels, but the results are starting to come.

In the January window, four players were brought in including attacking midfielder Davis Keillor-Dunn from Burton Albion. Were the issues that needed to be addressed focused on? 

A lot of them were addressed. We needed a dominant, natural centre back and Alfie Kilgour fits that bill, he’s also scored 3 in 4! Callum Johnson looked impressive at wing back, very solid and a threat going forward. Louis Reed added bite to the midfield and experience at a higher level, and Keillor-Dunn has added guile to the attack, his first touch is excellent and allows us to get up the pitch. Unfortunately Johnson and Reed are now injured. The only position we’re lacking a natural replacement for is left back/wing back. 

Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough, what are your thoughts on him? His playing style and his relationship with fans? 

Some of his decision making and tactical decisions are frustrating at times but he has improved the team incrementally each season so far and will be looking to do the same again this season. I think he’s proved he can produce a team that can be in and around the top seven but it’s yet to be seen if they can go that extra step.

Carolyn and John Radford are the Owners, thoughts on them and their relationship with fans? Are there any current great plans in place? 

Nobody can question their generosity in terms of finances, they generally provide all a manager could want. Their managerial appointments/sackings over the years can be questioned but it will be a very sad day if they ever decided to step away.

Will Swan is top scorer with nine goals in 26 games, George Lapslie is another player worth keeping an eye on as the 25-year-old has six goals and five assists in 28 games. How would you describe their playing styles? 

George Lapslie has moved to Gillingham in the transfer window. Will Swan has been relegated to impact sun as of late, with the preferred partnership being Akins and Keillor-Dunn. Akins is the hold up man and when his touch is good it’s a role he excels in. Keillor-Dunn buzzes around and gets involved in the build up.

Where will the key battles be played out on Saturday? 

Whoever continues to fill in at left wing back, probably Wallace or Bowery, will need to perform again out of position.

Score prediction? The last game between Tranmere and Mansfield resulted in a 1-0 victory for The Stags, Riley Harbottle netting on the hour mark. 

I can see a draw, 1-1.

Thoughts on Micky Mellon’s Rovers? Would you say a Play-off spot for May is a realistic ambition? 

I think they’ll end up mid table, there seems to be a weird vibe around the club at the moment, there doesn’t seem to be much ambition for the club to push on.

Tranmere are unbeaten in their last five home games and a win this weekend may take them up to tenth in the League Two table. 

It is their away form that will need to change if they are to mount a serious play-off push. 

Bradford City FC meeting the opposition.

Bradford City meeting the opposition. 

Other than a lack of quality at times, Tranmere Rovers’ biggest problem this season has been their consistency. 

On Saturday afternoon, Micky Mellon’s men beat Salford City 1-0 with a first half strike from Kieron Morris. Can The Whites back up their performance when they travel to Valley Parade this Tuesday night? Time will tell. 

Mark Hughes’ Bradford are currently placed eighth and are in fine form having beat Stevenage 3-2 on the weekend. 

Bantams supporter Adam Sopf spoke to me about all things City ahead of the game.  

How long have you been supporting Bradford? What are some of your best and worst moments supporting the club?

I’ve been going since I was about 14. The FA Cup run in the 14/15 season was probably one of the best moments and nothing has matched it since. The past 5 years of supporting City have been pretty depressing so I could pick any moment from then.

After finishing 14th last season, The Bantams are currently positioned 9th and have failed to win any of their last three (Mark Hughes’ side will play away at Stevenage before the game against Tranmere). How would you describe the campaign so far?

It’s the first season in a long time where you can tell we’re starting to move forward as a club and starting to do things right off the pitch. I think most City fans expected us to be a bit higher up the table at this stage of the season, but Mark Hughes has the backing of the majority of fans. We’ve shown glimpses of how well we can really play but at the same time it’s also been frustrating because of how inconsistent we can be. 

How has last summer’s recruitment fared? Players such as Timi Odusina, Centre back from Hartlepool. Winger Harry Chapman from Blackburn Rovers and Striker Vadaine Oliver from Gillingham were brought in.

The summer saw a huge revamp in the squad. The quality of the recruitment has been head and shoulders above anything we’ve had in the past 5 years thanks to the appointment of Stephen Gent as head of recruitment. Gents’ most impressive piece of business was uncovering a hidden gem of a goalkeeper, Harry Lewis. This man is an incredible shot-stopper, calm on the ball, has quality distribution and he’s only 25. Lewis is going to be playing a lot higher than League Two in a few years. 

In the January window seven players were brought in, either on loan or on a permanent deal, to cover all areas of the pitch. Do you feel enough was done to address the issues the side had?

Our main issue going into January was the lack of midfielders. It was probably our weakest part of the pitch and teams would dominate us in midfield. The signing of the experienced Adam Clayton from Doncaster has helped us massively but we’re still a bit light in that area. Unfortunately, we lost Tyreik Wright to Plymouth in January and none of his replacements (Nevers and Costelloe) look anywhere near as good as he was. Time will tell if January made us stronger or weaker. I’m sitting on the fence.

Bradford’s manager is arguably the best in the league, former Stoke and Manchester City boss Mark Hughes. Thoughts on him, his playing style and his relationship with supporters?

Mark Hughes normally likes to play out from the back starting from the goalkeeper whilst playing a 4-2-3-1 but after a poor run of form, he’s switched it up slightly to play more direct to the frontmen and currently plays a narrow diamond in midfield. Most fans are behind Mark Hughes due to the maturity he’s brought to the club. Our fans can be very fast to jump on a manager’s back but that hasn’t often happened this season. I think he’s earned the respect of many because of what he’s done in the game.

Stefan Rupp is the Owner. Thoughts on him? What would you like to see being changed at the club in the near future?

We never really hear much about him, to be honest. I think he’s been to one or maybe two games since the start of the pandemic but to be fair to him he keeps us afloat and puts money in but one day I would like to see someone with a bit more of a footballing vision. We have to thank him for not selling us to those clowns at Crawley!

Tranmere promotion winner Andy Cook is top scorer with seventeen goals in thirty games. How would you describe his playing style and who are the other key players?

Andy Cooks is so much more than just a target man. He’s been one of the best strikers we’ve had over the past 10 years and everyone loves him. His finishing ability is deadly, just give him one sniff at goal and 9 times out of 10 it’s IN the back of the net. Jamie Walker is another key player. He was probably our marquee signing from the summer but he’s been out most of the season. His form has just started to pick up as he gets a run of games.

Where will the key battles be played on Tuesday? Score prediction?

The key battles will definitely be in the middle as we’ve been looking to overload it over the past few games. If you keep Andy Cook quiet then we don’t really have another goal threat. The Stevenage win will have given us a big boost in confidence, I’m going 2-0 City.

Thoughts on The Rovers? Where do you see them finishing in May?

You’re very inconsistent this season, results-wise, but you’ve done okay after a tough run of fixtures. I think you’ll finish mid table.

Bradford City’s Valley Parade. Rovers will look to find some consistency in their performance when they travel here on Tuesday night having drawn there last season.

Salford City meeting the opposition.

Salford City FC meeting the opposition.

Following Tranmere’s defeat away to Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night, The Whites are back in action this weekend when they play host to Salford City. 

Rovers signed five players in the January window, all of which excited fans however they are yet to register a win since the transfer window slammed shut. 

Salford are placed fifth thus will provide a challenge to Mellon’s men. 

I spoke to Ammies supporter Adam Franks ahead of the game. 

How long have you been supporting Salford? What are some of your best and worst experiences following the club?

I’ve supported the club since 2007, my Nana’s next door neighbour was a player at the time, Matty Burke. So because of the connections I went on down. 

My personal best experience has got to be beating Fylde at Wembley to secure promotion to the EFL.

My personal worst experience was losing to Halifax in the National League North play-offs when we got beat on penalties. 

What are your thoughts on the campaign so far with The Ammies currently positioned fifth?

I’m really impressed with the quality of football we’ve been producing. We as every club have to adjust to a new manager’s way of playing but we’ve adapted well and it’s showing. 

Former Manchester United U23’s boss Neil Wood was given his first senior managerial role last summer when he took charge of Salford. What are your thoughts on him, his playing style and his relationship with fans? 

When the appointment was made I didn’t want to be too hasty with my opinion but obviously he’s been at United for so long so he clearly knows what he’s doing. 

In a way I preferred a manager who was ‘under the radar’ than a big name appointment as that just adds unwanted pressure.

Was it right to replace the experienced Gary Bowyer with him?

Gary did exceptionally well with us and it was a shame we missed out on the play offs, I did think it was a shame to see him leave. 

How successfully do you believe The Class of 92 are running the club? What are some of the current plans that are exciting supporters?

The Class of 92 are doing an incredible job. They are trying to bring back the non league feel to a football league club however there are no plans that I can think of. 

The January transfer window saw two players join the club, Striker Callum Morton from Fleetwood Town and Winger Shane McCloughlin from Morecambe. Are you happy with the business conducted in the Winter?

I am very impressed with the two signings, both lads who have great potential. I’m impressed with the signing of Cairns too and I hope we can secure him on a permanent deal.

Former Rovers creative midfielder Ryan Watson now plays for Salford, how successful has he been since his move last year?

Ryan has been unreal and it’s one of the main reasons my football club invested in him as his sponsor. He came in and brought a new exciting energy that we needed. 

The Ammies’ top scorer is Connor McAleny with eight goals in 17 games, how would you describe his playing style and who are the other one’s to watch?

Connor has just come back from injury and is currently playing out of his skin. I honestly believe this is down to the fact he’s being given a free role to show what he can do. 

What is your score prediction for the upcoming match? The last meeting between the two club’s saw a first half Josh Hawkes strike win the game for Tranmere.

2-1 Salford, last minute from Watson. 

Thoughts on Micky Mellon’s side so far this season? Rovers, who have been very inconsistent, are placed 14th (at time of writing). 

They’re scoring goals but also conceding a lot and it’s an inconsistency Salford need to take full advantage of.

Tranmere Rovers are back at Prenton Park this weekend. Three points could see them fired up to tenth, if results go their way. 

Nate’s game.

On Tuesday 7th February, a year will have passed since the tragic loss of Nate Gidman, the five-year-old who bravely fought a lengthy battle with Medulloblastoma – a cancerous brain tumour. 

It was a battle that brought Tranmere supporters, and the wider community together, as Nate’s father Phil told his story via social media during a time in which the globe was fighting the impact of the COVID pandemic. 

‘I hope that people don’t have to go through what we went through’. 

Phil explained: ‘His death was a massive loss to the family and you could feel it in the community as well, it was humbling how people responded when I broke the news. There were a lot of people championing him up until his death, there was a lot of light in the darkness which really helped’. 

Nate’s smile and his willingness to play, like any other child would do, captured the hearts of everyone who was living through the story across the published tweets which would include photos and videos.

‘It was only up until his final days where he was trying to aspire to be happy, be a little kid with a spring in his step. He was more interested in playing than being sick and poorly’. 

‘The care workers always said that if it was an adult they would be down but kids just want to play and that’s how he was’.

‘His strength was something to aspire to, he showed immense strength, courage and determination whilst something so vicious was growing in his head but the cancer was to win’.

As a result of Nate’s fight, he will forever be remembered, and the club’s owners ensured that this was the case by adorning their community tickets scheme with the youngster’s name.

‘Having Nate’s tickets formed was amazing. I got a call from Mark Palios and one of the first things he said was that he wanted to check-in after the noise had calmed down and that meant a lot to show that he still cares’. 

‘He opened the idea to keep Nate’s name alive with the club and he said to take my time with the idea but I didn’t need to. It was a massive honour’. 

‘Football continues to be a massive distraction for me as I try to navigate through the grief process, the fact that we can lend my son’s name to a scheme that does the same for others is great’. 

‘It’s not just a cancer-related thing, it’s something that can help a community that I care massively about’.

It was a special moment seeing Nate on the Prenton Park pitch ahead of a Tranmere game, kicking the ball into the net and his father embracing the Kop End’s celebration for him, a moment which came mere weeks before his passing. 

However, there was to be further emotion on the Wirral when Rovers forward Kane Hemmings struck in the fifth minute of a game in the same week as Nate’s death.

‘Seeing Hemmings score that goal was so special. I spoke to captain Peter Clarke after the game and he was saying that the plan was to kick the ball out of play and applaud but Hemmings did something better, it was so euphoric’. 

Phil confirms that Nate’s death touched more than just Tranmere Rovers supporters, explaining how it even brought men from five-a-side teams together. 

‘I received messages from random blokes and they were saying that it made them talk about their own losses. There was a guy who said that his mate opened up for the first time about his miscarriage, it came from a lot of people just being open and inspired by Nate’. 

Sands United, a team formed by bereaved family members, would soon contact Phil asking him to be involved in a game raising money for CCLG, Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group. 

‘When Sands got in touch it was fairly close to Nate’s passing, it was their captain Andy who is from the Wirral but lives in Colchester who asked if I wanted to play in the game. I was interested but I didn’t know whether I’d be able to assemble a team’.

Andy would later get in touch with Rover and Out, who asked Phil to play for Nate before the away game at Colchester. Phil’s excitement for the game grew when he learned more about Sands United.

‘I thought it was fantastic that they had this community, they had a group that helped them get through their issues’.

Phil lives in Lincoln thus it was a long journey, but he admits ‘It was lovely to share that moment and know they were willing to help me raise money for charity.’

‘I want to use my experiences, position, abilities and support network to help charities that help other less fortunate people. It’s really important, it’s an honour for me’. 

I was quite shocked to hear the truth about the money placed into children’s fights with cancer.

‘Children get less than 4% of the budget for cancer treatments, it’s a hideous figure that may even be less. There are treatments being pioneered all the time but some treatments being used on Nate were introduced in the 1960’s, you’d be stunned if you looked into it’. 

Phil explains that the game has also had a significant impact on his mental and physical health, motivating him to avoid ‘vile’ hospital food along with junk food. 

‘To have my mind on the game is the carrot on the stick, to use an old cliche. This year the game will be on the same week as the anniversary of his death and through the game, me and Nicola (his wife) have made many friends to share the experience with’.

‘I got to 15 stone and I’m only a little bloke so my fitness for the game was ridiculous, I couldn’t walk for a few days after it, it was monstrous. I’m still a fat little thing but I’ve been taking some care of myself this time round so I’ll be able to hold up a little bit better’. 

Before gathering some of the match details, I felt it was important to hear more about the people that Phil will be playing alongside. 

‘There’ll be friends on the team, I’m having some of my friends who are based in my area who have been absolute rocks with me. One of my mates is a big Dortmund fan and he drove over to get me before we went down to Colchester together. I’ve got a friend coming up from London’.

‘I respect Sands United a lot but I do want to beat them, let’s have that clear! You can’t not respect Sands’ commitment to travel up here, it will be a competitive game’.

Despite being so out of shape, Phil managed to pop up with the winner last year.

‘It was euphoric, it finished 6-4 as both team’s forgot how to defend, there were some great scenes. I was charging down as the game was getting to an end before my mate picked me out with a blinder of a pass, it was the easiest of tap in’s. I celebrated like I had won the World Cup’. 

The game this time round will be played at New Ferry Park on Saturday 11th February with a 10.30am start. There will be collection buckets with raffle prizes. 

‘We hope it’s just a bit of fun. We have raised a fantastic amount of money already, around £1,600. The money will be going directly towards the CCLG group, you’re only going to get better treatments and prognosis’ with financial backing’. 

It wouldn’t be right to finish off a conversation with Phil without talking about Tranmere’s chances of achieving promotion, despite their inconsistent form. 

‘I’ve already booked the Play-offs weekend off, I don’t see any reason why we can’t be in and around it as I believe the issues we have seen have all been addressed carefully in the transfer window. Harvey Saunders has been great, his movement and tenacity’. 

‘We can’t have any complaints now’.

You can donate using the following links: 

https://www.cclg.org.uk/

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/phil-gidman2

Doncaster Rovers FC meeting the opposition.

Doncaster Rovers F.C meeting the opposition. 

After beating Leyton Orient with a fantastic performance at Prenton Park, Rovers managed to frustrate the travelling Super White Army, at Stockport County, as they fell to a 3-2 defeat. 

Doncaster Rovers provide the next away challenge, on Tuesday night, as Micky Mellon’s side will look to get back to winning ways and hopefully form some consistency to push for the top seven spots come May.

Ahead of the game at the Keepmoat Stadium, I spoke to Doncaster Rovers supporter Aaron Challoner. 

How long have you been supporting Doncaster? What are some of the best and worst moments that you have experienced?

My first game was a draw with Port Vale at Belle Vue in 2004. Some of my favourite moments included the Carling Cup run in 2005, knocking out Man City and Aston Villa, the Johnstone Paint Trophy final win against Bristol Rovers in 2007, beating Leeds United at Wembley Stadium in the League One playoff final in 2008 and the winning goal at Griffin Park in 2013. Worst memories were probably the majority of last season (barring beating Sunderland) and some of this season also. 

After being relegated last season, Rovers are currently positioned 15th and have lost all of their last three. How would you describe the campaign so far?

Results wise it’s been a mixed campaign. If it wasn’t for the unbeaten run at the start of the season, we’d be 20th by now. But on current form, we could be heading towards 20th if we aren’t consistently careful. 

How has last summer’s recruitment fared? Players such as attacking midfielder Luke Molyneux and George Miller were brought in from Hartlepool United and Barnsley respectively. 

Last summer the signings on paper had positive traits. They would have ticked the boxes for what the manager wants. However the consistency of the performances of these players is what concerns me. Everytime we sack a manager or he walks to another club, we have to rebuild again with a mass exit inbound for the squad. Schofield’s process HAS to work. We cannot afford to do that whole process again. 

In this January window, Doncaster have brought in Winger Todd Miller on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion until the end of the season. What are your thoughts on him?

Todd Miller is a quick and direct young winger. But his inexperience could be costly. We will see what happens in the weeks that go by. 

Former Huddersfield Town boss Danny Schofield took over from Gary McSheffrey in late October. Was it the right decision to dismiss McSheffrey? What are your thoughts on Schofield so far? His playing style and the relationship he has built with supporters. 

Danny’s playing style could be wonderful. It’s the modern style and many big clubs use traits of this style. Playing out from the back, quick passes and transitions from central to out wide. But we need the players that can play that style. This is still a chunk of Gary McSheffrey’s squad. It’s gonna take the summer to start to truly see what will happen but I question whether the club has the resources and financial backing currently to deliver what Danny Schofield needs. 

David Blunt is the chairman of Doncaster, what are your thoughts on him? What would you like to see changed at the club in the near future? 

Personally I have no problem with David Blunt. But as a chairman for a football club, unfortunately for him, his time is done in my opinion. He has overseen nine years with two relegations to League Two and only one playoff campaign in League One as well as four managers in the space of one year. We’ve had new squads every year for the past three or four years and the last couple of seasons especially, there’s been no core that have been here for longer than a season. Just the odd player or two. Both of those players are out of contract this summer and one is injured for the rest of the season. The club needs to clarify the situation with the fans. If the board is staying but they are making wholesale changes, tell the fans. If the board are receiving bids or are selling the club, tell the fans. 

Miller is top scorer with nine goals and four assists in 26 games. How would you describe his playing style and who are the team’s other key players? 

Miller I feel sorry for. His confidence is shot to pieces. I hope Caolan Lavery is gonna help him get back to where he was but also the statistics speak for themselves. Its great that George is still the top scorer and he can try and build on that. Ben Nelson has been our best defender but he is off for scans to see if he’s injured. Same with Biggins and he’s been a completely different player since Schofield took charge. 

Where will the key battles be played out on Tuesday?

Final third is key. If Tranmere get into the right areas, they will score. We’ve conceded way too many goals. 5 goals in the last two games. Just not good enough. Midfield battles could also determine the transition in play as to who grabs control of the match.

Score prediction? The last meeting between Tranmere and Doncaster was on Boxing Day as Kane Hemmings, Kieron Morris and Paul Lewis scored in a 3-0 win for The Whites. 

Tranmere and Doncaster haven’t won any of our last three games. But Mellon’s men are more likely to win especially with more injury worries for us, plus our inconsistency on and off the pitch. I’m going for another 1-0 defeat for Doncaster Rovers. 

Thoughts on Tranmere? Where do you see them finishing in May? 

Tranmere look like a mixed team. They signed Saunders from Bristol Rovers who is a hard working striker and they have some strong players. As seen on Boxing Day, we could be in trouble again. 

Doncaster Rovers’ Keepmoat Stadium. The last time Rovers played here was in April 2013, Ronnie Moore’s side lost 1-0. 

Stockport County meeting the opposition.

Stockport County meeting the opposition. 

In the January transfer window, Tranmere Rovers brought in five players: Logan Chalmers, Brad Walker, Harvey Saunders, Regan Hendry and Jay Turner-Cooke. 

With the points tally to the Play-Off spots so narrow, goals and midfield experience from the above may prove the difference as Rovers will look to go on a great run of form following their 1-0 home victory against Leyton Orient. 

It was a fantastic performance last week, for ninety minutes, and it was a sign of Micky Mellon’s comfort with his squad that he was able to bring on all three substitutes when required. 

Up next is a challenge against Stockport County at Edgeley Park, The Hatters are relatively struggling having failed to defeat Crewe in midweek but have some talent in their squad as @Mathew_scfc explains. 

How long have you been supporting Stockport? What are some of your best and worst experiences following the club? 

I’ve been supporting Stockport County since about 2008/2009 but as I was only about five then I didn’t really understand it all properly as I grew up with friends who supported Premier League teams. 

The worst experiences are definitely the relegations as we’ve had 3 of them all the way down from League one to the National League North which is regional football but also part time football. 

My best experiences are definitely the two promotions, I’d say the one that got us back to the football league was better just because I hear all these stories from my grandad and dad from the days in the Championship and League One against Manchester City and QPR and all I’d experienced was Bradford Park Avenue and FC United.

How important was the promotion back to the EFL last summer? 

Promotion back to the EFL was absolutely massive, the best moment of my life. Our crowds have slightly risen from last year, not too much, but the away followings that come to Edgeley Park have definitely increased.

What are your thoughts on the campaign so far with The Hatters currently positioned 12th? 

The campaign so far has been inconsistent, obviously we were one of the favourites, I think most fans would take the play-offs although we know the owner wants promotions. 

There have been times like last month where we put on our best performance of the season against Walsall and we think we can get third but then we go to Grimsby and we have injury problems and half the squad is ill and it turns our form (a bit like last season when we went there and got a red card after dominating and then we lost and our form dropped) we are still in a good position for play offs but third is out of our reach now.

Manager Dave Challinor was appointed from Hartlepool United in November 2021. What are your thoughts on him, His playing style and his relationship with supporters? 

Dave Challinor was the signing of the season, last season, without a doubt. He is a good manager and good person in general. His formation is 5-3-2 in my eyes but some say it’s 3-4-1-2 or something along those lines. He likes to pass out from the back and work our way up the pitch. He likes to press high up the pitch with high energy. He likes us to get crosses into the box where we are the highest in the league for accurate crosses per match. He can definitely take us up the leagues. He’s a serial promotion winner in Non League. It’s his time to do it in the Football League.

How successfully do you believe Chairman Mark Stott is running the club? 

Mark Stott is running this club amazingly. 

Without knowing too much about other club owners I’d say he’s the best owner in the league. He’s an owner that actually cares for the football club and the community also. He isn’t a flashy owner like the Wrexham duo, he likes to sit back and just let the club be a football club. 

Since he has come in he has wiped £7 million in debt, which was all our debt. He’s given us a new training ground at Carrington which we have had players come in and say it is Championship standard and he is looking to build a new one in Stockport in the future. 

He’s invested in the squad and in the ground and is looking to expand the ground to 22,000. He made it so the ground only plays football for 250 years. He’s invested in the matchday experience and much more.

There have been two Tranmere players joining Stockport this season. However, what are your thoughts on the overall activity in the January transfer window? 

 If I was to rate the January window out of 10 I’d probably give it a 7 or 8.

Out: 

– Crankshaw to Motherwell (rw) don’t use wingers (LOAN) 

– Cody Johnson to Banbury (cm) only 17 and has a bright FUTURE (LOAN) 

– Barugh to Banbury (forward) featured in some cup Game (LOAN) 

– Daniel Okwute to Warrington Rylands (St) signed from kerry in Ireland on summer deadline day, only 18 but hasn’t been seen in a matchday Squad (LOAN) 

– Newby to Barrow (versatile winger) he was a decent player but his end product let him down (PERMANENT) 

In:

– Tanto Olaofe (St) did not play much but Challinor has wanted him for a while but just could afford him at Hartlepool. 

– Jack Stretton (st) just came back from injury so not played much but was at the club 2 seasons ago and scored 3 in 5.

– Kyle Knoyle (rwb) 1st choice rwb got injured, back up got sent back to parent club and 3rd choice was Phil Bardsley who’s 37 and injured.

– Byrne (cb) came in to replace Horsfall who’s done his hamstring in and is injured. Come in and made that position his. Horsfall probably won’t be straight back in. That’s good competition for that spot.

Former Rovers players Calum MacDonald and Neill Byrne have entered the gates of Edgeley Park recently, how well have they played so far? 

Callum MacDonald came to us earlier on in the season and started off brightly at LWB but our 1st choice LWB has come back and has stayed 1st choice. 

McDonald only really comes in as a sub now but he’s also dropped off in performances in recent weeks. 

Byrne as I said previously has come in and been a rock at the back and fits our style of play so well which I guess you could expect after 140 games under Dave Challinor at previous clubs.

Stockport’s top scorer is Paddy Madden who has netted ten in 25 outings. However, who else do we need to keep an eye on and where will the key battles be played out on Saturday? 

If he’s on form then Kyle Wootton will be tough to handle for your defenders but can be inconsistent at times and in the previous two games he’s been poor unfortunately for us. I think Will Collar and Croasdale’s partnership in midfield is something teams struggle with because of the high energy press. If we’re on the front foot then our two wing backs who can both deliver good crosses into the box and are pacy.

What is your score prediction for the upcoming match? The last meeting between the two clubs was a frustrating goalless draw on the Wirral in November. 

A couple of weeks ago we were one of the in form teams but our form has dropped in recent weeks but before we play you we play Cewe on Tuesday night at their place with 2200 travelling fans so we are hoping we can turn our form into a good run of wins now and try climb into the playoffs for the first time. I’m going to go with 3-1 to Stockport.

Thoughts on Tranmere and their performances so far this season? Do you think they could still achieve a Playoff spot?

Tranmere are probably in a similar position to us where they want promotion but at the very least play-offs. Just some inconsistencies have them outside the top 10. Tranmere are on the same points as Stockport but have played 1 game more (will be the same by time Saturday comes) both teams can 100% still get play offs.

Stockport County’s Edgeley Park. 

On a personal note, one of my first Rovers memories is a three-nil victory on the final day of the 2009/10 season here to stay in League One.

Leyton Orient FC Meeting The Opposition.

Leyton Orient FC Meeting The Opposition. 

Tranmere Rovers will play host to Leyton Orient this Saturday afternoon, looking for their first win of The New Year. 

With the recent signings of Midfielder Brad Walker, Winger Logan Chalmers and Striker Harvey Saunders it will be interesting to see just who Micky Mellon selects in his starting eleven. 

Orient will be looking to bounce back from their 3-0 away defeat to Stevenage last time out, as the winners that day have a game in hand on the league leaders. 

Ahead of the game I spoke to Orient supporter Mat Roper of The Pandamonium Fanzine. 

With Orient placed first in League Two heading into Saturday’s clash, how much has this start to the season exceeded expectations? 

Way exceeded. The fan base was slightly split with approx 10% believing we hadn’t done anywhere near enough in the transfer market and were going “nowhere”, whilst others were happy yet were thinking play-offs as a limit.

The club have been breaking both own and L2 records so there is no doubt expectations have been exceeded

How firmly do you believe that automatic promotion is possible? 

Very much so but based only on what we have achieved so far. Any other club’s fans would surely be the same that the impressive lead we have built would now almost be scandalous if we chucked away a top three position come May.

This January, defender Ethan Light has been brought in from Burnham and Jordan Lyden has joined the club too. What are your thoughts on these signings and who/what else would you like to be recruited? 

There is much talk about our Jan window. In my own opinion it is a difficult window to get right for any club. Wellens talked about the need for a CB, a number 4, a number 10 and another attacking player / striker. We have 50% of those and there is a bit of panic among some to add at least a striker because of the recent lack of goals. I wouldn’t necessarily disagree that we need maybe one attacking option to freshen things up and or to give the midfield and attacking options a boost but it has to be the right player and not a sign of desperation that could end up upsetting the apple cart of a complete failure and waste of money.

The new signings – Lydon has had his injury problems but won promotion under Wellens at this level so is interesting. The two new CB’s bring both youth and experience whilst Light will be in our academy and hopefully one for the future. 

Gaffer Richie Wellens, formerly of Salford and Doncaster Rovers, was appointed manager last March. Current thoughts on him, His playing style and his relationship with fans? 

Everyone loves him. With a damn near 50% win ratio who wouldn’t! His playing style is fresh and exciting and his record thus far stands up to the closest scrutiny. If he finishes the job this year then statues are planned! Haha

What are your thoughts on the manner that O’s Chairman Nigel Travis is running the club? 

Decent. When the owners took over in 2017 the club was at rock bottom. Travis promised promotions every 3-4 years and we got out of non league in two and are in year four at L2 level so at the moment the plans have been met. Club owners could of course always do more but at the moment you would be hard pressed to find something to whine about.

Forward Paul Smyth can be described as Orient’s key player, with nine goals in 27 games, but who else do we need to keep an eye out for and where will the key battles be played out at Prenton Park? 

Until Stevenage our strength was defensively (we all hope last Saturday was a blip with new players joining and yet to bed in properly). 

Jordan Brown (ex Derby youth captain) has been a revelation in both defence and midfield and is key.

It’s likely that our defensive solidity will return (Beckles & James are both back from suspension) so it will come down to the more burning question of can we find the net. Key battle – Tranmere’s defence versus our attack.

Score prediction for the game? The last meeting between the two side’s was at Brisbane Road in September. A 2-0 Orient victory with a goal from Smyth and an own goal netted by Rovers full-back Josh Cogley. 

Heart (which is pumping a bit faster at the moment) says a win for us. Head says if we do it’ll be us squeaking it by the smallest of margins. Happy to take a scrappy 1-0 but can see a 0-0 draw on the cards.

If you have any, what are your thoughts on Tranmere and their performances this season? Were you perhaps expecting more from The Whites?

At this level and as I said earlier in the season I think most L2 fans always expect Tranmere to be towards the top of the table. Rovers, like us, are likely more of a third tier club than Div 4 but not in a big headed way for either of us. 

The ground and set up at Tranmere says L1 but of course this is a tough division. Would certainly have expected them to be a few spots at least further up than where they are at this stage but then again looking at the table it is so tight and three wins in a row would likely see them right on the coattails of top seven. Certainly I think a 15th place finish would be seen as, at least, some sort of failure in the home ends come May.

Micky Mellon’s Tranmere will be looking for their first home win of The New Year when they play host to Richie Wellens’ Leyton Orient side who were heavily defeated last time out against Stevenage.

Birkenhead Venture Boxing is in a strong position for 2023.

Birkenhead Venture Boxing has a strong future ahead thanks to ‘The Roadmap’. 

‘I think you’d be hard pressed to find a better Boxing Club in the whole Country’.

Those are the words of Sean Trodden, Birkenhead Venture Boxing Club Head Coach, when he takes a look back at the transformation his Club has made since the lockdowns that COVID brought. 

It has all been down to the ‘Roadmap’ which was formed when he had a lot of time to exercise, to think and to realise a few things that had been let slip at the gym.

‘A couple of the Coaches were wanting to work with their favourites and it had lost the ethos of the traditional Boxing Club’s. I knew I had to change something to achieve success thus I got all the coaches in and got their feedback on the plans for the future and it has definitely been effective’. 

Success is viewed through many factors at a place that he simply describes as a ‘Busy community hub’. Through the great volume of people that attend the classes and two fighters becoming national champions in the first year back, as well as two this season, it has certainly been achieved.   

I have been to the gym myself and was taken aback when looking at the work that has been done by Sean and others in the form of extensions as they plan for a great future. 

‘During lockdown we put a big circuit hall on the back so we didn’t have to go out of the gym to do some exercises. Last Autumn we changed the meeting room, so I put a back office in for the coaches’. 

The coaches, some new since some departed as the club looked to become aligned again, are greatly talented at what they do.

‘One of our coaches, Robbie Girven, was the very first boxer for Venture to win the National Title as he won the Junior ABA’s in 1986 down at Wembley Arena. The vast majority of our coaches have boxed competitively and the ones that haven’t are still motivated, hard working and good at what they do so it gels well to make a fantastic team’. 

There is an array of talented youngsters coming through, with thanks to the help from the coaches who provide one-on-one sessions, as the Championships near. 

‘We’re hoping that we have a really strong School squad, their Championships aren’t until May and we’re very hopeful for that. It could be one of our most productive years ever, as we’ve already equaled last year’s achievements, which justifies the roadmap’.  

‘Letitia McKee is a School girl National Champion and Leon Burns has just won a National Title this year, a Junior Development Title. However, I don’t really like to name anyone as the ones who you don’t expect to do well, do well in my experience, so we just hope for the best’.

Through spreading the word in the sporting sphere The Steven Gerrard academy trains at the gym and due to funding they have managed to secure ten separate special educational needs classes. ‘We’re doing everything in our power really to keep things flowing and keep us reaching our goals’.

Despite Sean saying that the roadmap has no secrets as it is just about doing the basics right, it is amazing to talk to him as he is glowing when looking towards the future ‘The Club is in the strongest position it has been in for some years’.

‘The Club is a massive family, we pride ourselves on that. We’ve got rid of the deadwood and it’s about being together now as we go forwards and achieve more’.

Sean Trodden celebrates Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd’s victory. Dodd is one of many successful fighters to come through Birkenhead Venture Boxing.

Walsall meeting the opposition.

Walsall meeting the opposition.

At the start of this campaign, Walsall had a mixed run of form. However, they have been excellent recently winning six of seven games thus they will provide a challenge to a struggling Tranmere team at Prenton Park this weekend. 

Ahead of the game, on The Wirral, against the strong Saddlers side, I spoke to Walsall Fan TV’s Simon Ward.

You can find another in-depth conversation between us both, on YouTube, with this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMo59RaFPOo&feature=youtu.be (Excuse my signing information at the start!). 

After finishing 16th last season, Walsall are currently positioned 9th and have won two of their last three games defeating Swindon and Mansfield Town. How would you describe the campaign so far?

Really pleased with the improvement this season – Walsall are a mentally stronger team this season.

How has last summer’s recruitment fared? Players such as young attacking midfielder Jacob Maddox and winger Tom Knowles were brought in. Who should the club be looking at signing this month?

One of the key signings before the start of the season was Joe Riley – sadly he has not played yet due to a strange foot injury. He should give us a big boost if he eventually gets fit. Jacob  Maddox has shown some flashes but Tom Knowles has impressed – he seems to get better every month.

With Liam Bennet going back to Cambridge and Danny Johnson being taken away from us by his parent club Mansfield Walsall as depleted. If we want to sustain our push for playoffs we will need to replace Bennett and Johnson. With some loanees not returning the squad looks light so Walsall could do with a back up keeper, full back and a couple of strikers.  

Former Newport County boss Michael Flynn took over from Matthew Taylor in February. What are your thoughts on him, his playing style and the relationship he has built with supporters?

The supporters liked Matt Taylor but Flynn is a much stronger manager and the supporters have taken to him. So much so, our 13 games without a win didn’t really get him much grief. The current form has backed up the faith they have in him.

Leigh Pomlett and Benjamin Boycott are joint Chairmen of The Saddlers. Thoughts on them? What would you like to see changed at the club in the near future?

Leigh Pomlett and Ben Boycott have done exactly what they said they would – they have purchased the freehold which the previous chairman had used to bleed rent from the club. The playing budget is more competitive now and Walsall have the backing to move forward again.

Loanee Danny Johnson has fourteen goal involvements in 25 games, finding the net twelve times. How would you describe his playing style and who are the team’s other key players?

Danny Johnson is on loan from Mansfield or he was. Mansfield refused to let him come to Walsall permanently as his goals were potentially taking a playoff spot from them. He is not the quickest but is a great finisher.   

Where will the key battles be played out on Saturday?

Isaac Hutchinson has been up and down this season. If he plays well he will create chances for Walsall.

Score prediction? The last meeting between Tranmere and Walsall was in late September as Elliott Nevitt struck the winner for The Whites in the 96th minute at the Bescot Stadium.

I remember the Nevitt winner was hard to take. Walsall played well and should have won. It was ultimately the last but one in our poor run. Walsall are much better now and will be looking to win. My prediction 0-2.

Linking the two clubs together, as I’ve touched on former Rovers man Jacob Maddox in a previous question. How would you describe centre-back Peter Clarke’s time at Walsall as he now finds himself on loan at Oldham Athletic? Manny Monthe is at Walsall too.

Jacob Maddox has some skills and is a good squad player. You had the best years of Peter Clarke. He didn’t particularly impress but wasn’t awful either. Manny Monthe was initially slow and ponderous when he came to us but has grown into a superb player. Definitely a contender for player of the season at the moment. 

Thoughts on Tranmere? Where do you see them finishing in May?

Although 15th, Tranmere are just 5 pts off 7th but you have a tough February. it depends how you come through that. I’m sure you will be around 7th-12th come May.

Tranmere face Walsall at Prenton Park this Weekend, a lot has happened since last Saturday’s home draw to Sutton United including the departures of both Ross Doohan and Elliott Nevitt. Brad Walker, a midfielder from Port Vale, has been signed on a long contract.