THE BLUES
What a great day out last Saturday was and hope everyone enjoyed the trip especially those who made a weekend out of it. One of those days that even make last second equalisers at Borient bearable. As a footy fan, especially supporting Southend, you always know a good one is coming along eventually. And we've had four on the trot now, a nap hand anyone? (Another 2-1 will do me.)
It's a shame there's been so much "eat humble pie" from Tilly supporters to those that showed any dissent from the party line, though the majority of Shrimpers do have a reason to feel a touch smug. I wish it was that balck and white. Supporting a team, dishing out your hard earned pennies over thousands of miles, literally as Carlisle and Tranmere has proved over 8 days, allows some criticism. There were faults, there still are especially if we do go up, but there was never any doubt that Tilly and Brush were the best pair to stick with and pats on back to Uncle Ron for never showing any panic, well publicly anyway. Tilly has been learning on the job and what he, along with Brushy and now Dean Austin, have achieved over the last four seasons is nothing short of remarkable. I am humbled in your presence Sirs.
In the meantime lets go for six points and finish as high as possible. Sod who we end up playing. Everyone seems fit so the same starting eleven is favourite with the forwards especially important reading about the chances MacDonald and the Prince missed in the reserves. Good news though is the return of Scannel who had a storming game in that same match and must give Black a run for his money next season and a recall to the bench for this one. (What about the Hungarian's run of scoring run from central defense? That is promising.)
THE OPPOSITION
When they left Roots Hall in October at the top of the table things looked good for the boys from Birkenhead. They looked good and in Steve Davies and Chris Shuker had two of the leagues widemen. Sadly they got injured and things started to go pear shaped. Some good loan signings along with the return of manager's son, forward Ian Moore who he can be a handful, and play-off hopes were revised.
Unlike the best team in Essex Tranmere couldn't go on such a consistent run and defeat at Huddersfield last weekend meant they go into the final two games with nothing to play for. The 0-1 loss in Yorkshire was their third on the trot and seventh in ten games leaving them in ninth position on 62 points, eight behind sixth placed Leeds. They have a fair record at home where they have scored a few; 12 wins, 4 draws and 6 defeats but 31 goals scored while letting in 18.
While manager Ronnie Moore believes his team have not been ruthless enough to finish off the opposition he insists he is creating a team that can take Tranmere back into the Championship. Rovers have followed last season's near miss by falling short of a play-off spot again but Moore insists: "We are closer to being where we need to be than a year ago. I think we have a squad of players, when everyone is fit, that is as good as any in the division and we just did not have the rub of the green this season. People should be frustrated. We are all frustrated. But I don't think there is a great deal wrong with the team. We need to do some tinkering and I don't see any reason why we can't be pushing to the mark we need to be at for the next season."
That tinkering will begin after Tranmere complete their final two games of the League One season. With nine players out of contract this summer, five of them senior professionals, the manager has some scope to make adjustments to the squad before the 2008/09 campaign. But Moore is uncertain that he will continue as manager - both he and assistant Peter Shirtliff are out of contract in June and there is no word from Prenton Park on extended arrangements. Moore declined to comment on his own position but said work was proceeding on negotiations with the out-of-contract players he wants to keep, and on identifying potential new signings.
He said: "We are trying to sort out players for next season. We have spoken to agents and are still talking, but you can't have a gun held to your head. We're also looking for new players for next year in case the lads we have offered contracts to don't take them."
In the shorter term, Moore said he wanted to pull out all the stops to win Tranmere's remaining games, at home to Southend this weekend and at Northampton on Saturday, May 3. He said: "The last thing we want to do is finish the season with five defeats. We want to finish things off on a high note."
A report on that defeat in Huddersfield and the team that finished the match.
Tranmere's promotion ambitions were finally laid to rest in a defeat that must have felt like Groundhog Day for the dwindling band of travelling supporters at the Galpharm Stadium. The game was close to being a re-run of a number of recent reverses that wrecked Rovers attempts to challenge Leeds United for the last play-off spot in League One.
The frustration was evident in the body language of manager Ronnie Moore as his team dominated possession for more than half of the game without making it pay. When the opposition landed a blow of their own, it was a knockout.
Tranmere, under pressure to produce victories in the last three games, had much the better of the play in the first half of each of them - and finished as losers every time. A similar story turned up regularly throughout a campaign that has so far yielded just five away wins, the lowest figure among the teams in the top half of the table and too few to sustain a promotion challenge.
On Saturday, Huddersfield Town were kept penned inside their own half of the field during most of the 61 minutes that preceded the afternoon's only goal. Rovers were composed and efficient until they approached the opposition penalty area, where their assurance melted away and the culture of hit and hope took hold.
Tranmere lost the ability to seriously threaten a retaliatory strike after popular Terriers front man Andy Booth finished off a powerful run by Michael Collins with a simple tap-in. As an away side this season Rovers have often looked like a boxer who knows all the right moves but can't punch his weight. Technically a match for any opponent, they didn't land enough of the blows that win the tight contests.
To prosper in a division in which there is precious little to choose between most of the teams, the successful few establish an edge by their ability to exploit opportunities. Tranmere lacked that ruthless streak in the final two thirds of the campaign, particularly away from Prenton Park. A record of 19 goals in 22 games on the road shows exactly where the problem lay.
Even so, much of Tranmere's football this season provides a basis for encouragement. They were rarely outplayed, even by the division's best teams. The workings of a solid and effective side are there, it's the fine tuning that is missing.
Before kick-off the Galpharm regulars were in cheerful mood following on from a derby win over Leeds three days earlier. The feel-good factor was also stoked by a successful run of results under the guidance of popular caretaker manager Gerry Murphy, the club's long serving youth coach, and a £100 season ticket offer, (blimey), that should generate healthy attendances in 2008/09.
So Tranmere deserved considerable credit dampening down the excitement of the home fans in the first half. Rovers' 4-3-3 system initially proved an effective counter to the 3-5-2 set-up deployed by Murphy, who included seven former trainees in his line-up. Once the game passed the half-hour mark, Rovers began to put the Terriers defence under sustained pressure.
A fine piece of passing interplay between strikers Chris Greenacre and Ian Moore sent Chris Shuker darting into space inside the box. There wasn't much wrong with the winger's low finish but it was matched by the quick reactions of goalkeeper Matt Glennon, dashing off his line to make a close range save.
Moore was disappointed with Tranmere's failure to deliver a telling final ball on the number of occasions when they moved into threatening positions on the flanks. All too often the crosses did not pick out a target, finished in the goalkeepers arms or failed to get beyond the first defender.Tranmere lost the ability to seriously threaten a retaliatory strike after popular Terriers front man Andy Booth finished off a powerful run by Michael Collins with a simple tap-in. As an away side this season Rovers have often looked like a boxer who knows all the right moves but can't punch his weight. Technically a match for any opponent, they didn't land enough of the blows that win the tight contests.
To prosper in a division in which there is precious little to choose between most of the teams, the successful few establish an edge by their ability to exploit opportunities. Tranmere lacked that ruthless streak in the final two thirds of the campaign, particularly away from Prenton Park. A record of 19 goals in 22 games on the road shows exactly where the problem lay.
Even so, much of Tranmere's football this season provides a basis for encouragement. They were rarely outplayed, even by the division's best teams. The workings of a solid and effective side are there, it's the fine tuning that is missing.
Before kick-off the Galpharm regulars were in cheerful mood following on from a derby win over Leeds three days earlier. The feel-good factor was also stoked by a successful run of results under the guidance of popular caretaker manager Gerry Murphy, the club's long serving youth coach, and a £100 season ticket offer, (blimey), that should generate healthy attendances in 2008/09.
So Tranmere deserved considerable credit dampening down the excitement of the home fans in the first half. Rovers' 4-3-3 system initially proved an effective counter to the 3-5-2 set-up deployed by Murphy, who included seven former trainees in his line-up. Once the game passed the half-hour mark, Rovers began to put the Terriers defence under sustained pressure.
A fine piece of passing interplay between strikers Chris Greenacre and Ian Moore sent Chris Shuker darting into space inside the box. There wasn't much wrong with the winger's low finish but it was matched by the quick reactions of goalkeeper Matt Glennon, dashing off his line to make a close range save.
Tranmere picked up where they left off at the start of the second half, although they might have broken the pattern when Robbie Stockdale swept in an angled cross from the right and Ian Moore, doing his best to shake off the effects of a virus, connected with a header on the run that flew a couple of yards over.
However, Huddersfield quickly began to benefit from the introduction of Danny Schofield as an attacking substitute for Melvyn Kamara shortly after half-time and began to ask questions of the Tranmere defence. Ian Goodison did well to block a shot by Schofield after he ran onto a neat for from Andy Holdsworth in the 56th minute.
Five minutes later a surging run by midfielder Collins took him past two tackles in the penalty area. Goalkeeper Danny Coyne did well to stop Collins' shot at close range with an outstretched hand but can do nothing about Booth seizing on the rebound to score.
The enterprising Schofield had the chance to rub salt into Tranmere's wounds in the 79th minute when he ran clear onto a pass from Holdsworth but Coyne, racing from his line, made a resourceful blocking save.
Coyne, Stockdale, Chorley, Goodison, Taylor, Jennings, Kay, Sherriff (Mullin 75), Shuker, Moore (Curran 75), Greenacre. Subs: Achterberg, Jones, Gornell.
THE FIXTURES
Friday, 25 April 2008; (19.45) Yeovil v Leeds (Come on the cider boys!)
Saturday, 26 April 2008; (All 15.00 unless stated) Bournemouth v Crewe, Bristol Rovers v Brighton, Doncaster v Luton (relegated Luton produce shock of the day, maybe not), Gillingham v Swindon (12.30), Hartlepool v Nottm Forest (nervous Forest to fail in the north-east?), Huddersfield v Walsall, Millwall v Carlisle (could be a surprise here), Oldham v Cheltenham, Port Vale v Northampton, Swansea v Leyton Orient, Tranmere v Southend.
THE MATCHES
Played 44: WON 12 DRAWN 12 LOST 19.
As with many opponents we played them first in the FA Cup, the third round away on Jan. 13 1934, the score 0-3. The Blues also lost the next meeting, the first in the league, 24 years later on Sep. 10 58 at the Hall, 1-3, Price for us. However, after a 1-1 draw later that season we clobbered them on Oct. 24 59, also at home, 7-1! McCrory, Hollis and Price all with doubles, Stenhouse the other. This score remains the biggest between the sides.
This is our 22nd meeting in Birkenhead, and at their place the ball is certainly in their court. We've only won on four occasions. The first on Mar. 24 67, 2-1, Flatt with two. Another 2-1 on Mar. 30 79, Polycarpou and Pountney this time. A jolly 3-1 on Fri. Oct. 24 86, 3-1, a Hall double and O'Shea. The final win was on Apr. 21 95 2-0, a McGreal own goal along with Garry Jones the goals.
The last match at Prenton Park was on Jan. 21 06, a goaless draw, while the very last meeting was the 1-2 defeat at Roots Hall on Oct. 6 07 when a Captain Adam special could not starve off defeat.
THE GROUND
During 1994-95 the Club replaced three sides of the ground with new stands. Only the Main Stand on one side of the pitch was left intact. This stand is fair sized all seated, covered stand, that was opened in 1968. It is two tiered and contains a couple of supporting pillars. The ground though is dominated by the Kop Stand at one end of the stadium. This stand that has a capacity of around 5,500, dwarfs the rest of the ground and replaced a former open terrace. This end used to house both home & away supporters, but has now been changed to home fans only. At the opposite end, away fans are housed in another relatively new stand called the Cowshed. This single tiered stand looks a little strange as one side of it has more rows than the other, giving a sloping effect. It has an electric scoreboard on its roof. On the other side is the John King Stand (formerly the Borough Road Stand), which is small covered stand that runs the entire length of the pitch.
After a long campaign by Tranmere fans, the large Kop End is now purely for home fans. Away fans are housed in the opposite end, the affectionately named Cowshed. However, you will be relieved that the only connection with a real cowshed is the name, as the fairly new covered, all seated stand, has good facilities and unhindered views of the playing action. It can hold up to 2,500 fans.
THE PUB
There are also a number of other pubs in walking distance of the ground. The Mersey Clipper, behind the Main Stand, and The Sportsmans Arms on Prenton Road East are recommended for away fans. A little further away is the Swan Pub on Woodchurch Road, Prenton, a good 20 minute walk away.
You could grab a pint in the town centre before going to the game and the best could be, certainly to grab a local train, is the recently recommended Head of Steam at 7 Lime Street next to the station. Recommended for the Huddersfield match this is a northern, at the moment, chain of pubs, open in actual stations and very good they are. Something for everyone; a cafe for a coffee and cake, a section with the coldest lagers for the lads and a real ale section for the old gits. The choice can be limited depending on how on the ball the relevant manager is but time for a pint or two before getting one of the four trains an hour to Rock Ferry. (See the times below in The Train.)
THE CAR
It's that old favourite the M6, you drivers must be getting bored with it, but don't worry about change for the toll because, as Mick reminded us in Gavin & Stacey, unlike the M4 bridge it takes credit cards.
At the M6 junction 20 join the M56 until junction 11 when you go north on the M53 until junction 4. Take the fourth exit from the roundabout onto the B5151 (Mount Road). Continue for 2.5 miles when Mount Road becomes Storeton Road and turn right onto Preston Road West at traffic lights. The ground is on the right-hand side in 200 yards.
If your meeting someone in the centre of town or just want to go over the Mersey keep on the M6 at junction 21a onto the M62 going onto the A5080, 5047 the 5080 again then the A5047 signposted Birkenhead, Wallasey, City Centre. Then the B5173, A580, A59 before joining the Queensway Mersey Tunnel (signposted Birkenhead) and another toll, doubtful there's credit cards here but you need a pound thirty. The A552 at the other end will lead you to the ground. Phew, go the other way!
There is a car park at the ground which costs 4quid, otherwise, street parking. Be warned, there is a strict local residents parking scheme in operation around the ground.
Expect a four and a bit hour journey covering 248 miles to the ground, close to 500 for the round trip.
THE TRAIN
If you haven't got your tickets by now it's a 70 odd pound saver return, hope you have or be good at hiding in the toilet.
The debate of where to go after arriving at Liverpool Lime Street has been debated for weeks. Hamilton Park and a free bus ride outside if you show your ticket or Birkenhead Central and a 30 minute walk. (Or even the 464 bus to Prenton Park or 488 to Mount Road from Liverpool Sir Thomas Street bus station if you must.)
The winner, and only 15 minutes walk, is Rock Ferry. Turn right outside the station along Bedford Avenue until you reach a road junction shortly after Preston High School. Continue onto Mount Road and turn right at the first set of traffic lights onto Borough Road - the ground is five minutes on the left.
Look for a train going to Ellesmere Port or Chester and there are four an hour; 13, 28, 43, 58. So if your sinking a late pint in the Head of Steam make sure your on the 14.13 at the latest for the 15minute journey.
Coming back, if your on the 18.10 from Lime Street to London, you will be able to get the 17.14. You could get the 17.29 but the HOS is calling for a victory pint, however there are still four trains at 14, 29, 43 and 59.
THE HISTORY
The club was founded by a merger of two local cricket clubs in 1884, before changing name to Tranmere Rovers a year later. The club played its first match in the Liverpool & District Challenge Cup in 1886. In 1921-22 the club joined the newly formed Third Division North of the Football League. They were also winners of the 1934-35 Welsh Cup. Though they played in blue shirts and white shorts for much of their existence, the club's traditional home kit is now regarded as white shirt, shorts and socks, with blue trim
The name Tranmere refers to a district in the south of Birkenhead, on the eastern side of the Wirral Peninsula. Tranmere alone has a population of 11,668 (2001 Census). The area is made up of industrial buildings and Victorian terraced houses. Its name was given by Norwegian Vikings who settled and colonised Wirral in the 10th century. Tranmere in Old Norse is Trani-melr, "cranebird sandbank" or "sandbank with the cranebirds". (Who needs the History Channel!)
Tranmere play their home games at Prenton Park. The club has faced years of strong competition for both players and supporters from the two much bigger local clubs - Liverpool and Everton, which is why they play many of their home fixtures on a Friday night.
Between 1991 and 2001 they were in the second tier of the English league, reaching the playoffs three times and the League Cup final once before being relegated. John Aldridge, the former Liverpool striker who scored nearly 500 goals in his professional career, was appointed player-manager of Tranmere in March 1996 and remained at the helm for five years, although he hung up his boots in 1998. His predecessor was John King, who took Rovers from the brink of losing their league status to the brink of reaching the Premiership.
Dave Watson and Ray Mathias came and went after Aldridge when, in October 2003, Tranmere turned to, yes, Brian Little, the man who took Wrexham out of the league this week, as their new manager. Little had previously achieved promotion success with Darlington (twice) and Leicester, as well as leading Aston Villa to League Cup success in 1996. Following Brian Little's resignation, Ronnie Moore was appointed manager in June 2006, from Oldham Athletic.
In the close season, Moore signed the ex-Rovers Welsh international goalkeeper Danny Coyne as well as defensive duo Anthony Kay and Ben Chorley. Midfielder Adnan Ahmed was also signed from Huddersfield Town. On 6 October 2007, after their 2-1 win at the home of football, they reached the top of the League One table, on goal difference, with 19 points from 10 games. However, their stay at the top only lasted for one week, and began a dreadful run of only four victories in the next sixteen league games which saw the team slide steadily into mid-table. A big factor in this loss of form was long-term injuries to both of the team's first choice wingers, Steve Davies and Chris Shuker, severely limiting the team's attacking options. The situation was remedied by tactical reorganisation on Moore's part, boosted by the loan acquisition of two promising youngsters from higher division clubs, Blackburn's Andy Taylor and Bristol City's Jennison Myrie-Williams, along with the return of manager's son Ian Moore, who had started his career at Tranmere. Rovers' form began to pick up following a 1-0 victory at Millwall on January 19th, the start of an unbeaten run that as of 23rd February 2008 had lasted 8 matches and seen the team climb back into the play-off zone. However, another poor run has seen them drop out of the top six and for the first time this season they face the Blues with nothing to play for.
(Thanks to all the usual suspects for their help with this article.)