Rovers Crest

By David Sindall
July 31 2026

Tomorrow our season begins, sort of, with a preliminary round for the League Cup against Rochdale. The absence of real football, as opposed to those prancing ponies at the World Cup, is over. 

As happens at this time of the year I put our forthcoming home fixtures onto our kitchen calendar. This is an annual ritual, repeated when the new calendar arrives at Christmas for the second half of the season, but helps with planning holidays, hosting visitors and the like. I’ve noticed that the pattern of fixtures in August and September looks a bit wonky. We have one home game in September, then two away on the trot. At least the EFL have made those trips local, a 500 mile plus return to Gillingham and another 500 mile plus return to Exeter. For the dedicated that’s over a 1000 miles in a fortnight. If you go by rail to Gillingham it’s a 7hr +journey costing £130. Exeter is a 9 hour return journey and will cost you £176. Enjoy!

Logistics aside, the squad is slowly taking shape. I don’t share the perspective that the new signings make us exciting, they seem to make us about the same as last season. You might argue, given the uncertainty over our ownership, that this is a positive thing. On the other hand, it hints towards a season not dissimilar to the last one. I hope, however, I am wrong and that we boss the League winning as Champion’s You’ll understand now why there are occasional typos in these articles, accuracy is restricted by straitjackets. 

I am looking forward to seeing how Clarke sets us up. He has had one huge advantage in that he has been able to recruit players that, presumably, fits with how he wants the game to be played. I am looking forward to seeing how Ince fits in, whether or not Harrison Male becomes first choice, and whether players like Lee O’Connor come back stronger after long injuries. I am also curious to see if Lewis Warrington has benefitted from his operation. Hopefully so, him and Ince could form a strong partnership together going forward. 

Tomorrow isn’t quite the first day of term, that’s on 15th. It will be interesting though. Let’s get behind the team and hope that the season ahead is much better than the last few.

Almost there

Discussion started by Total Tranmere (IP Logged), 31/07/2026 10:02

Total Tranmere
31/07/2026 10:02

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sparky100
31/07/2026 11:35

Gillingham and Exeter good for us southern supporters though.

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