Tranmere Rovers
The end of the season that nearly was
Crest
By Graham Smith
April 24 2024
With one game to go we start to see the finish that might have been. It's frustrating. Frustrating enough that we have beaten all the top three teams at our place, even more frustrating that with a bit more application we could have still be in contention for the playoffs. The evidence is there with clubs like Bradford City and Doncaster Rovers pushing for play off spaces.
A bloke that sits next to me was convinced he was going to win his bet at the bookies that Rovers would get promoted. Leaving aside the fact that it was never clear if promotion via the play offs would pay out, I kept reminding him that 'house always wins' and those odds were offered to tempt sensible people to take a punt. Yet, the journey that has been made by Doncaster, Bradford and Walsall shows that early season poor form can be compensated for by decent results in the latter part of the season. It's the attraction of the playoffs, plus once teams get there the actual results are a lottery.
We are only 9 points behind Bradford as we approach the final game of the season. Bradford have won one more game than us but, crucially, have drawn 6 more. That defeat by Salford back in August, then the one against Barrow on the opening day, if turned to draws are the sorts of games that cost us. Plus, our generosity against teams on a poor run of form. The Gumps away, plus many others, were games that draws would have pushed us higher up the table. Then thee was the travesty of the defeat to Morecambe at home. The second they got that late free kick you knew the ball was in the back of the net. A bit more application, a bit more luck, a few less donkey like referees. The difference between keeping the season alive on the final day to a pointless trip at the end of April to stand in the rain at Accrington.
Getting to the playoffs and doing well in them are entirely different propositions. There is something in this team though that hints at the fact that they could have risen to the occasion. Even with a makeshift team we played some good football against Wimbledon. Then again we were almost generous, allowing the Wombles to pull back two goals when neither was deserved. Fortunately nothing was riding on the match, otherwise the Wombles might have been a bit more determined.
In my own mind all of this points to the team being more ruthless next season. The signs are that we should be able to achieve this under Adkins. The start of this season was a disaster. We spent September trying to fashion a silk purse from a sow's ear. Now we are left looking with envy at clubs like Bradford, Walsall, teams that we can easily match, but teams who still have something to play for. Good luck to them, we have the summer to dream of better things.
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24/04/2024 09:02
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You only need to look at our results early season when Apter wasn’t playing.
Too that end we need to try everything to keep hold of him or find an equally inspirational replacement which won’t be easy..!!!
Results did improve when Adkins was in permanent charge, but Apter has clearly been instrumental in helping the form to upturn, however had Adkins been in permanent charge from day one and Apter had never been loaned, it is possible Tranmere may possibly be in the top 10 now or even the playoffs, as Apters influence has not necessarily allowed for total compensation for lost points early on.
Then I ate his Liver.......... with some baked beans and a can of coke.
As Nigel’ says‘ draw a line and look to next game’ . Very Much So.
Quote:Phil65
…..it’s also full of cliches.
And mine full of irony …..,or sarcasm
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:04:25:00:27:35 by ALOTBSOL .
It’s just as well to distract us from looking at Walsall and Bradford with envy…..any takers on that!
To be brutally honest, it was more of a season that never was in terms of promotion/play-offs; comfortably avoiding the threat of relegation was the achievement.
We could easily improve the team overall by improving other positions. Left back has been inconsistent throughout, any absences in central defence or midfield has led to substandard replacements. The mix up front has also been inconsistent at best.
LOC will also be a loss and if we play a flat full back will also be a negative effect.
Still the best summer equation we have had in years.
Quote:Rhineman
If we play a four the right side will be weaker without Apter. Lose your best player is always a negative on the team, Crewe and Wimbledon sell their best players.
We could easily improve the team overall by improving other positions. Left back has been inconsistent throughout, any absences in central defence or midfield has led to substandard replacements. The mix up front has also been inconsistent at best.
LOC will also be a loss and if we play a flat full back will also be a negative effect.
Still the best summer equation we have had in years.
Apter was a critical factor but if we can bring in 2-4 players that add value to a stating eleven then the team overall will be stronger. In that context I would anticipate that Hawkes will be cover rather than a starter.
For me Walker and Norris are a conundrum. Both have value but how much value very much depends on their capacity to play regularly
If we cant sign Apter its not the end of the world. Against Swindon away it was Hepburn-Murphy who ran the show not Robbie, and also against Morecambe at home it was their out of contract wide man wearing number 12 I think on the right who tore us apart.
Hawkes needs a regular slot and Saunders is improving in leaps and bounds.
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Quote:Crazylegs Cranebird
The period around Christmas was the most exciting to watch as a Tranmere fan for a long time.
If we cant sign Apter its not the end of the world. Against Swindon away it was Hepburn-Murphy who ran the show not Robbie, and also against Morecambe at home it was their out of contract wide man wearing number 12 I think on the right who tore us apart.
Hawkes needs a regular slot and Saunders is improving in leaps and bounds.
Didn’t Apter still score in both them games? Even when he isn’t at his best he usually impacts the game in some way. Can’t expect a young lad who is playing his first season of football league to drag you out the mud every game.
I go back to experienced players, Morris, Hendry. Apart from a few games here & there, they are below what we require imo. Hawkes, the performance alone at Swindon should have been the end for him, he looks disinterested.
To improve this season’s position, I still think all three of the above need replacing/improved on and they then become squad players. Looking forward to Nigel’s first few signings to try see his intent.
Quote:DevonExile
In many ways it is a season to forget. The Dawes experiment failed but the appointment of NA was a success. Defined as Phil 65 says by avoiding relegation.
Apter was a critical factor but if we can bring in 2-4 players that add value to a stating eleven then the team overall will be stronger. In that context I would anticipate that Hawkes will be cover rather than a starter.
For me Walker and Norris are a conundrum. Both have value but how much value very much depends on their capacity to play regularly
Agree with all of that, well put.
Particularly the last 2, Walker injury record is a big concern. Again I think he needs replacing as we are lucky to get 30 games out of him. Norris, hopefully a full pre season and we can see the best of him. Though, will be interesting to see if he gets a new deal. If he signs, with Dennis on board, are we likely to see another striker with the intention of being a starter brought in?
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The young CBs have done well, though is that enough, I don’t know. Would have to see what’s available. Still don’t know what’s happening with Yarney & Turnbull yet.
I believe Norris is out of contract at Liverpool, if released and affordable he definitely someone imo who could improve and potential for re sale, he has done well of late.
