A season of changes at Tranmere

Having suffered what was felt by many as an unjust demotion from League One in 2020, hopes were high that Tranmere could bounce back and achieve promotion at the first time of asking. However those hopes ended in a playoff defeat to Morecambe in a season that saw not one but two managerial departures.

Key matches

Tranmere 0-1 Morecambe

This is the game that saw the reign of Mike Jackson come to an end. Micky Mellon’s former assistant stepped up to the main role when Mellon left to take charge of Dundee United. However Jackson’s tenure didn’t last long. A 4-0 defeat to Crawley meant the writing was on the wall before the first of two home defeats to Morecambe brought his time to a close.

Tranmere 5-0 Grimsby

In stepped Ian Dawes and Andy Parkinson on a temporary basis and what an impact the pair had. Five wins in a row culminated in a five goal thrashing of lowly Grimsby. Rovers raced into a 4-0 lead inside 34 minutes, blowing the Mariners away. The football was scintillating at times, leading to many fans to call for the duo to get the gig on a full-time basis. The Tranmere board had a different idea.

Tranmere 1-0 Carlisle

Keith Hill, the former Rochdale and Bolton manager, was appointed on a deal that would run until the end of the season with a one-year extension to be triggered should promotion be achieved. Hill came in with a good pedigree at League Two level and things started brightly with a victory over promotion chasing Carlisle. Corey Blackett-Taylor nabbed the winner, which is ironic due to Hill’s reluctance to use him as the season went on.

Tranmere 2-1 Bolton

In what turned out to be one of the highlights of the season, Tranmere completed a league double over their bitter rivals from up the motorway. Danny Lloyd opened the scoring and James Vaughan added a penalty as Rovers kick started their charge up the table and left the visitors languishing in the lower reaches and looking over their shoulder towards the National League. What a difference a few months make.

Tranmere 0-0 Colchester

After starting March with automatic promotion and possibly the title in sight, Rovers’ form fell off a cliff culminating in Hill’s side needing a point to guarantee a playoff place. The football was horrendous in the most part with this game being the nadir. Instead of gaining some badly needed confidence and momentum ahead of the playoffs, Rovers limped over the line and Hill was given his marching orders in the following days.

It should be noted that Tranmere did have a terrific cup run in the EFL trophy. The club made it to the final for yet another Wembley appearance, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to League One side Sunderland in what was a brave display.

Transfers

On the whole, Tranmere’s transfer business was largely positive. Calum McDonald had a fairly strong season from left back while Otis Khan had a good campaign on the opposite flank before moving back into midfield for the playoffs.

Jay Spearing was named the club’s player of the year while James Vaughan plundered 19 league goals before his season and the club’s were derailed by a knee injury.

The loan market brought some more indifferent results. Liam Feeney was a creative force at stages of the season and Lee O’Connor grew in stature as the season went on, delivering consistent performances in a range of positions.

Ali Crawford received limited minutes in midfield while Nya Kirby was a disappointment despite a reasonably bright start. David Nugent was another who struggled to make an impact after arriving in January.

Key players

James Vaughan was on his way towards an outstanding individual season before being struck down by a knee injury in early March. Sometimes a player’s impact is better measured by his absence and this was very apparent in Vaughan’s case. Tranmere desperately struggled to replace the front man and the goals return went downhill rapidly.

Returning in time for the playoffs, Vaughan couldn’t drag Rovers over the line despite scoring in the second leg against Morecambe. Replacing Vaughan will now become an even bigger issue as the striker has announced his retirement.

Jay Spearing is popular among supporters and claimed the player of the year award. Famed for his crunching tackles in midfield, Spearing was a consistent presence in the middle of the park and set the tempo in a lot of games.

Lee O’Connor is another whose stock grew as the season went on. The Ireland u21 captain ran out at right back, holding midfield and on the right of a back three as the youngster showed consistency and versatility. It would be a surprise to see O’Connor back at Prenton Park and playing at this level next season.

Verdict

After a disappointing start to the season, a playoff position may have been seen as a good achievement to those on the outside but this was a strong squad in what was a low quality division. Promotion was seen as the main objective and having been in such a strong position coming into the final months of the campaign, fans will have been bitterly disappointed with how things turned out.

The ‘Super White Army’ feel they belong at League One level and it’s back to the grind next season in that pursuit. At least this time they might get to attend.

Next season

Firstly the good news. Micky Mellon is back in charge after his stint in Scotland, much to the delight of the Prenton Park faithful. Fans were gutted when the Scot left for Tannadice but his return will be the shot in the arm needed to bring a feelgood factor back to the club.

Unfortunately Vaughan’s retirement means the recruitment department have a critical summer ahead. Having desperately struggled in the former Everton player’s absence, fans will be hoping to see a proper striker brought in during the off-season to replace the goals and all-round contribution of Vaughan. Getting that right could prove the biggest hurdle to overcome in the summer.

Rovers have the man they want in charge, they now need the players to spearhead attempt number two at a return to the third tier.

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