Tranmere Rovers
And then there were 7
Crest
By Kris Craig
March 21 2024
It's down to the last 7 games of the season now. We are safe in League two and not mathematically unable to make the play offs. The season has been full of twist and turns, seen us with two managers, playing some dreadful football early on but some fantastic football of late. It's been far from boring, but also frustrating.
The frustrating element is that we have managed to beat Mansfield, Stockport and Wrexham in recent weeks. We have also lost to Forest Green Rovers and seem to struggle against the lesser teams but turn up for the big matches. Against Mansfield we played excellent football and were more than competitive. We did a smash and grab at Wrexham and defended resolutely in a hostile environment. Yet we go to places like Swindon and Doncaster and get beat.
Nobody really believes we have a serious chance of making the playoffs, albeit I take the view that if we were able to finish in a play-off position the momentum behind the team would be enough to propel us further forward. We can't quite do what Bristol Rovers did a few seasons back, snatching promotion on the final day, but we might be able to get over the finish line into the playoffs if results go our way.
Some have said it would be better if we simply consolidate and look to a campaign push next season that secures automatic promotion. That to me seems high risk, if we could get out of this Division this season surely we should aim to do it. On the other hand there is also an argument for utilising some of the fringe players to establish if they have a future at the club. There are signs that this may be happening. Kieron Morriss was dropped from the starting XI v Wrexham. Perhaps Nigel will now embark on an experiment.
One positive in recent weeks has been the sense of unity. Supporters have got behind the team and the atmosphere has been much improved. It remains to be seen if this will translate into increased season ticket sales. We have also had an admission by our Chairman that appointing Ian Dawes as manager was a mistake. That admission has been well received by supporters, most of whom recognise that Mark Palios may not be the wealthiest of owners, but he does have bags of integrity.
Before we know it May will be upon us. That nothing time of the year when Rovers disappear, players go on holiday and all we have on forums like this is rumours and nostalgia. Let's enjoy the end of the season, and hope that with very little at stake, we can focus on success in 24/25.
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21/03/2024 21:15
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I am reasonable confident of a 100% return on our four remaining home games, who knows away after the Wrexham game. Bradford C appear in free fall at home after two heavy defeats, Newport are in a good run of form and Accy is anybody's guess.
If we lose one then maybe time to experiment
