It’s been a busy 7-weeks in Birkenhead following their play-off victory over Newport County, with 8 new faces through the door at Prenton Par to add to Micky Mellon’s squad.
The pick of the signings is arguably the experienced midfielder, Darren Potter who was released from Rotherham. Potter has over 200 appearances in League 1, as well as over 150 in the Championship and even a couple of outings in the Champions’ League. Rovers have also snapped up Crewe Alexandria’s 2018/19 captain George Ray. The Welshman is also experienced in League One and will add quality and competition at the back, with Sid Nelson also making his loan move from Millwall a permanent transfer. This, combined with Scott Davies signing a one-year extension, will have delighted fans, as they look to carry their good defensive form into the new season.
The main issue for Tranmere will be replacing League Two player of the year James Norwood, which the Real EFL looked at recently. Norwood managed 32 goals in all competition last season and finding those goals at a higher level will surely cause a headache for Mellon. Stefan Payne has been snapped up from Bristol Rovers, and it certainly wasn’t the marquee signing the Super White Army were hoping for. Payne’s record is less than impressive – with just 13 goals in 63 games over the past Two seasons with Shrewsbury and Bristol Rovers. On the contrary, there is clearly an excellent player within him – this is a player who had a hand in 57 goals in 98 games in the National League. If they can rebirth his prior form, Rovers may have a new talisman.
Rovers began pre-season with a gruelling week at St Andrew’s, Edinburgh, which culminated with a narrow defeat at the hands of Scottish Premier League side, Livingstone in a ‘behind closed doors’ friendly. Upon returning to the Wirral, Tranmere welcomed Liverpool to Prenton Park in the annual alternative Merseyside derby. Ultimately, the League One outfit were humbled by the European champions who fielded a different, good Premier League XI in each half, which included five players who played in the Champions League final. Stoke, Carlisle and Walsall await as Rovers finalise preparations for their first League One outing since 2014 against Rochdale.
Rovers have been handed a relatively nice start, and the Super White Army will fancy their chances against a Rochdale team that historically don’t start seasons well. Following a difficult trip to Portsmouth, Rovers welcome Bolton Wanderers who may struggle to field a full XI at present, with the Lancashire side amongst the favourites for relegation. Stefan Payne will look to make an impact at his old stomping ground as Tranmere then visit the memorial stadium, before rounding off the opening month at home to another struggling side in Bury.
Success this season will surely be survival for Tranmere. Given the recent back-to-back relegations and years in the National League, fans will be nothing short of elated by the last two seasons. Even the most optimistic of fans would struggle to suggest a third successive promotion, and a mid-table finish is surely the best-case for Micky Mellon.
I think mid table will be our target but you never know.!!!