League Two outfit Tranmere Rovers have completed the signing of winger Rob Apter on a short-term loan until the end of the season, the club have officially confirmed.
The 20-year-old spent the first half of the campaign with the Superwhites and became a mainstay in the starting lineup, making 21 appearances in all competitions and scoring five goals, including four in England’s fourth tier.
Nonetheless, Apter, who spent seven years in Rovers’ youth setup, has now returned to Prenton Park on a temporary basis, but first signed a new contract with parent club Blackpool. keeping him with the Tangerines until 2027.
Speaking to Tranmere’s club media at his official unveiling on Friday morning, the Scottish wide-man admitted that he is “made up” with the deal being completed:
“I’m made up. As soon as I knew I was wanted back, it was the only thing I wanted to do.”
Furthermore, Tranmere Rovers head coach Nigel Adkins also expressed his delight that the Blackpool star has returned until the end of the campaign [quotes via the BBC]:
https://twitter.com/TranmereRovers/status/1745777657759838314?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
“We’re delighted to have Robbie Apter back with Tranmere Rovers until the end of the season.
His efforts towards our performances in the first half of the season were huge, and we’re very happy to have reached an agreement to extend his stay here at Prenton Park.”
Apter was Tranmere’s joint-third top goalscorer in all competitions this season alongside Josh Hawkes. Only Connor Jennings and Kieron Morris found the net more times than the winger.
As it stands, Tranmere Rovers are just six points behind the final playoff place, having won four of their last five outings in League Two, and Adkins’ men will feel they could make an unprecedented push for promotion to League One.
Writer’s View
This move doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Blackpool boss Neil Critchley already knows his strongest lineup and Apter was unlikely to break into the first-team this season.
However, the Seasiders handing Apter a new and improved contract before sending him back out on loan shows that the club still have massive plans for him in the future. Returning to Tranmere, where he will get regular minutes, is a much better option for the player right now as opposed to languishing around the squad at Bloomfield Road.
Deputy Head of Writing
