In goal we’ve had some great players. Joe Murphy was a fantastic prospect when he broke onto the scene. Steve Simonsen kept a record number of clean sheets and proved his value with a big money move to Everton; though never quite hit the heights expected (Though it must be said he is still playing in the premiership now). Danny Coyne has had two spells at the club and was a good organiser and quality shot stopper despite his height. Two men however stood out. Big Johnny Achterberg spent ten years, most as number 1, and became a massive fan favourite at Prenton Park. A rock at the back with a drone of ‘OUUUUT’ so loud it could be heard at the opposite end of the ground, the flying dutchman was also a great influence in the dressing room, coached younger keepers and was a role model for training and dedication. But I’ve gone for Eric Nixon as my number 1. A flamboyant keeper to go with his personality, big Eric was part of the meteoric rise under John King. He starred in the three successive play off seasons where we came so close to promotion to the top flight, and memorably ran the length of the pitch in the away leg at Filbert Street to land a gloved blow on Speedy and earn a straight red. Always a man who played with his heart on his sleeve, Eric was one of the major heroes in Kingy’s army.

In defence their has been a wealth of quality performers and fan favourites. Centrally the assets of Vickers’ composure, Challinor’s throws, and more recently Kay’s goal threat have all stood out. However the pairing I’ve gone for are Clint Hill and John McGreal. Though they never played together, I believe they would have forged a great partnership- Mcgreal was a clever, calm and composed centre half who broke into the first team in 94 and was a key part of Rovers’ promotion pushing side. After leaving us he went on to be a key player for Ipswich and Burnley. Alongside him, Clint Hill was everything that embodied Aldridge’s cup killers. Hard as nails, passionate as they come, a heart-on-the-sleeve player who always gave 100% (though admittedly prone to crossing the disciplinary line). Clints highlight was probably his performance and goal in the 1-0 win over Bolton at the Reebok which put us on our way to Wembley.

In the full back areas we have a history of favouring attack minded players; those either keen on the overlap or used predominantly as wing backs. On the left, Ian Nolan came close, but I’ve gone for Gareth Roberts. Signed from Greek side Panionios through the Liverpool connection between Aldridge and Ronnie Whelan, Roberts spent 7 years at Tranmere clocking up 337 appearances. He was a quick and committed full back, always ready to join up the attacks and even spent a spell on the left wing under Brian Little. On the right it was a close call between Tony Thomas and Ryan Taylor, but Taylor just sneaks in, mainly due to his dead ball abilities. Strong, quick and skilful, Taylor was a key part of the promotion chasing side in 2005 before moving on to play in the premiership for Wigan and Newcastle.

On the bench who could forget Steve Yates, the man with his own day in the Rovers calendar (27th of Jan will forever be St. Yates day!) to celebrate his two goal masterclass against Everton. Steve was a true Rovers hero, comfortable at centre or right back (or even left wing back!), who provided not only great memories with his important goals but was also a composed and experienced defender.

In a classic 4-4-2, the best wingers in 15 years, for me, pick themselves- Pat Nevin and Johnny Morrissey. Though different in style and background, they complemented each other perfectly, and are something we’ve sorely missed of late; a player on each side capable of beating a man, able to curl in a ball to a gleefully waiting striker, and also providing cover for an overlapping full back.

Centrally, we’ve had different partnerships who’ve proved effective- O’Brien and Irons, Henry, Jones and Mahon, Jones (again!) and Loran; Jennings and Kay. However I’ve decided to be quite bold and select a pair who never played together- Kenny Irons alongside Jason Koumas. Despite seeming like an attacking pairing, Irons was also a tough tackler and capable of providing the steel which players like Koumas require. Koumas is probably the most talented central midfielder I’ve seen at PP. His game has everything (bar perhaps an interest in defending!) He could single handedly take on 3-4 players, pick out a killer pass or thunder a long ranger into the net.

On the bench I’ve plumped for Ged Brannan- a player capable of playing in any of the midfield areas and even defence, he was a quality player with an eye for a pass and a decent turn of pace, as well as the ability to score the occasional corker.

Up front, my first pick has to be John Aldridge, probably Tranmere’s best ever signing. Consistently banging in 30+ a season, Aldridge was one of the best poachers around, always in the right spot at the right time. With 174 goals in 294 games he is the second highest scorer in the club’s history. Other forwards worth a mention are Ian Muir- the highest scorer in our history, though unfortunately past his best by the time I started following the Rovers, hence his exclusion here; Stick Malkin, who was a lot better than he was given credit for and a great foil for Aldo; and Simon Haworth, who scored some great goals before injury cut his career short. In the end though, Iain Hume wins the right to partner Aldo in my dream XI. A player able to make things happen, Humey was always a fan’s favourite for his willingness to chase down lost causes. He combined this effort with a great amount of skill, quick feet and was a long range specialist, forming a good partnership with Eugene Dadi.

On the bench, Chris Greenacre makes the cut for 4 years of great service. Converted back to striker by Little from the winger role he was employed in by Stoke, Chris had the ability to score all sorts of goals- overhead kicks, close range volleys, and strikes from the edge of the box. Probably the best forward we’ve had since Hume left, and a true gent.

So there’s my 15 years selection. Any other views much appreciated.

Rob’s 15 in 15:

1. Eric Nixon
2. Ryan Taylor
3. Gareth Roberts
4. Clint Hill
5. John McGreal
6. Kenny Irons
7. John Morrissey
8. John Aldridge
9. Iain Hume
10. Jason Koumas
11. Pat Nevin

Subs

• John Achterberg (GK)
• Steve Yates (DF)
• Ged Brannan (MF)
• Chris Greenacre (FW)

SWA

Thomas-Moore, Curran and Gornell have worked hard as Parry’s preferred front 3 but even the Physio-turned-Savior has readily admitted what he wants most as a belated transfer window Christmas present.  “We are looking for someone with some pace but with some height and size – and maybe someone who has a bit of a record in scoring goals.”

The irony in this is until last week, Tranmere had a player on their books who in theory ticked all the above boxes. Hell, he’d even turned out for England.

Step forward, or more appropriately perhaps, amble forward, the enigma that is Michael Ricketts.

A man blessed with the physical requirements every side dreams of in a target man. A man who, despite his size, possesses the touch of class and close control that exposes his premier league pedigree.

And yet….

Michael Ricketts could not get a game under Les Parry. Moreover, Michael Ricketts has struggled to hold down a first team place at a club since the nadir of his career, at our old enemy Bolton back in 2003.

A quick glance at his career stats provides intriguing reading. 14 goals in 31 starts at Walsall earned him a move to Bolton, where then boss and former Aldridge nemesis Sam ‘carp features’ Allardyce coaxed some excellent performances out of the big man.  So much so that he earned a call up and 45 minute cameo under Sven, albeit in a friendly.

This would prove to be the highlight of big Mike’s career- a subsequent move to Boro for 3.5m resulted in a meagre return of 3 goals in 22 appearances. He dropped down a level to Leeds where he failed to hit the net in 25 league appearances, and then, on loan to Cardiff, smashed in 5 in a dozen appearances and seemed to have regained some of his vigour.

Spells at Burnley, Southend, Preston and Oldham followed, as Ricketts successfully earned the dubious title of journeyman. By the time he turned up at Walsall again, he was somewhat of a spent force- but then managed to hit 9 goals in 25 starts, his first regular run of games in some 6 years.

And yet…

He was again released. When John Barnes turned to him in a desperate attempt to fix the gaping void he’d failed to fill in the summer, it was clear there was little left in the tank, and to say he’d let himself go in terms of his physique would be being extremely kind.

His debut  from the bench at Elland Road resulted in derisory jeers from the Leeds fans who remembered his spell at their club. In the few games he started at Prenton Park he showed brief glimpses of his ability, but all to often he was so far behind play he’d only just made it into the box by the time the ball was cleared.

Even Les failed to get him match fit, despite the rest of the squad improving in fitness massively in the last few months, and it was with great relief to most Rovers fans when it was announced he’d left last week by mutual consent- freeing up some wages for a much needed replacement.

His one goal for Rovers (I refuse to acknowledge the Hudds’ goal which was patently not his) was scored away at Exeter in a 2-1 defeat- a decent back post header. But this single goal would be all Rovers’ fans would really have to remember him by.

So what was wrong with Michael? What I saw of him suggests his heart just wasn’t in it. He was so unfit he could hardly run after 10 minutes. I recall one fan shouting at him “move your arse Ricketts!” to which he simply replied “I don’t have to”.

Maybe this is where the problem lies. Mike doesn’t have to play football. Maybe he has lost the love of the game; maybe he is financially comfortable and happy to ply his trade at any club willing to hire him on past glories.

Whatever the reason, it’s a sad waste of a talent. Perhaps Kevin Blackwell, his former boss at Leeds, sums it up best. “I think Michael needs to ask himself if he loves football enough.”

From what I’ve seen, that’s a very astute observation.

SWA

As we all know the wage budget has been reduced by Mr Johnson, and all things considered the appointment of an inexperienced celebrity was not only footballing suicide, but marketing suicide. Seeing that PJ is a successful businessman this again puts Tranmere Rovers in the ‘weekend plaything’ in Johnson’s priority stakes. However I feel the right man is in charge to get things into shape in the short term.

I honestly feel if Ronnie Moore was still at the helm even with the reduced wage budget we wouldn’t be in this mess, and also maybe a little controversially if Barnes had a higher wage budget then we would still be higher up the table? All things considered we need to sort out the team.

Paul Mclaren is an example of an experienced player who has not delivered and appears not to give a monkeys about the plight of Tranmere, considering he came with a reasonable reputation as a former player (I didn’t rate him first time round) he has done nothing to endear himself to the Super White Army.

Similarly Alan Mahon was a former fans favourite, and a personal favourite having been relatively young when Tranmere’s cup exploits in 2000 in which he was the star player, but this season he has been off the pace and has even offered to payback half his wages to the club, this is exactly the kind of commitment needed for a dogfight.

Former Bolton and Leeds Utd’s Michael Ricketts has been a major disappointment also, maybe slightly less so because I for one didn’t expect much. Historically a lot has been said about his desire and passion for the game, and his fitness still seems way off what it should be even with intensive one on one training sessions with Les. However at times he has looked a cut above, is it possible he could turn himself into a striker to be reckoned with, ignoring the weight issue (chief springs to mind) utilised correctly in the right system is it possible he could do a job but it will be tough for him with Bas returning in the new year.

Kithson Bain, now out on loan at Kettering, couldn’t possibly comment as only seen him as a substitute for short periods, the fact he’s out on loan suggests we don’t need him so lets monitor his performances at Kettering.

A player I hear mixed reports about is former Blackburn Rovers player Marlon Broomes, an experienced defender yes, but personally I see him as out of his depth, slow, hot headed and uncomfortable on the ball, horrible to watch.

Finally Shay Logan at right back is certainly a position where we can be much improved, the Man City player is talented, and in some ways is more suited to the premier league where it’s less physical and more technical. At this level we need to be solid, and for me he’s too diminutive to have a positive impact and bully tricky wingers. Gareth Edds would suit this role if he wasn’t doing a job in central midfield.

There are positives that can be drawn from this scenario, the emergence of the younger players such as Gornell, Curran and Ash Taylor can only be of long term benefit to Tranmere, these lads are hungry for the game and possibly wouldn’t have got a chance if the above players where starting every week.

Super White Army

The likes of Jody Craddock are still likely to notch up a cricket score, and if we’re still languishing in the bottom four by the time of the match then it may knock some optimism and energy out of the players – and leave us playing the billionaires of Notts County.

Would it be too boring and sensible to suggest we put the cup to one side this season and concentrate on safety? John Barnes had his hands on the cup once before. We need to focus on Les Parry’s tenuous grip on League One.

Super White Army

Good win last night keep up the work rate

One of the main changes under ‘Discopants’ is the formation- from John Barnes alien 4-2-2-2 to a heavily protective 4-3-3. Les has made his reasons for this very clear- to stop the rot at the back, and stem the gaping holes in a Rovers rearguard that has slipped to a -18 goal difference in the opening three months of the season.

The last time Rovers employed this system was early last season under Ronnie Moore. During pre-season it looked particularly impressive with free flowing football and attacking verve culminating in a comfortable 1-0 win over Blackpool, with the only goal coming from Charlie Barnett. Once the season started however, the formation proved too lightweight in midfield and Ronnie quickly abandoned it in favour of his usual 4-4-2.

Going further back, most Rovers fans will associate the 4-3-3 with John Aldridge. In a system that brought the heights of a Wembley appearance and 6th round appearance in the FA cup, Aldridge utilised a midfield trio of Mahon, Gary Jones and Nick Henry, with Taylor and Parkinson supporting the likes of Ned Kelly or Wayne Allison as the target man.

So what are the benefits this time round? Well from first impressions, it seems Parry is looking to use the two wider forwards as support for the midfield, defending from the front and making the opposition work to break us down. The trio of Moore, Gornell and Curran have interchanged continually and worked tirelessly, somewhat to the detriment of their attacking threat, and Parry has acknowledged this as a neccessary sacrifice.

In midfield, McLaren has played a deep lying role behind the ball winners, Edds and Welsh, which has had mixed success. While it does in theory give us options, and McLaren the chance to prove he can pick a pass, the lack of movement in attacking postions has more often then not led to him losing the ball or going backwards. Edds however has been a revelation, becoming somewhat of a fans favourite by giving 100% for the cause.

From a defensive perspective, Parry seems to have improved things. 2 goals conceded in 3, and a much stronger backbone to the team than before. The main concern though is the lack of someone to put the ball in the net. Only 1 goal scored in his 3 matches in charge, and yet numerous chances created, particularly for Curran- worryingly Ian Thomas-Moore has been a peripheral figure, and seems unsuited to the role. The solution may be to shake things up up front. The front 3 are all similar in build and ability- someone like Ricketts as the focal point could make a massive difference; or perhaps using Shuker or Mahon out wide ahead of Gornell could bring some much needed creativity.

Personally though, I think once the ship is steadied, the defence more confident and a new man is in charge, a return to 4-4-2 could be our salvation. For the moment though, we can only hope one of the forward players finally finds the net in what could be a crucial 125th anniversary match on saturday.

SWA

Super White Army

Super White Army

Victor Chandler have opened a book for the next Tranmere manager and you can see the list below. In my opinion they’re missing out some big names who are likely to be mentioned in Jim Harvey and Mike Newell, both of course have Tranmere history. Another manager rumoured to have applied is Mixu Paatelainen, but after his most recent failings in the SPL he surely can’t be a safe option which is what we most certainly need. So here’s the odds anyway, please let us know who your favorite would be and why.

Shaun Garrett or/and Les Parry 7/1

Ray Mathias 8/1

Gary McAllister 8/1

Gary Brabin 8/1

Simon Davey 9/1

Stan Ternent 10/1

Mark Proctor 10/1

John Coleman 11/1

Paul Jewell 11/1

Steve Thompson 11/1

Lawrie Sanchez 12/1

Mark Cooper 12/1

Steve Cotterill 14/1

Jeff Kenna 14/1

Glenn Roeder 14/1

Jimmy Calderwood 14/1

Peter Taylor 14/1

Richard Money 16/1

Andy Ritchie 16/1

Steve Coppell 16/1

Mick Harford 16/1

Neil McDonald 16/1

Sammy McIlroy 16/1

Dan Ashworth 16/1

Michael O`Neill 16/1

Colin Calderwood 16/1

Peter Jackson 18/1

Iffy Onuora 20/1

Stuart Gray 20/1

Steve Round 20/1

Paul Buckle 20/1

Martin Keown 22/1

Gudjon Thordarson 22/1

Steve Bleasdale 22/1

Ronnie Jepson 25/1

Lee Richardson 25/1

Joe Kinnear 25/1

Stephen Frail 25/1

Nigel Blackwell 200/1

Super White Army

Luke Daniels didn’t have a great deal to do before his sending off, a couple of long range shots but nothing overly concerning. The defence had a good outlet through debutant Zoumana Bakayogo, but otherwise looked equally as shaky as in previous games this season. Les opted for a 3 man midfield utilising Alan Mahon and Gareth Edds as attacking midfielders and Paul Mclaren as the defensive playmaker, this is a formation I have been keen to see this season as its undoubtedly Mahon’s favoured position and I believe he holds the key to any success we have. It was actually Edds who came out with any credit from this midfield, with Mclaren gifting the ball to the opposition countless times. Mclaren really has been a major disappointment since his return, the same could be said for Mahon but I still think he will come good.

If you think back to when this formation was so successful for Aldridge, in attack we had a strong ball winner with Wayne Allison, and tricky wingers in Andy Parkinson and Scott Taylor/David Kelly who hugged the touchline. Last night our options were Craig Curran, Terry Gornell and Ian Thomas-Moore. I’m sure this system will work but not without Ricketts, who kept the bench warm all night despite us going down to 10 men and lumping the ball up for ITM and Chris Shuker! They didn’t stand a chance against the 2 giant Stockport centre halves.

It was a night of poor football and extreme frustration, all this in front of the Sky Sports boys.

Back to the original question then where do we go from here? It’s clear we need a manager who isn’t afraid to shake things up, knows how to get the most of the limited players and knows how to win football matches at this level when there is likely very little football to be played. There has already been a lot of names mentioned in the media, with Steve Cotterill, Steve Coppell and Mike Newell the forerunners, but my favorite would be Jim Harvey. The former Tranmere midfielder has recently taken over at Chester City I’m sure it wouldn’t take much convincing for him to return to his beloved Tranmere Rovers.

There’s my thoughts anyway, it would be great to hear what everyone else thinks…

Super White Army