Ever since that first saturday afternoon, at the tender age of 11, my life was irreversibly changed. Tranmere v Forest, 16/01/94. A 2-1 defeat, but what a day- a Rovers fan for life was born (Not just for me either; my dad too!) Many players have come and gone since that fateful day, but 15 years down the line, and following the recent upheaval we’ve all suffered, I thought it was a good time to reflect on the players who’ve left the biggest impact in my first 15 years of support. So I’ve put together my best XI, or at least what i feel would make the best team, not neccessarily the best individuals. Also included is a sub in each position.
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:
- Eric Nixon
- Ryan Taylor
- Gareth Roberts
- Clint Hill
- John McGreal
- Kenny Irons
- John Morrissey
- John Aldridge
- Iain Hume
- Jason Koumas
- Pat Nevin
Subs
- John Achterberg (GK)
- Steve Yates (DF)
- Ged Brannan (MF)
- Chris Greenacre (FW)
