SWA: Hi Barrie. First question then- Tranmere was your first club outside of Scotland. How did the move come about?

Well, I actually should have gone to Liverpool really. A few years earlier, when I was at Dunfermline, Shankly offered 70k for me. They denied the offer had come in of course, but it happened- the chairman wanted 100k though so turned it down.
As always happens, I ended up going to Aberdeen for only 40k in the end.

But I’d lost a yard of pace after a back injury, and never really got started at Aberdeen. Our manager at the time got talking to Yeatsy, think it was at a Preston game, Dave Russell might have been involved too.

I ended up coming down for a chat, so I turned up with an overnight bag. Funny thing was they asked me to stay on for a week, so there’s me sat there with one change of clothes and one pair of pants, I had to go and buy a load of new stuff!

They ended up offering me a contract- everyone at Tranmere was on a flat 35 a week at that time, but I managed to get 60 a week. I was only 27 so I think it was a pretty good deal for both parties.

SWA: The season you were relegated, Yeats was sacked and John King promoted to manager. He couldn’t keep Rovers up, but next season you were promoted. King is a legend in many fans eyes. What were your impressions of the man?

I liked him as a person. But I’ll be honest with you, when he used to tell those stories, I don’t know… ‘We’re going to get in this boat’ he’d say. ‘But if the going gets tough, we’re going to have to grab these oars…’ I just used to think ‘what is he on about!’ I didn’t have time for all of that.

There wasn’t much need for management and tactics then anyway. A group of us played nearly every game that promotion season. I only missed two games and that was only because my registration didn’t come back in time. We knew each other’s game so well. I think it’s a bit unfair managers these days getting the sack for losing the dressing room and the like.

SWA: Two other players in that squad were former Rovers’ managers Ray Mathias and Ronnie Moore. Could you have seen either of them going on to manage the club back when you were playing together?

Yeah I guess so. In hindsight I think Ray was always the more likely, leadership-wise. He was a quiet fella, quite a gentleman. Ronnie was always more boisterous! I’d have thought Ray would have made a better manager, he was calm and collected.

SWA: You attended the recent 125 year celebrations. What was that like?

It was great, they really looked after us. There weren’t that many people from my time there actually- quite a few were a bit older than me. Dickie (Johnson) was there, and Steve (Peplow) and Bobby (Tynan).

They laid on a buffet upstairs, then we had the pitch walkaround. We all watched the match and then there was more food laid on afterwards. It was really nice. Good to catch up with some familiar faces.

SWA: You played with some greats in your time. Who were the best players you played with and against?

Now you’re asking. The best player I played with… probably a lad called Alex Edwards, wide right player. He had everything- dribbling, crossing. At Rovers, probably Tynan and Pep.

Against, I’d say Pele, Georgie Best- I played against him while at Aberdeen and we beat United 4-1, make sure you print that! I think I scored a diving header in that game. Eusebio too, of course. Hardest player I ever came up against was a big centre half at Celtic called George O’Neill, he was a tough fella.

SWA: What was the best goal you scored for Rovers?

Oh, it was against Torquay at the cowshed end. I’ll never forget Pep’s face. He’d just gone off and was sitting on the bench. We used to have this corner routine- Bobby would feint a run to the near post- he was a great header of the ball- and then would run back to the centre of the goal, and I’d drive the ball in to him. Well, this time, the centre half gets up and bam! The ball comes straight back to me.

Quick as a flash, I hit it back in and it screams into the top corner off the outside of my right foot. I looked straight over at Pep and just said, ‘how bout that eh?’ You should have seen him, haha.

Possibly the greatest goal ever seen at Tranmere. People used to ask me, did you mean it? I’d say course I meant it. Did I hell, complete fluke! We won that game 7-1, I scored another in that game too, but that one was all people ever asked me about.

SWA: The truth’s out there now Barrie! What were the funniest moments you remember?

There were some funny times. I used to love training, but some of the lads hated it. Peplow was a terrible trainer. There was a pre-season, and we were getting worked really hard. Anyway, we’re running through these woods, knackered all of us. All of a sudden I turn to Bobby and say ‘Hey, look at him’. And there’s Pep, sitting under a tree smoking a fag. I says ‘what you doing?’ And he just turns to me, shakes his head and says ‘too much for me’.

Another time Kingy’s giving a team talk at half time, and says ‘hang on, where’s Pep?’ And then we notice there’s smoke coming from under the toilet door, he’s only gone off and snuck in a quick fag.

Funniest thing in a game was a time when Pep was contesting a throw in with this fella. Big fella he was. They both grabbed the ball, and the ref come over and signalled it was their ball. It was never their throw in a million years. Well, Pep gets hold of the ball and half volleys it straight at their player, right in the face. I’ve never seen him run so fast!

There was one reporter who wrote a story about me back in Scotland. I’ve still got it here [shows clipping from scrapbook] ‘Mitchell has all the grace and elegance of a frightened penguin’.

I wouldn’t mind but I scored two in that game as well!

SWA: What do you make of the current situation at Rovers?

Well you have to bear in mind we went down to division 4 while I was there, though we got promoted the next year. It’s tricky- how do you get investment into a club? Like I said before, everyone was on the same wage when I played. Wages are much higher now.
SWA: That’s true. Do you think the standard is similar to when you were here?

I don’t think foreign players coming in has made much difference at this level. In our time the Scots coming in was the foreign invasion. Every club had one or two. It’s more of a lifestyle thing. In my day we played football day and night. These days there’s too many distractions, kids spend all there time playing computers. Football was all we had, maybe that makes a difference.

SWA: Speaking of foreign players, you became one yourself when you made the move to Canada to play for Vancouver Whitecaps. How did that come about?

Well in those days, a lot of players had started going to America in the summer to earn a bit of extra money and keep fit for the start of the next season.

I was coming back from a cartilage injury and got a call from Toronto saying they wanted me for the summer. I told Kingy that if he let me go over to Canada I could come back fit as a fiddle.

So I sign for Toronto, and a few days later get a call from Vancouver, saying I was on waivers (transfer list in Canada).

God knows what happened, maybe they signed too many foreigners or something. Anyway they asked me if I’d like to go there, so I thought, yeah why not. It was a much nicer city than Toronto, some good players.

It was a semi pro league, there was me and a dutch fella, and most of the rest of the lads were semi pro’s who worked another job in the day and trained nights.

The first year I won the player of the year award. The second year I went back, they’d got a German manager in who didn’t want me there. If I’d have been a white Pele he wouldn’t have liked me.

So in the end I got on the phone to Pep and Bobby, who were playing over in Chicago, and went to see them for a bit of a holiday!

SWA: Final question then- why did you end up leaving Rovers?

The season my contract finished I played something like 43 out of 46 games. I came back after the summer in Vancouver for contract talks. I said to Kingy, ‘you know that if you don’t give me the same or more I can leave.’ So Kingy asked me where I was going to go, I said Preston.

In the end I came up with a compromise, Kingy liked the contract, I wanted it, but when Kingy went to the directors with it they wouldn’t have it.

I was disappointed I wasn’t going to have another crack at Division 3. These days a lot of players follow the money. But loyalty doesn’t do any harm- theoretically Preston was a bigger club but I wouldn’t have left.

I loved the club, couldn’t believe it. We had a great team with Pep wide right, myself and Bobby in the middle. If I’d have only played ten games the previous season I’d have understood. But these things happen in football.

SWA: Thanks a lot for speaking to us Barrie, some great memories there.

No problem, it’s been a pleasure.

Super White Army

With six of Tranmere’s out of contract players having been offered new deals, and six released, Parry claims he will be looking to build around the spine of the team already contracted for next year.

He said: “We are looking at players with experience, in their mid 20s, and also some younger players.

“We have got quite a good spine here- Goodison and Taylor at the back, Mahon and McLaren in midfield and Tomas-Moore and Gornell up front.”

Parry also confirmed he will be sticking with the 4-3-3 system that proved successful in avoiding relegation last season.

He added: “the current players are comfortable with it and we’ll bring in players that are hungry, winners and fighters.”

One player already approached is Joss Labadie, who returned to parent club West Bromwich Albion following his impressive loan spell only to find he was being released.

A statement on WBA’s official website read: “Albion have confirmed they are not taking up the further year’s option on Joss Labadie’s contract.

“The 19-year-old midfielder has been on loan at Tranmere since March and is now free to join the Merseyside club on a permanent basis should he choose.”

Parry confirmed an offer had been made to Labadie, but said fellow loanee Andy Robinson would not be returning to Rovers.

He said: “Andy Robinson is a dish that’s too expensive for us, we’ve got to stick with the burgers and not the fillet steak.”

The Tranmere manager, who told of his reluctance to start the season with long term loan players, expressed his relief at finally being able to start approaching new players now he knows what budget he will be working with.

He added: “It is no secret the finances in this division and the division below are completely different.

“It has made it difficult as we didn’t know where we would be, but now we do, we can press on and try and sign the players that we are targeting.”

Bas Savage, Gareth Edds and Chris Shuker are the highest profile casualties, and join Charlie Barnett, Kithson Bain and Josh Macauley in looking for a new club for next season.

Parry, who met chairman Peter Johnson on Wednesday to discuss an extension to his role as manager, explained the reason for the clearout.

He said: “I’d like to thank the six players for their time at Prenton Park and wish them all the best for the future.

“We’ve targeted the areas we feel we need to improve and we will be working hard over the summer to bring the players we want to the Club.”

Shuker, a former fans favourite, has found himself out of favour in the manager’s preferred 4-3-3 system.

Despite starting the season as first choice under John Barnes, he has struggled to adapt to the hard working regime implemented by Parry, with some Rovers fans believing he never fully recovered from a series of injuries over the last few years.

Savage has struggled to find fitness following his own injury problems, a damaged achilles heel side-lining him for most of the season, and while his performances have improved of late it seems Parry is unwilling to gamble on him.

Edds, who has been used mainly as a back-up at right back and in central midfield, made some important contributions this season against the likes of Southampton and Exeter.

But unfortunately the lasting memory of his time in Birkenhead will be his sending off in the crucial play-off six pointer at Scunthorpe under Ronnie Moore.

Meanwhile Rovers have offered new contracts to six other players- Craig Curran, Ryan Fraughan, John Welsh, Zoumana Bakayogo, Marlon Broomes and a first professional deal for youth scholar Jack Mackreth.

Goals from Ian Goodison, Ian Thomas-Moore and on-loan midfielder Joss Labadie proved to be enough for Rovers after results elsewhere went their way.

On the back of last Saturday’s impressive win over Millwall, Tranmere went into the game needing to pick up all three points and then hope that one of Exeter, Hartlepool or Gillingham would slip up.

And a win for Exeter, coupled with a draw for Hartlepool, meant that Gillingham slipped into the bottom four after losing 3-0 at Wycombe.

Rovers, backed by more than 3,000 vocal supporters, made only one change to the side that brushed aside Millwall the week before.

Gareth Edds replaced the injured John Welsh in midfield, while Andy Robinson kept his place on the left of the front three.

Signs of nerves were evident early on as Rovers struggled to keep possession, with a number of hopeful balls and misplaced passes setting the tone in the first 20 minutes.

With news filtering through that Exeter had fallen behind, Tranmere gradually began to impose themselves with the impressive Joss Labadie, whose introduction to the team has coincided with an upturn in results of late, dominating the midfield.

And the Wirral side reaped the rewards their improvement deserved in the 38th minute.

Ian Goodison flicked on a long throw from Zoumana Bakayogo to Bas Savage, who held up the ball for long enough to allow the Jamaican centre-half to turn and smash the ball home from six yards out.

The relief around the ground was palpable as Goodison, kissing the badge in glee, ran towards the jubilant Rovers fans in the Popular Stand with his elated team-mates in tow.

Moments later it was nearly two, when Labadie smashed in a shot from outside the area that cannoned back off the post, with Thomas-Moore screwing the rebound over the bar.

Rovers fans’ hearts were in their mouths not long after as Ibehre flashed a header just wide for the hosts, who had in truth offered little, and that proved to be the last chance of the half.

With news of a goal for Wycombe coming through during the interval, Rovers could finally dare to dream that survival was in their grasp.

Les Parry’s side came out fired up for the second half, and when Ian Thomas-Moore managed to divert Bakayogo’s low cross past the despairing dive of Rigby soon after the restart, the fans packed in behind the goal began to celebrate the most unlikely of final day escapes.

15 minutes from the end, a tame effort from Savage was poorly dealt with by Rigby, leaving Labadie with the simple task of tucking home his third goal in the final game of an impressive loan spell.

With Wycombe leading Gillingham by three goals, the party could start in earnest and Rovers fans flooded onto the pitch at the final whistle to celebrate survival in a season that for so long looked to be heading towards disaster.

Now Chairman Peter Johnson has some difficult decisions to make, with Parry’s success in avoiding relegation furthering his cause to retain the top job for next season.

A year ago Rovers narrowly missed out on the play-offs on the final day, this season they ended up surviving by just one point after a tense 90 minutes at Edgeley Park.

And while last day drama has it’s merits,  most Rovers fans would probably be more than happy with a mid-table finish next time around.

If results at Gillingham and Yeovil don’t go our way the season is over and we’re confined to League Two football against the likes of Lincoln, Burton Albion and Morecombe, gutted.

It’s time for Les and the men in white to show some grit and determination, a trait seriously lacking for the majority of the season from the majority of the players. The fans cannot be criticised, as poor performances and poor results ultimately lead to a sombre atmosphere, but the Super White Army have admirably stood by their team.

It’s down to Mr Johnson to do the right thing regardless of what happens in the remaining fixtures, employ a proven manager who can build the club from the ground up, ala Johnny King.

The SWA will be behind the team today, showing the passion that isn’t evident in all but a few players in the squad, but today I pray that every member of the playing staff are willing to put blood on their shirt for the cause, and not just be prepared to walk away with their inflated wages that they don’t deserve. Come on you white men.

Super White Army

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

In his post match interview following the 3-1 win over fellow strugglers Exeter, Parry admitted his target of 48 points may be a little shy of what is needed, after results at the weekend.

With Gillingham and Orient both winning, Exeter are now the closest team to Rovers sitting just two points off relegation.

Rovers now go into Tuesday’s massive game at Brentford hoping to carry on where they left off after the good performance on Saturday.

Parry said: “We need to rest for a couple of days and if we get that same level of energy in the game at Brentford, we will come away with something.”

Rovers will  be hoping that with little to play for Brentford might just ease off enough for them to snatch a precious three points in their battle for survival.

In team news, Andy Robinson is still struggling with a troublesome groin injury, and will probably remain on the bench,  while Craig Curran should be fit to play. Paul McLaren and Chris McCready are likely to miss out with thigh and hamstring strains respectively.

Predictions bounced around of last minute victories against Brighton, most suggesting returning ‘hero’ Robinson would inspire us to the victory we so desperately craved.

Alas, it all proved unfounded, and Rovers experienced a day straight out of their worst nightmares- comprehensive beating, lack of effort and a straight red for Robbo on his full debut.

I’ll be honest and admit I wasn’t one of the hardy souls at the Withdean (surely one of the worst stadiums in football?). But I’ve seen my fair share of collapses away from home this season- Elland Road and The New Den spring painfully to mind, the only highlight between them being a second half long range effort from Welsh in South London.

What next then?

Well, with Robbo serving the first game of his suspension on friday, it’s going to mean a change of personnel, and many fans are hoping Les will return to 4-4-2 and have a go at Norwich.

After all, he can hardly argue 4-4-3 is offering the protection he’s been espousing- after shipping 4 v leeds and 3 at Brighton.

And now that there seems to be genuine options and competition all over the field it would seem the time has come to have the courage to take the game to the opposition.

It doesn’t seem likely however. Les stated after the Oldham game he would choose a system and stick to it, and Les is nothing if not stubborn.

While the next two games may not decide the season, a return of ‘nil points’ would heap an awful lot of pressure on the 12 pointer double-header of Wycombe and Exeter to come.

Whatever happens, it looks like things are going right down to the wire.

Boys, if you read this- Ubi Fides Ibi Lux Et Robur.

SWA

1994-2009: 15 years, 15 players

Also we’re looking for photos for our SWA On Tour section, if anyone’s got any good snaps in TRFC colours then send them in…

Super White Army

After putting 5 past Walsall and more impressively Huddersfield, the Saints must have been brimming with confidence going into this match, and with Tranmere’s mediocre home form I feared the worst. But as Tranmere have a tendancy to do, we got a result against the odds. Les Parry’s men went out with the intention of putting their bodies on the line to win every ball. Although Southampton looked good, and Ricky Lambert provided an aerial threat, they quickly ran out of ideas and looked jaded after being hassled by Tranmere. The referee didn’t help matters, but we certainly deserved the victory.

I was also pleased to see LP making substitutions when they were required, unlike previously were he has left the starting 11 out for the entire 90 minutes. Bringing Bas Savage and Alan Mahon on at just the right time lifted the crowd and added a bit of much needed quality and creativity. Hopefully this will give him the confidence to make more of these decisions. Both players looked sharp considering their absense from the first team and I hope they both start against Leeds Utd tomorrow night.

Now 4 points off the drop zone, I think we deserve to avoid relegation and truly believe we will, as we obviously have the capacity to get results such as the Southampton one, whereas the teams below simply don’t. Bring on Leeds and let’s dent their chances of promotion!

Super White Army