20 Questions: Tranmere Rovers

A short hop to Prenton Park

Jul 06, 2025

Sunday 6 July 2025

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THE SCARF MY FATHER WORE 2025-26 CALENDAR: Having been to all 56 County games this season, I’ve taken thousands of photos. I’ve put together calendars for next season, featuring some of my favourite photos from the last year, plus some other County bits and bobs. £10 each. Get in touch if you’d like one.

Dear County fans, Stopfordians, Tranmere supporters, and anyone else from The Football Family joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Sunday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.

Matt Jones, host of the Tranmere podcast A Trip to the Moon, joins us today for another instalment of our ‘20 Questions’ series.

Today’s edition is sponsored by Lisa Foster The Sleep Nanny. A big thank you to Lisa.

Thanks also to The Open Plan Building Company for sponsoring our Tranmere Rovers content on the website.

Finally, I’m currently walking every street in Stockport to raise money for mental health charity Mentell. If you’d like to make a donation to help me reach my target, please click here.

Total distance so far: 253.75 miles

Total steps so far: 418,084

Total raised so far: £2,312

Total completed streets so far: 474 (Click here for the full list, which includes reports and photos from every day of the walk.)

Further information on the walk can be found by clicking here.

Des Junior

After three seasons in the National League, Tranmere returned to the EFL in 2018

Tranmere currently play in League Two, which is the fourth tier of English football. What’s that like as a division?

Last season's League Two was pretty low quality. It felt like a very open division and there were very few teams who would have felt they didn't have a chance of promotion at the start of it. The fact the play-offs run down to 7th makes it particularly exciting though; there's usually something to play for (at both ends) until deep into the campaign.

Describe a typical matchday for yourself in Birkenhead.

I take my daughter now, so things have changed a little bit in recent years. Park up about 2pm and head to the Tranmere Trust marquee to meet a few friends. Maybe pick up some chips from down Borough Road. Head in at 2.30pm and watch the game.

Who are your club’s biggest rivals?

That depends entirely who you ask and what age they are. Some fans will say Chester and Wrexham, others might say Bolton or even Oldham. That in itself shows Tranmere have been devoid of big local derbies over the last few decades.

What’s your best memory following Tranmere?

The 2017-18 National League play-off final, where we beat Boreham Wood in a ridiculous game. Liam Ridehalgh was sent off after a minute, but we got the job done. Just. After following Tranmere for 23 years, finally there was something to celebrate.

What’s your worst memory following Tranmere?

There have been a lot of lows! Pick either of the three relegations (2000-01, 2013-14, 2014-15) or the play-off final defeat to Forest Green in 2016-17. But for me, nothing has left me feeling more aggrieved than the way we were demoted in 2019-20 when Covid cut short the season. Tranmere had just won three in a row and were about to play a significant number of the teams above them. They were three points from safety, but had a game in hand. What happened to us was really poor.

If Tranmere Rovers was a TV show, which one would it be?

Pointless. For large parts of last season anyway.

What’s your ground called, and how would you describe it for someone who’s never visited before?

Prenton Park. Renovated in the mid-90s and looking a bit tired now, but when full, it can be a daunting place to come for a visiting team, because that Kop can make a hell of a din. Sadly, those days have been few and far between of late.

It's an odd looking stadium too. The Kop is huge, the Main Stand pretty tall too, but the way it’s built into the local area means the Cowshed and Johnny King Stand are shorter and more compact.

What’s your thoughts on Stockport County?

I’m a big fan of Dave Challinor, someone I would have loved to have had as Tranmere manager at some point, but I fear we might have missed the boat now!

Have you ever visited the town of Stockport before?

Last time I was in Stockport was when Tranmere won 3-0 at Edgeley Park on the final day of the 2009-10 season. (Don't worry, I wasn't hanging off the crossbar.) I've used the station a few times, but can't say I've ventured further than that.

What colours do you play in, and what’s the best ever kit Tranmere have had?

White, with a blue trim and sometimes a bit of green. My favourite kit was the 1999-2000 edition, which had dark blue pinstripes running through it.

If Tranmere were playing in the next FA Cup final, who’d be at Wembley as your celebrity fan?

Mike Dean.

What’s the most interesting fact about Tranmere Rovers we might not know?

Our 13-4 victory over Oldham on Boxing Day 1935 is the highest scoring professional game in English football. Bunny Bell scored nine – and missed a penalty!

Who’s your all time Tranmere hero?

My favourite player growing up was Andy Parkinson. He could terrorise defences with his pace and had an eye for the spectacular goal. Sadly, injuries curtailed his career a bit. He's back at Tranmere now, and has been for over a decade, as part of the coaching team.

What sort of attendances do you get, and how would you describe Tranmere’s fanbase?

Around 6,500. Not too bad, but looks small given the size of Prenton Park. We have a demanding fanbase, which is absolutely not a criticism, as many are used to seeing Tranmere at a higher level than the fourth tier. But it can mean some players struggle under the pressure of those expectations.

What’s your manager like?

Andy Crosby’s great. He was parachuted in as part of the coaching team in late 2024, and then made manager in February. Without him, Tranmere would surely have gone down. He changed the formation and made some big decisions on who was and wasn't playing. He also speaks very well and seems to understand what the fans want and expect. Long may it continue.

Mark Palios (Photo credit: Tranmere Rovers FC)

What’s your owner like?

Mark Palios is currently trying to sell the club and has been for a significant period of time. He came in in 2014. The first half of his tenure went well. Since Covid, however, things have gone downhill and Tranmere's league position has got progressively worse. Many fans feel the only way forward is through a change at the top.

What’s it like for a night out in Birkenhead?

I've never had one!

What’s the best thing about being a Tranmere fan?

Having pride and faith in your local team and the closeness you feel to the club. It’s a community.

What’s the worst thing about being a Tranmere fan?

People presuming that you also follow Liverpool or Everton.

What are your hopes for this season?

After five years of decline, hopefully we can push back up towards mid-table and above. Summer signings so far have been decent, but there’s more work to do on that front. There is a more adept manager in charge, which in itself provides faith for better this time around.

➡️ Enjoyed today’s article? Click here for all of the other ‘20 Questions’ features we’ve published.

Lisa Foster explains why sleep training is so hard

Sleep training is hard because it's just as much about emotion as it is routine. Here are a few reasons why it can feel so tough:

1) Crying is stressful. Hearing your baby cry can be emotionally wrenching.

2) Lack of sleep = less patience. You're probably already exhausted, which makes it harder to stick to a plan or tolerate crying.

3) Inconsistency is tempting. In the middle of the night, it's super easy to give in "just this once”, but that can undo progress and make the process longer.

4) Every baby is different. What works for one baby might not work for another, so trial and error is often part of the process.

5) It can feel unnatural. Some parents worry that letting a baby cry or delaying comfort will harm their bond or their child's development.

6) Outside pressure. Everyone has an opinion – friends, family, the internet – which can make you doubt yourself or your approach.

This is where getting a coach like me can really help. One voice, one method that is just for your unique situation, and someone who has been in your shoes, knows it's hard but also knows a full night’s sleep is possible with determination and the right mindset.

➡️ Click here to book a complimentary sleep assessment call.

Photo of the day

Mathew Street, Liverpool

County were thrashed 4-0 on their last visit to Tranmere in February 2024, but that didn’t deter loads of County fans from getting straight on it in Liverpool after the game.

The Open Plan Building Company

The Open Plan Building Company (OPB) specialise in creating beautiful, modern open plan living spaces by renovating and extending your existing home.

Founded by head builder Paul Bennett, OPB was formed in response to the rising demand for open plan living. Predominantly builders, Paul has developed OPB to offer open plan solutions to suit everyone and every home. Whether it be a full renovation and structural re-modelling or a rear kitchen extension OPB has the experience and resources available to deliver this.

Taking the stress out of building work, OPB can provide a full project management service for the duration of the project, or work in collaboration with your other contractors. For those looking for the ultimate in modern open plan living executed to the highest of standards OPB can seamlessly deliver your “dream space”.

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Today in SK

🍴 Food and drink

Enjoy a delicious Sunday roast at The Crown (SK2) or The Three Tunnes (SK7) with homemade Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings. Served till 6pm.

If you’re finishing your weekend with a few pints today, pop into one of our featured venues such as The Dog & Partridge (SK2), The Crown Inn (SK6) or The Cross Keys (SK8).