We’re all going on a League One tour, but what have Tranmere made of 23-24…
Rovers were in the bottom two in October, but Nigel Adkins comfortably turned things around, even thumping the champions 4-0 along the way
Friday 17 May 2024
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Dear County fans, Stopfordians, Tranmere supporters, and anyone else from The Football Family joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Friday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore, which I’m sending out just as County have announced the signing of Ben Hinchliffe’s new contract. What a way to start the weekend!
Having said that, I’m afraid we’re going back to the scene of our biggest defeat of the season today. That horrendous 4-0 thrashing at Prenton Park. Just look at what those 90 minutes did to Gaz Eccleston on the train home from Liverpool…
We’re joined by Matt Jones from A Trip to the Moon today, who shares his thoughts on that game plus some other bits and bobs from Tranmere’s campaign.
Today’s edition is sponsored by Kate O’Brien Art. A big thank you to Kate.
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: 148.94 miles
Total steps so far: 237,462
Total raised so far: £1,686
Total completed streets so far: 304 (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
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but we’re all going on a League One tour! Are you going to give us a friendly wave off at the airport, or are you glad to see the back of us?
I think some Tranmere fans of a certain generation probably feel a bit of rivalry towards County, but there's no ill feeling from me. It's great to see Dave Challinor and Clint Hill, both former Rovers players, enjoying the success that they are, although with a sense of jealousy that they aren't doing it at Prenton Park.
Gareth Southgate needs a last minute replacement for his Euro 2024 squad. Which Tranmere player deserves the nod based on their performances this season?
Rob Apter has been superb. He didn't really get into the Tranmere team until impressing in the defeat at your place in October. His pace, directness and incisiveness in front of goal was quite possibly the difference between staying up and going down – he was simply that good.
With World War 3 getting closer with each passing day, the government have asked me to pass on the following questions:
A) Who’s been your toughest player in 2023-24, most suitable to stick on the frontline?
B) What’s the best food you’ve had at a ground in 2023-24, that we can use for the troops in the trenches to keep morale up?
C) If World War 3 does kick off, how will Tranmere fans react in a crisis?
A) Lee O'Connor never shies out of a tackle. He loves throwing himself around.
B) Get yourself to the Eastern Delight on Borough Road next time you come to Prenton Park. You won't find a better chippy.
C) Ha! That depends entirely on who’s in charge.
Best moment of 2023-24?
Winning 1-0 at Wrexham, courtesy of Luke Norris' goal. A victory at the home of your rivals is always sweet, especially when it’s largely so unexpected.
Worst moment of 2023-24?
Getting embarrassed by Wrexham at Prenton Park in September. It was only 1-0, but could have been double figures.
Funniest moment of 2023-24?
Nigel Adkins quoting the Kung Fu Panda movie.
Four Four Two said you’d finish 16th. When Saturday Comes said you’d finish 12th. You finished 16th. Discuss.
Those predictions were higher than where some Tranmere supporters thought we’d finish. Plenty were left disgruntled by Ian Dawes being appointed as manager in May. After six defeats in his first seven league games, Mark Palios decided a change was needed. Thankfully, Nigel Adkins came in and guided the club to safety. Hopefully, with him in charge, the future is a bit brighter for 2024-25.
County 2 Tranmere 0 in October. Tranmere 4 County 0 in February. Thoughts?
Tranmere were very much in the infancy of the Adkins reign in October, but as I've mentioned already, despite defeat that day, that was when things started to click. Apter came into the side and they started becoming a more potent attacking force, and slightly more solid at the back.
In truth, the win at Prenton Park did not surprise me. Rovers did best against the stronger teams, the ones who wanted the ball and wanted to dominate the match. See also the wins over Wrexham, Mansfield, Notts County. When the emphasis was on them to dictate the game, they struggled big time, and lost to the likes of Forest Green, Swindon and Morecambe. The general rule was if Tranmere had more possession than their opposition, they lost, and if they had less possession, they won.
Best and worst away days of 2023-24?
Winning at Wrexham ranks as the best. Hands down.
Worst? The 2-0 defeat at Colchester, after which Dawes got sacked, was truly miserable. Tranmere were terrible, and when you watched his interview afterwards, you knew the writing was on the wall.
The perfect placemats if you’re having a County dinner party
If you’re having a dinner party over the summer, don’t just use any old boring placemats with a stock photo of a cat or a church, get yourself this fantastic set from Kate O’Brien Art. These placemats, hand printed with Kate’s fantastic County paintings, are priced at £19 each or £70 for a set of four. They have a a stunning high gloss finish, and with measurements of 31.5cm x 23cm, they’re big enough for even the largest of dinner plates!
Visit kate-obrien.co.uk to make a purchase.
Photo of the day
Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
Bert Lister heads the goal that clinches the Fourth Division title for County at Wrexham in April 1967.
Today in SK
🎬 Cinema
Two films at The Savoy Cinema (SK4) today. If (U) at 5.30pm, followed by The Fall Guy (12A) at 8.15pm. Click here for tickets.
💿 DJs
Stockport’s biggest party at the weekend is at Bask (SK1), with DJ Gareth Brooks playing till 3am. Last entry 1.30am.
The Nelson Tavern (SK1) have their resident DJ playing on a Friday night, with Dicko (Ian Dickinson) on from 8pm till 1am.
🍺 Food and drink
If you find yourself in Stockport today, pop into The Petersgate Tap (SK1) for a pint or two.
Treat yourself to lunch at The Dog & Partridge (SK2). One course for £7, two courses for £11. 12pm - 2pm.
Fish Meal Deal at The Friary (SK3). Lite bite fish and chips with peas, curry or gravy. Plus tea or coffee. £9.75.
🎤 Karaoke
The Alexandra (SK3) with DJ Big Ace. 8pm.
🎸 Live music
The Emperors of Rhythm at The Crown (SK6). 9pm.
Dominic Paul at The Rectory (SK8). 8.30pm.
100 random grounds that County have played at
#18 – Portman Road, Ipswich
Last visit: Our final game of 1999. County lost 1-0 but remained in the First Division play-offs following the defeat. Unfortunately, this was the start of a 19-game winless run for Andy Kilner’s men, as we got dragged into a relegation battle during the second half of the campaign, before clinching survival on the penultimate weekend with a 2-0 victory at Huddersfield.
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I went to every home game thst 66-67 season and probably half or more of the away games. But in those days, most away games were not much more than 1 or 2 hours away on the supporters bus, Wrexham being one of the furthest.
I seem to recall that Bert Lister was top scorer that season but I think he only scored about 11 or 12 goals. Our defence was so good, one nil to County ( sorry Arsenal) was usually Championship form!