“We’ve not won away since February and that run won’t stop any time soon”
Tranmere haven’t enjoyed an away day victory since winning at Stevenage eight months ago and Ethan Hoijord doesn’t think that will change in SK3 on Saturday
Thursday 26 October 2023
Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and any Tranmere supporters joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Thursday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
Today we’re joined by Tranmere fan Ethan Hoijord - co-host of The Mere or Far Podcast and editor of his own website EthanHoijord.com - who doesn’t think his Rovers side will stand in the way of County making history this weekend by winning an 11th consecutive match for the first time. Cue Connor Jennings scoring a last-minute winner, or Ben Hinchliffe punching the ball into his own net. Although with Tranmere’s away form this season reading L L L L L L L, surely we’re allowed to be fairly optimistic.
Today’s edition is sponsored by Kingsway Carpets. As always, a big thank you to Neil.
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: 38.66 miles
Total steps so far: 67,558
Total raised so far: £693
Further information on the walk can be found by clicking here.
Des Junior
County have never won 11 matches in a row, but we could achieve it on Saturday. Are you lot gonna spoil the party?
No. Feel free to place an order on the champagne. We've not won away since February and that run won't stop any time soon.
How’s Connor Jennings been getting on this season?
Connor Jennings has been fantastic for us this season, one of our very few standouts. He's proper captain material, leads by example, can find a killer pass, never stops running and knows where the net is. It's great to have him back.
Who do you think will top League Two this season and where will Tranmere finish?
Hopefully County as them lot are lurking just behind. I reckon we'll finish just above the drop zone but it could be fairly nervy considering Forest Green are in the bottom two and they've got money to drag themselves out of it. Just hope and pray that we find a couple of decent free players to strengthen our spine and that injured striker Luke Norris comes back and fires them in. Jennings, Norris and Apter isn't a bad front line for this division with youngsters like Sam Taylor at the club too. Kristian Dennis has been poor but looked good with Norris back in August. We’ll have to see, time will tell. Can only hope and pray for the best at this stage.
Has the Mark Palios era turned sour?
It has, unfortunately. He steered the deadly submarine back to glory but now it seems to have sunk. The issue is they never talk anymore and when they used to they would deliver quite a large portion of nonsense. Nicola Palios, during the Covid season, said we were only looking bad because all of the games were on the iFollow cameras and we couldn't get into the ground. I went to three games that season and we lost all of them!
What have been your best and worst moments as a Tranmere fan?
Winning the National League play-offs in 2017-18 will forever stay in the memory, with a team full of quality, character, fight and determination. The final against Boreham Wood had it all, starting with our experienced full-back getting sent off after 48 seconds. Returning to Wembley 12 months later for the League Two play-off final, with Connor Jennings scoring a 119th minute winner against Newport, will also take some beating.
Getting relegated to the National League was the worst moment and initially struggling down there. Or I could even say now, as the club seems lost of any direction.
Do you think Dave Challinor will manage Tranmere one day?
Hopefully, but in truth I'd take anyone at the moment. It's great to see that Challinor has turned it around as there was great criticism of him not too long ago.
What’s your prediction for Saturday?
I’m not optimistic at all. I think you’ll win 2-0.
Who annoys you more, Wrexham or the Evil Scouse Twins over the water?
Probably Wrexham and their moneybags owners. We've always been used to having Liverpool and Everton on the doorstep being successful.
Do you get as pissed off being called Scousers as we do about being called Mancs?
Erm, maybe. It doesn't really annoy me, it just isn't correct so it's a laughable one. The Scouse accent did start on the Wirral though, or so I've been told!
Who do you prefer, Half Man Half Biscuit or Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark?
Bit before my time but Half Man Half Biscuit is a cool name ain’t it?
And finally, from one of our subscribers… Why don't I dislike you as much as I think I should? Is it because on a deep psychological level I empathise with you, given our respective broad geographic and footballing similarities? Or have I just grown up a bit?
I don’t know! You may have just grown up a bit. We’re both good clubs at this level. I've got a lot of respect for County after what they've been through as a club, and with their recent success with a Rovers legend as manager.
It’s time to get a new carpet
One of our sponsors is Kingsway Carpets. Established in 1985, the family-run business have a huge selection of carpets to suit all budgets and there’s no hidden extras – the price quoted is the price you pay. They also have a team of experienced fitters who will expertly lay your brand new carpet perfectly. If you’re in need of a new carpet, give them a call and they’ll have you sorted out in no time.
Visit kingsway-carpets.co.uk for further details.
Today in SK
🍽 Food and drink
Lunch deal at The Dog & Partridge (SK2). One course for £7 or two courses for £11. 12pm till 2pm.
Lite bite meal deal at The Friary (SK3). Cod or haddock, served with chips, and a side of peas, curry or gravy. Plus tea or coffee. £9.95. 11.30am - 7.30pm.
Taster Thursday at TRUNK (SK7). Three tapas dishes and a glass of sangria for £20 from 5pm. Call 0161 222 9260 to book a table, and mention “The Scarf My Father Wore” to receive a 15% discount off the normal tapas menu.
🎶 Free jukebox
The Nelson Tavern (SK1). From 6.30pm.
🎱 Free pool
The George & Dragon (SK7). 6pm - 9pm.
🎵 Music
Old school 90s dance and club classics party at Bask (SK1). 8pm. Free entry.
Photo of the day
Prenton Park, Birkenhead
Chally battles with Alan Shearer during an FA Cup quarter-final at Prenton Park in 1999-2000, in front of over 15,000 fans.
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