Tranmere Rovers head into the final weekend of the League Two season knowing that they will need favours from elsewhere if they are to make the playoffs.
They must also make sure that they win themselves as they travel away to Leyton Orient for their Matchday 46 fixture.
Having previously looked strong suitors for automatic promotion, it has been a disappointing end to the season for the Super White Army, but all hope is not lost.
Speaking to Merseysportlive, club legend John Achterberg gave his assessment of where Tranmere stand.
“They were in a good position a few months back, it looked like they were going straight up and obviously then they hit a bad spell.
“In the end they had to try and to turn it around and they missed the chances to be consistent in that period, but now hopefully they can win the last one and hope.
“It’s not an easy situation but the main thing and the only thing you can do is to look after your own.”
In order to make the playoffs, Tranmere will have to leapfrog at least two of the following three teams: Sutton United, Swindon Town and Port Vale.
Port Vale can only be bettered if they lose and Tranmere win with a nine-goal swing between the two teams.
Tranmere can hold some belief here however, as with the Valiants due to travel away to league leaders Exeter City, the prospect of their goal difference being hit heavily isn’t too far-fetched.
Sutton and Swindon are the more likely targets for Tranmere though, with the two clubs vulnerable to being overtaken outright if results go the right way.
Sutton lead Tranmere by a single point, so if they fail to win in Yorkshire as they face Harrogate Town, Tranmere are guaranteed to better their points tally with a win themselves.
Swindon are two points above Tranmere with a greater goal difference of eight, so it is almost certain that Tranmere will need them to suffer a loss as they travel away to Walsall.
This match in particular was the focus of Achterberg’s hopes for Tranmere.
“It’s gonna be tough because everything is in Swindon’s hands.
“You have to do your own job first and then hope that they slip up.”
Regardless of how the season ends for Tranmere, Achterberg maintains belief that the club is going in the right direction despite difficult circumstances.
“I think (Mark) Palios and his wife try to generate money to make different things happen so they definitely have the right heart and the right way to make things happen.
“I think they’ve made a lot of improvements since I was there, they improved the whole stadium – painting, putting new seats in – they changed the pitch, they changed the training ground, so everything has improved a lot more than it was.
“In the years (I was there), especially the last years, there was no investment, the club and the team was running down in quality and financially, so on that side they’ve made a lot of improvements.
“But still it’s not easy because some clubs have more money to spend and now they’re competing in the same league with teams who spend more money on wages.”
Whether it is jubilation or disappointment for Tranmere fans this weekend, it seems there is still cause for optimism at the club.
