Tranmere Rovers have confirmed the departure of Head Fitness Coach Andy Hodgen who will take up a new role at Championship side Blackpool.

Hodgen joined Micky Mellon’s backroom staff in 2017 and was a big part of the dressing room earning himself the nickname ‘Hodgey’. Since he started, Tranmere have had some of the most successful seasons in the club’s recent history.

Rovers Manager Mellon said: “Andy has been a big part of the team behind the team for many years now and has helped towards getting our players to their top level. I’ve worked with him for over ten years now so I know what a big miss he will be. We all wish him the best of luck in his next step.”

He starts his new job with a new title “Lead Sports Scientist”. He was at the Birkenhead side during their back-to-back promotion campaigns, seeing them rise from the Conference to League One each time via the Play-Offs.

Initially, Hodgen joined Tranmere as Head of Sports Science, involved in ensuring availability for both training sessions and matches.

Chairman reacted to the departure on the club’s web site: “We are sad to see Andy go but thank him for his hard work and commitment during his time at the Club. He has been instrumental in developing the way we use sports science at the Club, and we wish him every success in the future”.

Hodgson has already taken his first session with Blackpool at their mid-season training camp in Spain.

In an interview with his new club, Hodgen said: “It’s great, I’ve come at a fortunate time to have my first day when the lads have come over after their well earned break. The one thing for me is I’m a local lad so I understand the importance of what the team means for the community. I never for one second don’t appreciate what this job means for a lot of people, it means a lot to me personally, my background has always been keeping an eye on Blackpool. Obviously I’m well travelled to Fleetwood, Shrewsbury, Tranmere and I’ll be looking to bring the support that they need, that’s what the players and staff need at the minute which is what I’ll be doing here.”

Blackpool currently have seven first team players out injured. With the Championship returning on the 10th of December, Hodgen will have a big job on his hands for his teams home clash against Birmingham.

 

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