Tranmere Rovers have had an incredibly poor start to the season, making owner Mark Palios’ comments in the summer that ‘We are more prepared than we have ever been since I’ve been at he club’ look comical.

The Whites have won just three of their 16 league games this season and with an away tie against Stevenage upcoming, could very much be out of two money making competitions before mid-November.

It was believed that when director of football Nigel Adkins took on the interim manager’s post following Ian Dawes’ dismissal that he could change results. However, he hasn’t.

A lack of communication from those at the top means that fans don’t know what will happen next but it isn’t looking good for Rovers who are currently second bottom of League Two only on goal difference.

Mersey Sport Live looks at five things that would help them push away from the drop zone.

Prenton Park exterior.

  1. Luke McGee and Connor Jennings continue their fine form

Two players that have really stood out this season for their quality and continued effort are goalkeeper Luke McGee and forward Connor Jennings. They are the first two names on the team sheet every week.

McGee could be at any top club in League One or Two, however after falling out with FGR’s manager last season he joined The Whites this summer linking up with former teammate Regan Hendry.

He would be able to drive any competent backline to victory, is capable of producing great saves and has the required footballing experience needed to start at this level when the going gets tough.

Jennings can find a pass, can score, is captain material and is a firm fans’ favourite after his assist in the 2018 National League play-off final and his winning strike against Newport in the following season’s play-off final too. 

 

  1. Bad attitude gets replaced with good 

Jordan Turnbull looks to be an issue within the backline. Tom Davies has also let himself down since being awarded the captain’s armband.

Just taking the last two games into consideration, Turnbull didn’t put any sort of a fight in when Doncaster’s matchwinner Mo Faal got past him and then against Crewe he scored an own goal to give the hosts all three points.

The defence is in need of a defender willing to defend with determination. When results aren’t going your way for a consistent period of time you need fighters in your XI. Bad attitude needs to be replaced with good. 

 

 

  1. Luke Norris comes back and does what he does best, helping those around him

One of the best signings this summer saw striker Luke Norris being brought to Prenton Park from Stevenage.

Norris had hit 14 goals in 48 appearances last season but had an issue with his fitness. He played against Harrogate Town on August 15, linking up superbly well with Kristian Dennis – scoring the first before assisting the third – but has since been injured.

Rovers fans are of the hope that when he comes back he will light up a struggling frontline once again with his hold up play, strength and aerial awareness.

The 30-year-old could be a key figure in a few months time if Tranmere are climbing back up the League Two table. He will have to get off the treatment table first though.

 

  1. A solid spine is formed 

It is safe to say that the centre of the park needs sorting too. Brad Walker is the type of player that Rovers need at the club. However, he spends too much time out with injury thus someone reliable is needed.

Lee O’Connor is a good defensive midfielder but it was with Jay Spearing, someone with experience, that he played his best football for Rovers in midfield. The second coming and more available version of Walker needs to be found and it will have to be on a free. 

 

  1. Apter starts and Hawkes finds his good form or gets replaced

Tranmere have been struggling to create goals this season, which has been half of the problem.

The 20-year-old Rob Apter, on loan from Blackpool, is pacey and is capable of producing a skill or two to get past his defender. This must be used more.

Josh Hawkes has shown what he can do but is very hit and miss and has only netted four League Two goals this season. He needs to start being consistent or Tranmere need to find a replacement. 

 

 

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