Tranmere will be playing League Two football again next season, but who from the current squad should stay and who should go? Chris Watson gives his opinion.
Goalkeepers –
Luke McGee:
One of the top performers all season, called upon too often. There are few better at this level. KEEP
Joe Murphy:
Depending on whether there is a reshuffle in the coaching department, Murphy as a combined player-coach works to covers two wages in one. With every penny counting in the lower leagues, this could be important. KEEP
Reuben Egan:
Arrived from Ireland last year and has not made an appearance. Only young, but this would be down to whether the coaching staff believe he has made progress. UNDECIDED
Defenders –
Cameron Norman:
Much improved under Crosby when playing as a wing-back. Offers height and a goal threat. Contracted for next season already. KEEP
Tom Davies:
The captain lost his place in the team through injury but put in a commanding performance against Crewe to keep Tranmere up. Perhaps, though, it is time to move on. RELEASE
Jordan Turnbull:
Shifted into a back three and looking more comfortable, particularly when Davies was out the side. If Davies goes then Turnbull should stay. KEEP
Connor Wood:
A steady Eddie at left back who found himself playing as an auxiliary centre back. Tries but can be found wanting. RELEASE
Declan Drysdale:
10 appearances but two red cards and always looked to have a mistake in him. Injuries stopped him showing what he could do under Crosby but appeared rickety. RELEASE
Midfielders –
Brad Walker:
A talented player, but just six league starts has further reinforced his tag as injury prone. RELEASE
Kieron Morris:
The club’s longest serving player. Versatile and technically sound. As a squad option he would be fine. KEEP
Regan Hendry:
His return from injury coincided with the huge upturn in results. Knits together the midfield and the attack. KEEP
Josh Hawkes:
Back in the side after being shunned by Nigel Adkins. Returned with goals and assists. KEEP
Chris Merrie:
Always seems to be a peripheral figure but made 23 league starts. Tidy on the ball. Could be a handy squad option again. KEEP
Sam Finley:
It has just been announced that Finley will miss 11 games at the start of next season after making a homophobic comment to an opponent. Under contract for next season and would have been an easy keep, but this news muddies the waters. UNDECIDED
Josh Williams:
Should be given more opportunities next season, which he is under contract for. Looked comfortable in his few outings. KEEP
Lee O’Connor:
The fans’ player of the season. Reliable, hardworking and versatile. The number one target to be held on to. KEEP
Forwards –
Luke Norris:
8 starts shows another injury-hit player, which the club cannot afford to have on their books. RELEASE
Josh Davison:
Under contract, but failed to convince during the season. If an offer comes in it should be accepted but they may be few and far between. SELL
Kristian Dennis:
4 goals in the twelve games since the change of manager hints that Crosby may be able to get more of a tune out of him. Recently turned 35, so could be a bench option. KEEP
Connor Jennings:
A legend of the club. Flogged into the ground by Adkins but should be used more sparingly to get more out of him. KEEP
Harvey Saunders:
Like Davison, contracted but should listen to offers after just two goals all season, the last in October. SELL
Sam Taylor:
Contracted but needs to improve physically if he is to make the grade. Talented and may prosper in a more technical side. KEEP
Omari Patrick:
The season’s most important attacking threat, even when deployed as a wing back. In his proper position he could be even more potent. KEEP
Sol Solomon:
A rare bright spot during a dismal middle period of the season. Injuries curtailed his campaign, but he did enough to earn a new deal. KEEP
Featured image under agreed Alamy licence.
