Tranmere’s last-gasp winner at Grimsby Town last night saw them rise closer to the play-offs than the relegation zone, but Andy Crosby’s side haven’t been without their critics this season.
Rovers have dropped 11 points from winning positions so far whilst only registering two league victories at Prenton Park.
Despite their mixed start to the campaign, Crosby has The Whites far better placed than his predecessor Nigel Adkins did at this stage last year.
Kristian Dennis’ late winner at Blundell Park means Tranmere have won more games after 18 matches than they had done under Adkins, as well as picking up an extra three draws in the process.
Rovers have slacked off defensively this season mind, conceding 27 and managing only three clean sheets- a possible explanation behind the late collapses seen up to now.
Crosby has undoubtedly made matchdays more enjoyable for the Prenton Park faithful however, with his side one of the most entertaining teams in the league.
The 52-year-old has overseen a massive turnaround in the final third, scoring more than double the amount they did in the Adkins era.
Their total of 30 goals is bettered by only three League Two clubs, and has resulted in the current squad sitting five points higher than last season’s contingent.
Despite their attacking improvements though, the data suggests Tranmere aren’t outscoring Adkins’ reign in chances created.
The ex-Southampton manager had a higher percentage of possession, as well as averaging more shots on target.
Whilst conceding less goals, Adkins’ side surprisingly faced an extra two shots on target per game compared to Crosby.
The stats could argue then, that although the 2024/25 start yielded more chances created and conceded, the opportunities were less clear-cut resulting in lower scoring games.
With the summer recruitments of Charlie Whitaker and Joe Ironside, Rovers possess more quality up top and are likely generating higher quality chances than last campaign.
To solidify the evidence of improvements made under Crosby’s tutelage, Tranmere sit five places higher in the table than they did at this stage last year.
The club bowed out of the FA Cup first round in both seasons, albeit in varying circumstances.
Adkins saw his side exit the cup at home to then-National League Oldham Athletic, whilst Rovers were knocked out by League One high-flyers Stockport County in this year’s edition.
Neither manager were able to produce a League Cup run, but Crosby has the chance to go further in the EFL Trophy than his predecessor.
The Whites topped their group this time out, gifting them a home draw with Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night.
Last season saw Tranmere’s run in the competition end at this stage, so the midweek clash provides the ex-Port Vale manager another chance to one-up the 24/25 efforts.
