Tranmere Rovers manager Nigel Adkins says he can’t wait for summer signing Sam Finley to make his long-awaited league debut on Saturday.
The midfielder, who was injured in Rovers’ first pre-season friendly after signing a two-year deal during the transfer window, looks set to come into the squad for the first time in the league against Bradford City.
Boss Adkins has praised the 32-year-old who played 60 minutes in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday.
He said: “He was a big signing for us in the summer, and he did great in the first pre-season game that he played in against Preston and moulded in well.
“He’s had a couple of weeks on the training ground with us, played 60 minutes the other day, and you can see his ability.”
Finley, who started 25 times as Bristol Rovers captain in League One last season, arrives on the Wirral with impressive experience and pedigree.
After his early setback, Adkins stressed the importance of managing the midfielder’s fitness.
“We don’t want to rush him through to do too much,” he said. “With him being a very competitive player, and that’s what we brought him in for – that tenacity in the middle of the pitch.
“If you’re not physically at it, sometimes your timing’s out. He might be going for things where his mind thinks he can get there but his body’s just not ready.
“If it’s a late tackle, he can injure himself, he can give silly free kicks away, he can get sent off. So know we need to help Sam get to the level that he’s at. He can be a very influential player for us, this season and next.”
Finley is one of a number of injury returnees for Tranmere who return to home league action on Saturday.
⏮️ Back in November 2021, we completed a second-half comeback to defeat Saturday’s opponents, Bradford City, with goals from Kieron Morris and Paul Glatzel.
Tap below to get your tickets for this weekend’s home game.#TRFC #SWA
— Tranmere Rovers FC (@TranmereRovers) October 10, 2024
Adkins praised his side’s resilience in securing a point away against MK Dons last week. The Rovers boss is expecting a different challenge as ninth-placed Bradford City visit Prenton Park.
Adkins said: “We did great against MK Dons, it was a real good footballing game, and their manager was very complementary afterwards.
“I’ve watched the game back twice and analysed it, and there’s many good aspects.
“Bradford get the ball into the attacking third and play their football there, so it will be a different game on Saturday.”
