Q & A with Tranmere Rovers

1) So, a quick summary of your season so far?

It’s been up and down; I have enjoyed it though so far and we are still in for a shout for the play-offs. I’ve really enjoyed our home games as our home record is fantastic; just on our travels we have been woeful which has let us down. Hopefully if we can put that right we’ll be a bit more brutal in front of goal and we’ll be in the play-offs place in May hopefully!

2) Do you believe the team have what it takes to reach the playoffs this season?

Definitely – we have a good squad of players who some of which can easily play in the Championship. However, our squad is really small so when an injury hits we struggle without our key players as we don’t have quality back up unlike some teams.

3) You have the home form of a promotion chasing team, so what’s gone wrong on your travels?

I really don’t know, it’s crazy how we play so well at home and not away, I don’t understand it at all. Personally I think it’s simply because we do not take the chances we get that we need to make the most of in front of goal.

4) Ronnie Moore’s been at the club a little while now, are you still happy with him in charge?

Yeah absolutely, I think he’s done a brilliant job here during his 2 and a half seasons. He has had no money to spend and has signed some quality players such as Antony Kay, Ian Moore, Chris Shuker and Charlie Barnett all on free transfers. I think he deserves another year if we do not make the play offs this year. Some want him out if we don’t make the play-offs but the man loves the club; he’s been involved with as a coach, player and Assistant manager. I have lots of respect for him and I believe giving him time may pay off a treat.

5) Which player should we be looking out for from your Tranmere side?

Ian Moore, the gaffer’s son. So quick and has a sublime finish on him, the lad gives 100% every game. We also have a young lad who’s progressing each game named Charlie Barnett. The lad’s a threat from set pieces and seems to be getting better and better each game.

6) And who should we be looking to exploit?

At the moment probably Eddy Sonko or Chris Shuker. Both of them are wingers who have not been creative enough this season. However I don`t think they`ll start as we have just brought a kid in from Preston, Danny Mayor, who made his first ever senior appearance for us on Saturday against Northampton, setting up the goal. Back on to subject, Sonko and Shuker have been awful and we lack creativity on the wings.

7) Which player in League One has impressed you most so far this season?

Craig-Mackail Smith of Peterborough. The lad was a handful; reminded me a lot of Jimmy Bullard, very attack-minded and always scores against us. A real threat, a player who has certainly impressed me.

8) Did you go to the League Cup final in 2000? Any memories?

I didn`t, I was only 9. I remember watching it on television though!

9) What are your realistic hopes for the future?

To try to stay safe financially and retain a place in League One, because with 16 players out of contract at the end of the season I can see a lot of our key players leaving, and we have no money to go and buy quality to replace them with. Therefore I think we may struggle next season, so it would be excellent if we could scrape a play off place!

10) Finally, match prediction?

I`m feeling really lucky, I think it will be tough for you lot, probably one of the toughest away trips as we have an excellent home record. I have a feeling we will win 2-1 to end your unbeaten run.

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Thanks to Liam for his responses and time.