The season is finally here! The Saddlers faithful will be travelling in their numbers to Tranmere to support the team, and Matt Taylor for the first league game with fans for almost a year and a half.
Like Walsall, Tranmere have had quite a turnover of players. After reaching the play-off’s last season, there is no doubt that promotion will be on the minds of all involved with the club. But what can Walsall expect to face at the season opener?
I spoke with ‘This Is Tranmere Podcast’ to discuss our opposition, and how they have faired in the build up to the season kicking off.
How has your pre-season been?
Pre-season has been ok. It’s all about getting the players minutes under their belts and I think most of the squad have got good match time in their legs. We’ve had a few good results, including victory over Rangers, but a lack of goals is a bit of a concern.
There has been a high turnover of players at Tranmere, are you happy with those that have gone, and those that have come in?
Think we’ve done decent business over the summer. A few players have stayed, most have left, so it is a new squad and it will take time for everything to settle down but I think it was necessary. James Vaughan, who has retired, will be a big loss and we haven’t yet replaced him really with someone who can guarantee us goals. Callum McManaman and Ryan Watson are the signings I’m most interested in and think they’ll be good additions for us.
Who is your key player?
The aforementioned McManaman I think will be key. We lacked a bit of creativity last season and he will certainly add something in that area and will hopefully contribute some goals himself too. He’s played in the top flight and should add much needed quality to the squad. Promotion is the hope but I think it will be a wide open division. If the squad can come together quickly, then we have a chance. Still think we are a few players short and a goalscorer is something that I don’t think we possess and that might set us back.
What can we expect to see from this new look Tranmere team?
Micky Mellon will want the team to play good football. His teams like to play an attacking style of football and hopefully it will be exciting to watch.
Hopes for the season ahead?
Hopes have to be promotion but it’s going to be tough. Having made the playoffs last season, I think that is a realistic aim but there will be plenty of teams with that goal too.
