Many thanks to Ben for answering this weeks questions ahead of our National League game against Tranmere.
Many thanks to Ben for answering this weeks questions ahead of our National League game against Tranmere.
How Long Have You Supported Tranmere?
Since 2001.
Last Season’s League Finish?
24th (League 2).
What Do You Think Of Your Manager?
The jury is still out amongst the fan base, Gary Brabin had made a reasonable start and, at the time of writing, we are only three points off the play-offs, one behind Lincoln. However, Tranmere fans, after the last two calamitous seasons, do not have a great deal of patience left, so he unfortunately has his work cut out trying to win the supporters over! Personally, I don’t have any issues with Brabin, aside from the odd dodgy substitution early in the season. Whether he can get us promoted is another question, but only time will tell.
Hopes/Expectations This Season?
Our ultimate aim this season is a return to the football league which, if at all, will realistically come via the play-offs. I’m expecting a season of flirting with the top 5, and either scraping into the play-offs or just missing out by a few points.
One(s) To Watch?
Andy Mangan and James Norwood up front have been our main threat in front of goal. Cole Stockton and Jake Kirby also deserve an honourable mention a piece.
Given the squad at your disposal, would you describe your season so far as one of underachievement?
Mark Palios has made it clear we have a ‘top 4 budget’ this year, although Brabin has not spent all of it yet, aiming for a small squad of players. However, the squad has taken its time to assemble, with several players joining in the last few months, and we have had a few injury problems. With everything taken into account, finishing outside of the play-offs come the end of the season would be an underachievement, but our current league position is not completely disastrous – it’s still only November.
You have three ex-Imps in your squad – Marlon Jackson, Ben Tomlinson and Gary Taylor-Fletcher. How have they done in the few appearances they’ve made?
Taylor-Fletcher made the ideal start by scoring 4 minutes into his debut at Forest Green. He’s looked of a far higher standard than this level in his few appearances, but is sadly injured at present. Tomlinson has played once, and didn’t have the best of debuts, and Jackson has looked pretty average since his arrival in September.
How have you found your first 19 games in the National League? As you expected or better/worse?
As I expected, to be honest. Although an element of our fan base predicted that we’d comfortably win the league, I was more of the mindset that we would be in contention for the play-offs, but probably no better then that. Indeed, after successive relegations, it’s a nice change looking up rather then down! We’ve been very inconsistent thus far this season, with a 9 game unbeaten run followed several poor results at home of late, but I’m not greatly surprised at where we are in the table at present, which is 3 points off the play-offs.
Top Five Predictions?
Cheltenham, Grimsby, Wrexham, Eastleigh,Tranmere.
Bottom Four Predictions?
Kiddy, Halifax, Boreham Wood and Southport.
Thoughts on Lincoln City?
Based on the FA cup game at our place, you seemed to be a hard to beat, well organised side, with the (very) hard to miss focal point of Matt Rhead leading the line. Lincoln are also in decent form in the league at present, so expecting yet another tough game between us. I haven’t been to Lincoln for a few years, so I’m quite looking forward to Saturday.
Score Prediction?
1-1, Rhead and Mangan.
Random Fact About Your Club?
We are the only team with a 100% record at Highbury, as we beat Arsenal 1-0 there in 1973!
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