After an incredibly disappointing 2014-15 campaign, Tranmere Rovers are targeting promotion back to the Football League at the first time of asking. Founded in 1884, Tranmere had featured in England's top divisions in every season since the formation of the Football League. Rovers, who have played their home matches at Prenton Park for over 100 years, suffered relegation at the hands of Plymouth Argyle back in April – a result that ended their 94-year stay in the Football League.
Despite this major setback, Rovers have shown positive signs at the beginning of the new season and sit fourth in the division after three matches. Although there are still another 43 games to be played before the table is finalised, manager Gary Brabin will be proud of his side's early season achievements and will hope that their excellent results help to improve their confidence ahead of the long, gruelling campaign.
In terms of their opening three fixtures, Tranmere have looked a well organised, solid side. The 1-0 victory over Woking on the opening day of the season wasn't anything to shout about but crucially, they got the win and that's all that matters. The one bit of quality came for the goal, which was a well-worked free-kick. Woking have gone on to win each of their last two fixtures – a record that suggests perhaps Tranmere's maiden victory of the campaign was a better result than many originally assumed.
Unlike their opening home match, Tranmere's first away game was certainly entertaining. Rovers travelled to Gateshead – who had also earned a hardfought 2-1 victory away at Aldershot in their maiden encounter of the campaign – and would possibly have settled for a draw, had that been offered to them prior to kick-off. Tranmere produced the kind of performance that they craved throughout their miserable 2014-15 campaign, winning 4-1 and ensuring their travelling fans would return home in good spirits.
In their most recent match, Rovers picked up a vital point away from home against a difficult Braintree Town side on a treacherous pitch at Cressing Road. While Tranmere's supporters were disappointed to miss out on a possible victory, a draw against a solid side isn't a bad result. Also, they continued their unbeaten run and will carry the momentum into their next fixtures – an absolute must to succeed in this division.
While it is only early days, the signs are promising for Tranmere Rovers this term. After three potentially tricky fixtures, they have picked up seven points and remain undefeated. At the time of writing, betfair are offering 7/4 on Tranmere to achieve promotion back to the Football League this season – either via automatic promotion or via the playoffs. Rovers supporters will be eagerly anticipating their next fixture against Halifax on Tuesday evening and will be expecting plenty of great results at Prenton Park this season.
Crucially, Tranmere were active in the transfer market this summer. Rovers released a number of players – mainly those who believed they were worthy of a place in a Football League side – but brought in some quality signings that have had an immediate impact at Prenton Park. Jay Harris, who signed from Wrexham after his contract at the Welsh club expired in May, has been an inspiration and is a real work horse in attack. It was his free-kick that secured the three points against Woking on the opening day and, although he is yet to add to his tally, the forward has received plenty of praise from his manager.
Furthermore, Tranmere acquired two players from both Fleetwood Town and Mansfield Town – with each of the players bringing a unique and different talent to the squad. Goalkeeper Scott Davies and central defender Liam Hogan arrived from Fleetwood, bringing a much-needed level of understanding and experience to Tranmere's core. Meanwhile, Rovers also invested in Mansfield's centre-back duo of Martin Riley and Richie Sutton. The former has featured in one match so far whilst the latter has played in all three of Tranmere's matches and scored a goal in the 4-1 thrashing of Gateshead.
Tranmere's fans certainly aren't getting ahead of themselves, but many will fancy their chances of success this season. They've shown plenty of positive signs throughout their opening matches and if they continue in the same vein, they will be there or thereabouts at the business end of the campaign. With a bit of luck, Rovers could be back in the Football League after just one season in England's fifth tier.
