Tranmere Rovers - a look ahead

Last updated : 18 September 2003 By Richard Brown

Form (last 6): L-D-L-D-D-L

2002/03 Finish: Second Division: 7th

FA Cup: First Round

League Cup: Second Round

2002/03 Top Scorer: Simon Haworth – 22

2002/03 Discipline: 49 yellow, 5 red

Living in the shadows of Liverpool and Everton it must be hard for the Tranmere faithful to keep their heads held high and on the back of an unsuccessful play-off push towards the end of last season, finishing seventh - just 1 point behind Cardiff City, who as we all know were promoted via the back door of the play-offs, It surely can’t have made it any easier for the fans.

Now however, times have changed at Prenton Park and at this moment in time Tranmere fans have no reason to worry about goings on in the top half of the table as they currently lie seventeenth in the table just two points away from Notts.


Rovers boast a 28-man squad that, if nothing else, has no shortage of experience in the form of John Achterberg [32], Shane Nicholson [33] and Eugene Dadi [30].


Iain Hume - the next Jason Koumas?
However, Tranmere have long established themselves as a club renowned for their ability to unearth young talent of such quality that back in August 2002, West Bromwich Albion manager, Gary Megson, swooped in to seal the services of Jason Koumas from Rovers for £2.25million. However, since the departure of Koumas a young striker cum-winger has been the next diamond-in-the-dirt that has emerged and he goes by the name of Iain Hume.


The young front-man has progressed dramatically during his time at
Prenton Park. After rising to stardom in his own right through Rover’s youth and reserve systems at a steady rate the marksman has picked up international honours at senior level for his native Canada.


Hume became the youngest player ever to play in the white of Tranmere when he made his debut against
Swindon Town in 200 when he was just 16 years and 167 days – a record which piped Dixie Dean from the post by 192 days.


***Star Player*** - Simon Haworth


Simon Haworth - need I say more?
When Simon Haworth signed for Tranmere it re-united him with former strike partner Stuart Barlow who he spent two successful seasons with at Wigan Athletic. Many thought that this partnership would set the division on fire, however, the pairing failed to make nearly as much of an impact as many had expected.

Since then Barlow has moved on to Stockport County on a bosman leaving Haworth to fend for himself – something that he is more than capable of achieving.


After reaching a final tally of 22 last season earned him the award of ‘player of the season 2002-03’. Nowadays however, it is Iain Hume who has began to form the partner that Haworth has so needed, one which towards the latter of end of last season saw the pairing net 10 league goals leaving manager Ray Mathias hoping the pair can carry over their form into the new campaign.


***Odds Checker***
- courtesy of William Hill bookmakers [www.willhil.com]

Notts County [win] – 13/8

Draw – 21/10

Tranmere Rovers [win] – 11/8