The Manager Race- Tranmere Rovers

On October 31st, following their 1-0 defeat to Morecambe, Tranmere sacked Michael Jackson after four years with the club. Over two weeks have passed since then and no successor has been appointed.

Here is my opinion on who should be appointed based on the bookies’ favourites, their past and how long they’ve been out of work.

Candidate 1/5: Danny Cowley

Along with his brother, Nicky, Danny Cowley guided Lincoln City from mid-table Conference obscurity to a solid League One outfit and an FA Cup Quarter Final. They revived a sinking ship at Huddersfield last season until harshly being sacked in July 2020. Worthy of a job in League 1, Cowley would be a real coup for any side in League Two.

Candidate 2/5: John McGreal

The obvious option in the Summer when Micky Mellon departed for Dundee United, John McGreal gets the club, something that Mark Palios claimed was not crucial when appointing a successor. McGreal played over 150 games for Tranmere in the 1990s. His only job in management has been with Colchester, guiding them to promotion races in three out of his four seasons in charge, as well as a famous win over Tottenham. Possibly a more financially sensible idea than a big name appointment.

Candidate 3/5: Nigel Adkins 

Linked with the Rovers job since 2016, before Micky Mellon joined from Shrewsbury, ex-Hull and Southampton manager, Nigel Adkins would be a huge statement of intent at this level of football. After managing Southampton and Hull in the Premier League, Nigel has never managed below League 1. Adkins’ Twitter feature ‘Breakfast with Nige’ has become a huge hit with Rovers fans, as they beg for him to take the reigns. Adkins would most probably be the most expensive option, but the most successful.

Candidate 4/5: Ian Dawes

You can not deny the great work that Ian Dawes has done since taking over as caretaker manager following Jackson’s departure. Four wins from four games, including advancing in the FA Cup and Papa John’s Trophy, Dawes has finally made the most out of this extremely talented Tranmere team, turning them into the team we all knew they were capable of becoming. If no managers of substantial experience can be lured to Rovers then would Dawes be a bad decision? Already contracted with the club, Dawes already holds strong relationships with his players and holds the passion required as a manager of the Super White Army.

Candidate 5/5: Graham Alexander 

The fifth and final candidate is former Salford manager Graham Alexander. Alexander was sacked by Salford following Tranmere’s rallying 2-2 draw in October. A seasoned professional, with over 1000 games to his name as a player and coach, Alexander has an impressive CV after guiding Fleetwood to League 1, Scunthorpe to the League 1 playoffs and Salford to the Football League. Like McGreal, Alexander would be a great long-term appointment with this squad.

Opinion:

My preferred appointment would be Danny Cowley. Managing to pull Cowley to League Two would be a huge statement and he is bound to bring us success. Long term, Graham Alexander would be the best appointment. Whilst still being young, Graham would have a great squad at his disposal and can continue to build his CV with the squad.

words Will Gilbert, Tranmere Rovers fan