Nigel Adkins has further emphasised the privilege of representing Tranmere Rovers, ahead of his side’s derby clash at Wrexham this weekend.
Rovers head to the STōK Cae Ras on Saturday 16th March off the back of a big home win over league leaders Mansfield Town on Tuesday night.
Hosts Wrexham are second in the division, after a 0-0 draw against Harrogate Town in North Wales last time out.
ON THE MANSFIELD GAME:
“We played the league leaders. Our defensive shape was very good for long periods of time. We nullified a lot of the strengths that they had. likewise, on the transition, our counter-attacking is electrifying. We’ve shown several times this season now that we can beat the top teams in the division.”
ON THE TEAM’S IMPROVEMENT:
“Since November we’d be third in the division. We’ve scored the second most amount of goals in the division. We’re exciting to watch, we create. We’re not conceding as many goals. This is on a consistent basis. We can beat anybody in the division, whether it’s top of the league, whether that’s Stockport, whether that’s Mansfield.”
ON THE WREXHAM GAME:
“As I said to the players, whoever we’re playing, you’re representing Tranmere Rovers Football Club. It matters. It’s special. Don’t mind you making mistakes, as I said, be honest. Work hard. Graft. Be part of the team. Give yourself to the team. Do all the things that people might not appreciate in support of your teammates but have the confidence and the flair to play your game as well.
“The next game is Wrexham. Tough opposition. A team that will get promoted this season. A team that’s heavily financed and backed. They’re up the top of the division and they’re up there for a reason because they’re a good side. So, we respect that, but we’re a good side as well. On any day, we can beat anybody, we’ve just got to make sure that we turn up.
“Now from the supporters’ point of view, and I’m a supporter, I’ve supported Tranmere Rovers all my life, I’ve played for Tranmere Rovers against Wrexham, I know how important a derby game is. There’s the added spice to the game. We’re going to take a large following. We’ve got to make sure that we keep our discipline because too many times in derby games, maybe a player gets sent off because he’s got too wound up in it. From my point of view, it’s the same as every game, we’re representing Tranmere Rovers, can we go and win the next game for Tranmere Rovers.”
ON TEAM NEWS:
“Jake Leake is still the one long-term injury, but we’re hoping he’s going to be back within the next fortnight. Tom Davies didn’t play the other night, but he’s trained [on Thursday] with the group so we’ll assess where we are.”
