Chairman on the Checkatrade Trophy
We’re aware a number of our supporters, like those of many other clubs with their matches, don’t plan on attending our Checkatrade Trophy fixture against Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday 4th September (kick off 7.45pm). Of course, those fans are well within their rights to do so.
Like the Carabao Cup, the Checkatrade Trophy is a competition we were automatically entered into when we won promotion back into the EFL in May. If we’re in it, we want to make the best of it.
We’ve got some great memories of this competition – back when it was known as the Leyland Daf Cup we got to the final and defeated Bristol Rovers at Wembley Stadium in 1990 – our first cup final victory at the national stadium.
We almost made it two in a row, reaching the final a year later only to lose to Birmingham City. If we want a repeat of the early 1990s and to create more moments of Tranmere Rovers history, we’ll need your help. We’ve seen over the past couple of seasons how big a part the Super White Army can play in our fortunes on the pitch, and that will be the same in the Checkatrade Trophy. Your support can make a real difference.
We also know from other clubs how lucrative the competition can be if you go far. Both of last season’s finalists made significant six figure sums from prize money and gate receipts, funds that would make a big difference to any club at this level.
Chairman Mark Palios commented: “I’ve gone on record as saying I’m not a fan of B teams being allowed in the English football pyramid, but this is not the same.
“The involvement of U21 teams in the Checkatrade Trophy is limited and everybody involved is acutely aware that this is not going to be the thin end of the wedge in terms of Premier League clubs being able to enter B teams into the EFL.
“The competition is another opportunity for us to test ourselves back in the league and for the players to give everything they’ve got to try to win matches for Tranmere Rovers.”
Tickets for Tuesday’s game are only £5 for adults, seniors and young persons, with U18s just £1 and are now on sale from trfctickets.co.uk.