Kane Hemmings took time out of his week to speak to the local press ahead of the fixture at Prenton Park on Saturday afternoon.
Hemmings spoke about recent performances, postponements, his role in the team and his newly formed partnership with the Martin Gallier Project, a charity supporting mental health and suicide prevention.
“Recently, we’ve put in the performances but have struggled to get the results. It was disappointing that the game was called off at Doncaster. When you’re playing well, you want to roll into the next game, and after playing them quite recently and beating them fairly comfortably, we were ready for the game.
“To be honest, I’m disappointed with my tally so far for the season. It should be higher and there are games which we come out of and I think that I should have scored, but a little bit of momentum is good and hopefully I will get more during the rest of the season.
“You can’t get away with and can’t hide from the fact that strikers must score goals, here or at any club. You’re in the side to score goals and people remember the people who score goals. If you ask anyone what they want me to do, they’ll say to put the ball in the back of the net.
“I enjoy being captain and enjoy that responsibility. It is a privilege, and I was privileged when I was asked to take that role.”
“To turn these draws into wins, looking at the Crewe loss especially, where we had the chances to win the game, the Sutton game, the Walsall game – we’ve conceded poor goals and getting the first goal is so important. If you lose the first goal, then it’s difficult as you’re chasing the game. Defensively, we’re good, but we need to get some earlier at the other end.”
Leyton Orient come into the fixture leading the line at the top of the division, but Hemmings insists that it is just another game and that Tranmere will put up a fight no matter the opposition.
“It’s just another game. Leyton Orient are a good side and are where they are for a reason, but, we’re at home and we will go out to win the game. You can look at it two ways – we’re 15th, or we’re 6 points from play-offs. It doesn’t look too good when looking at the table but if we can get a string of wins together then it can take us right up the table. It’s something that we know that we can achieve, but we need some consistency.”
Logan Chalmers signed a deal on loan from Dundee United last week – and the Rovers captain is excited by the talent which Chalmers has to offer.
“He looks sharp and has looked good since he’s come in – fast and got good feet, so fingers crossed that he hits the ground running."
Finally, Hemmings spoke about his newly formed partnership with the Martin Gallier Project, which is a charity supporting mental health and suicide prevention.
“It’s something which is quite important to me. It’s been tough for us, so it’s something that I really want to help with. It’s something which is close to my heart and if I can do anything to help then I will. It means a lot to me. Everyone has their own personal battles and it’s about breaking the stigma – but the charity is a great way to talk.”