Micky Mellon took time out this week to speak to the local press regarding Saturday’s fixture against Leyton Orient at Prenton Park.
Mellon spoke about how the team has prepared for the match, new signings, outgoings and the league table.
“The players need a game. It’s important that we get prepared and that’s what we’ve been doing over the last few days. The lads will be ready for Saturday, and it will be a great game too.
“We had a behind closed doors game where new players played 45 minutes to integrate the them into the group and to get them used to the environment which we train and play in. Of course we want to play games and we weren’t able to do that because of the weather, but we look at the positives and the opportunity to welcome the new lads into the group.
“Brad [Walker] is a little bit short of full fitness, and before everyone starts to panic, just a little bit! But, it’s just about match sharpness now. Logan [Chalmers] will be good to go on Saturday – and they are two really good additions to the group."
Rhys Hughes joined Chester on loan in the week, and Mellon described it as important for his progression to prepare him for First Team football at Tranmere.
“We wanted him to play games and develop. We can only take them so far on the training pitch. If I think then that they have a bit more to do before they can become first team regulars, then if an opportunity comes up where we believe that they can develop then we won’t prevent that opportunity."
Mellon also commented on potential new signings and getting new bodies into the team before the window ends next week.
“We’re trying hard. It’s a difficult month because everyone is doing the same and trying to get players in. We know the areas which we need to strengthen – but whether or not we do that, I don’t know, but we are doing everything that we can to try and make that happen, but fingers crossed that we could get bodies in. We need options in forward areas and competition in those areas. Players are expensive, but we are looking to get people in.
“In January, you don’t have the same finances and competition as you do in the summer. We are doing something here and building something here where players are developing, and there’s a gap between people developing and people coming in to win us games right now. It’s sometimes difficult to find people who fit the system and we’re working hard to do that.”
Leyton Orient come into the game at Prenton Park at the top of the table, however have won just one from the last four – including a 3-0 defeat last weekend away at Stevenage.
“It’s such a difficult league. Before, we’ve drawn too many and competed in most games. There’s been a few disappointing results and we get that, but on the whole, we’ve been competitive, and we’ve been the better team in a few. But it’s a competitive league and you know that everyone is so close together in the table, so Saturday will be no different. We are really looking forward to Saturday and we just need a game!"