Nigel Adkins has been looking ahead to this weekend’s trip to league leaders Stockport County.
Tranmere Rovers travel to Edgeley Park on Saturday 28th October (3pm), looking to pick up a first away win of the league season.
Stockport are top of League Two after winning their last nine matches in the division.
ON THE MORECAMBE GAME:
“As a group, I saw heart, I saw commitment, I saw a structure. We kept going and stuck in there, but we had a good shape. We created some good opportunities but unfortunately, we didn’t take one. From my point of view, there were some positives to take from the game to keep building on.
ON IMPROVEMENTS:
“When we look at the data, we have been creating good chances and reducing the amount of chances the opposition have got. Some of the goals we’ve conceded have been individual mistakes. We’ve got to learn from them. I can see there’s been an improvement.
“The reality is we’ve got to win more games of football. It’s the how. How are we going to create more chances to go and score. How are we going to nullify the opposition and the basic mistakes we’ve been making. Collectively, we have to bring the best of us every single day. Good habits, good behaviours.”
ON OVERCOMING CHALLENGES:
“I’ve had a long career. We’ve won more than we’ve lost. There’s been some real challenging situations where we’ve been expected to lose every week. When we’re up against it, plan and prepare to win a game of football and put a structure in place. The players have got to step up. We’re trying to give them every tool we can to help them understand what the opposition are going to do. The biggest lesson is, we have honest conversations together. Over the long term, this will help us win games of football. Not blaming everyone else. For me, it’s about changing our mindset. That togetherness. All of us pulling in the same direction.
“We will change our fortune. We have to. We do that by a process that I believe works. Having that passion and perseverance. You’ve got to be committed to the cause that is Tranmere Rovers Football Club. I remember when I first joined in 1981. We nearly went out of existence. So, I’ve been here in the dark days. I know we get through it by sticking together.”
ON THE SUPPORTERS:
“[On Tuesday night] All the players and staff got together and went over. All the supporters were clapping. We really appreciate the finance, hard work, effort, and the ups and downs of supporting your team. To go there on a Tuesday night. It’s not easy. So, thank you. We will change our fortune. Ultimately, we’re going to win on the pitch by working hard and showing perseverance. The fans are a big part of that. The only way we’re going to get through this is by sticking together.”
ON THE STOCKPORT GAME:
“I’m really looking forward to it. It should be a big crowd. We beat Stockport recently in the Cheshire Senior Cup, so I had a good chat with Dave Challinor then. They were in non-league for a long time. They’ve had to rebuild. Now they’ve put themselves in a good financial footing. We know it’s going to be a challenge. We’re embracing it and looking forward to it. We’re going to do everything we can to see if we can win.”
ON TEAM NEWS:
“The list has grown unfortunately. Like all teams, we’ve got injuries. It was a competitive game the other night. Connor Wood came off at half-time. Dan Pike did great when he came on. Regan Hendry is suspended for the weekend. Joe Starbuck picked up a foot injury in training a couple of weeks ago. It’s been diagnosed as worse than we thought so he’s going to be out for several weeks now which is a blow. Chris Merrie hopefully won’t be out for too long. Sam Taylor picked up a foot injury. I don’t think he’ll be available for the weekend. Reece McAlear needed a lot of stitches for a foot injury, so it’ll be at least another week before he gets his boots on. Jake Leake is back on the grass but is still a few weeks away. Luke Norris has stepped up his training. Being out for nine weeks, he’s only had a couple of days back in. He’ll be back sooner rather than later.”
You can watch Nigel Adkins’ full pre-match interview below.