ANTONY KAY is confident that whatever happens in the opening League One fixture at Swindon Town this afternoon, Tranmere should not be found wanting through lack of preparation.

The experienced centre-back reckons Rovers’ work and planning for the new season has been thorough and focused.

After five weeks of training and half a dozen pre-season friendlies, Kay says the players understand their roles in the new tactical approach introduced by manager Ronnie Moore – and they are making it work.

The buzzword of the summer at Prenton Park is a number – 4-3-3. The formation marks a distinct change in style from the kind of football played through most of the last two years of Moore’s management, when a 4-4-2 set-up with two wingers was the staple.

Kay says: “The manager has set his stall out for the way he wants us to play.

“He’s been talking to us, as individuals and as a group, about what he wants us to do in a 4-3-3.

“I think the players are responding to that. I think we have got the kind of players here to make it work – midfield players who like to attack and quick and mobile forwards who can create movement up front.