LES PARRY is having to work within the restrictions of a budgetary straitjacket as he attempts to find a formula to turn Tranmere’s on-the-field fortunes around.
The long-serving physiotherapist would like to bring new players into the squad to fit the tactical approach he introduced when taking caretaker charge of the side following the dismissal last month of John Barnes.
But the budget for players this season has already been spent by the ex-Liverpool legend.
That leaves Parry with the option of moving players in and out on loan – not a realistic course as long as he holds only a temporary mandate to look after team affairs.
Parry said: “What makes the situation difficult is we have not got any money.
“One of the ways we can get new players in is to get some of our current players out on loan – and use the money saved to bring loan players here.
“But we are in limbo at the moment. It is not possible for me to go phoning around other managers asking if they are interested in taking our players on loan when there is a possibility that someone else will be coming in to take charge here. That ties my hand a little bit. It is always going to be that way when you are a caretaker.
“There are other decisions that need to be taken that we can’t do until someone has the job long-term.”
Chairman Peter Johnson has insisted the board of directors will “not be rushed” into an appointment.
Barnes, who replaced Ronnie Moore in June, was sacked on October 9 after Rovers lost eight of their opening 11 League One games.
Tranmere have lost a further three league games – and won one – under the caretaker regime headed by Parry, who is backed by coaches Shaun Garnett and Wayne Allison.
Supporters rallied behind a significant improvement in performances over the first three games but were disappointed by a poor defensive show in last Saturday’s 4-1 home defeat to Swindon Town.
Rovers host Leyton Orient in the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday while rumours circulate about the identity of the next manager.
The name of Paul Jewell has been prominent although the former Wigan Athletic and Derby County manager has also been linked with a move to Premier League strugglers Hull City.
Some fans believe Ray Mathias could be asked back for a second spell in charge. The long-serving player, captain and coach managed Rovers during the 2002-03 season when, with David Kelly as his number two, they posted a record 80 points in a league campaign, finishing seventh.
Matthias was sacked following a poor start to the following season.
Whoever takes long-term charge of team affairs will have little money to work with as financial pressures bite ever harder at Prenton Park. Attendances for home games are running below 6,000 – short of a break-even figure.
Revenues from sponsorship and commercial activities are being driven down by the recession while early exits from the Carling Cup and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy cut off potential income streams.
