The thaw of the last few days means Rovers should at least be able to resume workouts on their Raby Vale training ground, which was frozen and off-limits for more than three weeks.

Parry and his players were obliged to train indoors on Astroturf surfaces for much of that time, with the occasional runaround in the snow or on the beach to add variety.

That made some aspects of training difficult or impossible, not least practising set plays. The indoor sessions have not been accompanied by an easing of the players’ workload however.

Parry said: “During this time it’s been important we maintain the players’ fitness. They have had a little bit of a moan over the last week or so because we have maintained all of the double sessions. The lads have been in most days and some of the sessions were really hard. I’m sure they will feel better for it when they eventually get back to playing and training outdoors.”

While Parry is happy to cope with whatever problems the winter weather throws at Tranmere, he has no argument against referees applying more stringent guidelines than they used to before allowing games to go ahead.

Parry said: “I think years ago you would see games played in worse conditions than they are now. It seems to me the games are called off more readily than they used to be. When I first began working in football, the players wore leather studs with nails holding them in.

“In cold weather, players would strip off a couple of layers of leather to reveal the nail. That would give them a better grip. That’s not possible now.”

Parry added: “These days the area surrounding the ground is just as big a concern as the pitch. I can remember when there seemed to be less concern for the safety of fans than there is now.”

EX-TRANMERE defender Mike Jackson has been forced to retire after losing a year-long battle with a knee injury.

The 36-year-old will stay with his current club Shrewsbury Town in a coaching role at least until May.

Jackson said: “I’ve tried everything but it’s got worse. Playing again could have meant a complete kneecap replacement. I tried to step it up recently, but the bone specialist says the knee can’t take it.”