JOHN WELSH leads Tranmere into action at Chesterfield tonight aiming to add a little flesh to his recurring daydreams.
“I imagine myself walking out at Wembley for a final just about every day,” said the Rovers skipper. “We’re in a good position this season so that is always at the back of my mind.”
The 27-year-old is also aware that two roads to Wembley remain open to Tranmere this season, one via the League One play-offs, the other in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
If Rovers can squeeze past Chesterfield in the third round of the knockout competition this evening, they will be just three games away from a JPT final appearance at English football’s headquarters.
Welsh said: “The JPT is important because it is a chance to play at Wembley and that is something I have never done and always wanted to do. The other lads in the dressing room feel the same way. We are trying not to get too excited at this stage, just concentrating on the next game. But we know what is at stake.”
Manager Les Parry plans to give creative front man Andy Robinson his second starting appearance in five days after the 31-year-old emerged from a two-month layoff for a hamstring injury with an impressive performance in the goalless draw against Colchester United last weekend.
Robinson said: “I need to keep building up my match fitness now, so I’m ready to play again. I was very pleased to get 90 minutes under my belt against Colchester.
“We were very unfortunate with the result. We worked hard and created a lot of chances. On another day a few of them would have gone in. But I think the performance showed we are still moving in the right direction. Nine times out of 10 we will win those sort of games.”
Parry will be making some changes to the line-up that started against Colchester.
Target man Enoch Showunmi, who has missed three games with a groin strain and defender Mark McChrystal, fit again after a two month layoff with a foot injury, are likely to figure, as is midfielder Joss Labadie, who spent much of the season on the substitutes’ bench.
Parry said: “We’re going to make some changes and we have one or two players who we feel might benefit from having a rest. Enoch needs a game at this stage. Last Saturday he wasn’t 100% so it was pointless risking him.
“Mark McChrystal also needs a game after playing 90 minutes for the reserves last week.”
ŠTranmere won’t be underestimating the threat from Chesterfield, in spite of their lowly League One placing.
Parry said: “Chesterfield are a good side. I’m not saying that because we’re playing them. They play good football and have good players.
“We all know that sometimes teams don’t get the rub of the green with refereeing decisions and breaks going against them. Last weekend they were beaten after Mark Allott scored an own goal at the death.
“They are the sort of things that go against you when you are in the position they are in. They will be looking for some catalyst to kickstart their season, a win that leads to another win, and then another.”
The Tranmere Rovers Supporters Trust are organising coach travel to the League One fixture at Exeter City on Saturday, November 26.
The coach or coaches will be run on a non-profit basis so the price will depend on the number of supporters travelling. If up to 40 people take up the offer them the cost will be £25 per head. If 40 to 41 people travel it will be £23; 45 to 50 people £21 and 50+ people £19.
The coach will leave from the Mersey Clipper pub next to Prenton Park at 6:30am on match day with pickup points near Chester and at Keele Services.
Trust Members plan to meet up with the Exeter City Supporters Trust who own and run the Devon club.
The Trust organised summer trips to Bournemouth last season. Trust board member Mark Randles said: “We have tried to make this trip as affordable as possible.”
For details telephone 07711 064182 orŠgo to the Trust website www.tranmereroverstrust.co.uk
