One-on-One: Cambridge Fan Interview

In our new pre-match feature, John Lee talks to Cambridge Utd fan James Blatch ahead of Tranmere's away game against Cambridge on Tuesday evening.....

In a feature new recently to Total Tranmere, our latest recruit John Lee took time out to speak to Cambridge United fan James Blatch (@JamesBlatch) ahead of the upcoming game between Rovers and Cambridge on Tuesday evening at Abbey Stadium.  This is what James had to say....

JL:  What do you know about Tranmere Rovers?

JB:  Well my Mum was born in Prenton and went to Prenton High School in the 40s and 50s, so I'm more aware than most that Merseyside has more than two teams. I keep an eye out for results and would love them to keep out of relegation trouble.

JL:  Do you have a Tranmere player that stands from over the years? Past or present?

JB:  Not really I'm afraid - the only big name I can easily recall is John Barnes from his surprising foray into management!

JL:  You started the season well & were in the playoff mix for a spell. What started the slump?

JB:  We ask a lot of our players and if honest, most have to play above themselves. That's difficult to sustain and January is a traditional slump time for us - I think this year we were sustained by the cup run and landing the Man Utd fixtures. Straight after that the players looked drained and they haven't really picked themselves up since. It's the end of an amazing, but gruelling 12 months…we're probably due a little dip - hopefully not for much longer.

JL:  With only one win in the last 10 games, do you fear a late drop into the relegation dog fight?

JB:  I'm afraid I do. Most fans are dismissing this prospect but the reality is that there's always that one side that looked safe at Christmas but ended up in the scrap. It's critical that we stay up - so this is one of the most important stretches of games now in our recent history

JL:  Who has been your star man of recent weeks?

JB:  We have a couple of loanees who've come in and looked great…Sullay Kaikai (Crystal Palace) and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (Peterborough).

JL:  We have been linked with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing in the past. Does he have what it takes at this level?

JB:  Yes - without a doubt. Not sure why Fergie junior didn't play him at Peterborough. He's a playmaker for sure.

JL:  We all know of Luke Chadwick. As a boyhood fan of the club, are you glad to have him on board?

JB:  Luke is already part of Cambridge's history. It's fantastic to have such experience and skill and to know that as a small boy he sat in the main stand with his dad - close to where I sit with my 9 year old son.

JL:  We had Ryan Donaldson on loan a few years ago. He got injured in his only game for us and went back to Newcastle. Seems to have settled at Cambridge. What do you make of him?

JB:  It was probably Ryan more than any player that got noticed in the man utd games. His commitment and skills summed up our gutsy performances. When he's firing - he's lethal to the opposition - taking on defenders and getting crosses in - but he's one of the team that's struggled since the Cup games - we need him to find his old fire.

JL:  Prediction for Tuesday night?

JB:  We're so inconsistent at the moment that it's tough to say. We've gone through periods in recent matches where we can barely keep possession but the two 95th minute equalisers will hopefully boost confidence.  I'll stick my neck out and say we'll find our form again 2-0 (sorry)

JL:  Prediction for where both clubs will finish and would you like to see Tranmere survive?

JB:  Although I think we could end up close to the zone, I think (hope) it's unlikely we'll actually end up in the drop zone. I want to wish you guys all the very best for this season - the Conference is no place for TRFC - it's tough as hell down there.

JL:  Finally, do you have any local knowledge for the travelling fans? Any away-friendly pubs in the area?

JB:  Cambridge is a beautiful city - so if you can get there early and have a pint in one of the city centre pubs - I'd recommend The Pint Shop for beer or The Eagle for its history. But leave plenty of time to get to the ground - which is a little way out.

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Thanks to James Blatch (@JamesBlatch) for taking part and for some great answers and information.  After the game on Tuesday, I'd like to wish James, his son William (the next Wojciech Szczesny!) and Cambridge United a good end to the season.  They look more than safe to me!