Embracing Uncertainty

Here we are, having pulled away from the drop zone but now getting dragged back in. 18 points to play for, I always think 50 points is a good target. That more or less guarantees safety, whatever division. Yet this is a time of uncertainty. We could still get relegated, it may be that this has just been ‘new manager bounce’ and Saturday will see a return to troubled waters, and doubt will set in.

Supporters seem to be embracing the lack of clarity about our future. Season card renewals look good, a sign that some of us take the words of the song literally. We’re Tranmere until we die, regardless of where we play. Yet there is no doubt that those supporters who attend on a casual basis might be less enthusiastic about a future season that could see us playing the likes of  Halifax, Altrincham and Tamworth. 

The uncertainty also extends to club ownership. We do not know what is happening regarding the take over bid. The end of the first quarter is Sunday. In all probability the change will not happen then, but the longer this drags on the more uncertain things become.

Despite defeat at Harrogate Andy Crosby has had a positive impact. There are some saying he should be given the job on a permanent basis. Yet look at things from his perspective. He doesn’t know who the Chairman will be or even if he will get along with them. There are only two players in contract, so he is unlikely to know what budget he has available for building a new squad. In the circumstances he has to secure his own future, and that might be elsewhere. 

Then there are the players. Contacts expire at the end of June for all but Cam Norman and Sam Finley.  There are some players that I am sure would be happy to stay, but they may not be the players we want. The core team has got better over the past few weeks. We pass the ball better, our movement is quicker. They are all playing for contracts but not necessarily at Prenton Park. It is inevitable that some players will move on once the season is over. Again, they are not on huge wages, they have to secure their futures.

We have three home games left, starting with Chesterfield on Saturday. Hopefully we can take another step towards security. It would be nice to go into our last home game against Crewe knowing that our League status is secure. It would also be great to have the ownership issue settled by then.

In the interim we just have to get behind the team, planing for next season will have to wait. It’s a roller coaster ride, but one most of us will get back on regardless as to the League we’re in. In the words of Sir Alex Ferguson 'Bloody football!'