Rovers Boss Plots Play-Off Build-Up
By Deadly Submarine
April 28 2005
Tranmere manager Brian Little says he already has a special schedule planned that will help the squad prepare for the forthcoming promotion play-offs. Part of the plan appears to hint at the possibility of resting players for Rovers’ final two league games which could have affects elsewhere.
Despite still having two matches remaining of the league season against Port Vale tomorrow night and MK Dons next Saturday, Tranmere have already secured a play-off place but are not yet guaranteed a third or fourth place finish that would mean having a vital home second leg in the semi-finals. Speaking to BBC Sport, Little said "We have mapped out the remainder of the season to suit ourselves. We have a routine all planned out. We have our teams already selected for the remaining two games of the season - barring any injury problems."
Little went on to say “The remaining two games are not the most important of our season and if necessary we will rest a couple of players and put in a couple of others. We will still try to win the last game of the season but you have to do what is right for yourself and the play-offs are the most important games for us."
Rovers need just a single point to secure third place and if they were to get that tomorrow night at home to Port Vale, then the chances of Little resting players for the final game away at MK Dons would be much increased. If this was the case it could have an effect on the relegation battle that could still go down to the final day. Depending on the results of Wrexham and the Dons in their next matches, MK Dons could still require a win against Tranmere on the final day in order to stay up.
Speaking of Rovers position in the league Little said, "I think it has been a little bit frustrating for us in that for the last month or so we have been chasing a lost cause in many respects. I'm pleased not to be in the scramble for places but, at the same time, the teams involved are going to be playing high-tempo games and that might be an advantage to those that make the play-offs."
Those comments would ring true with many Rovers fans who firmly believe that when it comes the end of season play-offs, the thing that really matters is being in good form. Form is something that Tranmere clearly do not have at the moment and the final two games are set to be an important factor in that sense.
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