To Sign or Not to Sign a New Contract


Who Will Sign?
By Quayle
May 5 2005

As Tranmere decide who they want to keep on their books for a season or more, I come up with my own decisions. While some have set thei names in stone to be asked a renewal, in my opinion it is alot harder to choose the borderliners. But here it is . . . Enjoy!

The season only has one game left in it, but who is out of contract, who looks certain to leave and most importantly who deserves a renewal.

First of all who is out of contract at the end of this astonishing season. Here is the current list :

My Opinions

Who's Out?

From an early stage in the season it seems some players of destined to leave the club this summer. I will pick, out of the list above, the players who I think will be working out of the exit doors of Prenton Park and won't be able to get back in.

Firstly, a big dissapointment this season has been Gary Jones. Last season he was excellent but with the arrival of Calvin Zola, although he hasn't played alot this season, and the immergance of youngster, Chris Dagnall, it seems that Jones has been silently pushed back to the end of the queue.

Gary looked certain to be travelling out of Merseyside and to Boundary Park and set to do the goods for Oldham in January, only to have a broken toe halt his move.

Another certain to leave should be David Beresford, who since his move from Plymouth last season, has never really established himself. He does have some positves thouhg, he seems more than capable for taking people on, but never has that final ball in the box to penetrate sides.

50/50

There are some players that cant make up there mind, are they going to play well, or not at all.

One of these is Theo Whitmore. In his native country, Jamaica, he is an absolute legend. He achieved this legendary status after single-handedly getting Jamaica into the World Cup '98, three first ever World Cup.

But it has to be said that status has not been achieved here. It seems he prefers the super-sub role. He comes on and changes the game, but when he starts it seems he non existent. But there is no denying his skill on the ball, and he has vision aswell, but its when he decides to use these gifts is the problem, I would however give him an extra year to prove himself, but his age counts against him.

Young goalkeeper, Russell Howarth, hasn't had that many games to show his true qualities, but did look a bit on the dodgey side, when he was allowed to express his talent. But the lad is only young, and seems to have a, currently hidden, talent. He has represented England at under 21's level, some feat. Again I am stuck in the middle of this one, even more so than Theo.

They Have to Sign!

And then there's the people on the list who stick out like a sore thumb who, in my opinion have to sign.

First one, is Paul Hall, who has impressed me immensly this season. His goalscoring tally is currently on 12 goals, with one game left. The retired Jamaican winger also has a welcoming versatility depth to him. He has played striker, wigner, and even wing-back, and always puts in a performance.

I also think Hally is one of the few players, along with Hume, who can turn a game on its head. Something we should keep and grasp on to. I would offer Hall a one-year contract, and see how he performs the coming season.

Big John Achterberg is another certainity for me. He is an ever present brick wall between the sticks. His saves are fantastic and sometimes unbelievable, and many times has kept us in the game.

He is probably, out of a handful, one of the players that could easily do a job in the Championship. Hopefully we can keep him on our books before anyone sticks their nose in, and I also think everyone who goes to Prenton Park and sees him perform, will agree with me he is one we need to tie up soon. I think we should offer him a 3 year contract.

Youngster, Paul Brown, seems to have proded his nose in for a new contract at the end of season. The left winger, who has recently seen some becnh appearances and one start, looks good, and as he's only young, looks a true asset. I would offer him a contract of 2 years.

Finally, Ian Goodison. Although a bit dodgey when played out of position, like nearly all the time this season, but in the centre half position he is like a rock. The Jamaican is full of flair and can do things no-one fighting for his position can dream off.

This opinion of mine is probably the most people will disagree with but I think Goodison is more than capable to tear down any striker who we may face. I will offer him a year like Paul Hall and monitor his performances and see what happens next season.

I stress these are my OPINIONS only, and nothing official.

Disagree with me, talk about it on the Total Tranmere Message Board.