No Money, No Problems?
By Matt Jones
February 18 2005
At a time huge millionaires and poverty stricken clubs are both around we have a look at how Rovers will fund for new transfers next season, whereever they be. But the problem is if we are in the Championship, then how do we stay with the current squad, surely depth will be needed?
Ever since Frank Corfe rebuilt Prenton Park, Tranmere have struggled with money. Never having enough to buy a player, never having enough meaning they have to sell quality players such as Jason Koumas. Somehow, unknown to the Tranmere fans, Tranmere must have finally found some money to spend, or the other news which Tranmere fans don’t want to hear, Tranmere are about to sell stars Ryan Taylor, allowing them money to buy players. I believe this because Tranmere have recently released "Mad Dutchman" Tyrone Laron, youth prospect Paul Robinson and Alan Navarro may also be on his way to Macclesfield town and David Beresford could leave to Chester City, and finally, Gary Jones is set to leave Prenton Park in the summer. Surely this means, that if a club can afford to buy some players, as you cannot just release four or five players without bringing anybody else in. There is always the chance that Rovers will bring in some free transfers in the summer, but unless they have found some money, this is unlikely. As Tranmere are already over their wage bill for this season and have players such as Jason McAteer, Mark Rankine and Iain Hume on big money per week. The last player Tranmere bought off a club was Russell Howarth, who Tranmere paid £40,000 for in 2002 from York City, since, Tranmere have wheeled and dealed in free transfers, or sold players for money. Prime examples of this are bringing Jason McAteer, Mark Rankine and Paul Hall in on free transfers whilst selling Jason Koumas and being forced to get rid of Steve Yates, Joe Murphy and Clint Hill because they wouldn’t sign contracts. A look into the future then, looks as if Tranmere will be buying some players in the summer, or will be bringing the youth team players through into the first team. As such a small team like Tranmere can not afford to release five players without bringing any players in.