New Tranmere Rovers manager Darrell Clarke has promised major changes to the club’s playing style as he prepares for his first pre-season at Prenton Park.
The 48-year-old was named as Pete Wild’s successor earlier this month after the former Barrow and Fleetwood Town boss stepped in on an interim basis following the departure of Andy Crosby in March. The appointment came five months after Clarke was dismissed by Bristol Rovers.
Despite the recent disappointment at the Memorial Stadium, it is a move that is seen as somewhat of a coup for Rovers. Their new boss has twice managed to earn promotion out of League Two, once during his first stint at the Gas, and the second with Port Vale in 2022.
Clarke Keen To Make Quick Impact At Tranmere
It’s been a turbulent few seasons for Tranmere. They’ve finished in the bottom half of League Two in each of the last three seasons, whilst the last two have seen them avoid relegation to the National League by the skin of their teeth.
Clarke has been quick to reassure fans that they will see a difference heading into the new campaign, with plans already taking shape. Speaking to official club media, via Wirral Globe, the former Barnsley boss said:
“I want to assure people there is loads of work going on and the background team will be added to and in the next couple of weeks there’s going to be a lot of movement as well as one or two pieces of player recruitment.
“There’s a good feel about the place and the staff are keen and hungry – it’s about seeing how those relationships can work further down the line and I’m excited.
“I want to be building that winning culture throughout my backroom team and support staff and I’ve enjoyed the conversations I’ve had so far.”
Change Of Shape On The Cards
One of the major issues at Tranmere in recent seasons has been the amount of goals they concede. They shipped 79 goals in the most recent campaign, the joint worst in the division.
This is an area Clarke wants to address, whilst also adding pace and flair at the attacking end of the field. Continuing, the manager said:
“I have played in and managed so many different formations over the years I feel that I’m pretty adaptable but for the last few years here they have played with a back three and I’m looking to freshen that up to potentially a with a back four and get some wingers and some pace at the top end.
“I think it’s the right time to freshen that up so I’m working hard to make sure we change what we’ve had for the last couple of years.
“It freshens everybody up and I think it freshens up the fan base to be honest and it’ll be something a little bit different from what supporters have seen.
“In my first few years as a manager I was a 4-4-2 man and we played a diamond as well and I have the adaptability to change those formations as well but I am looking for something different from what we’ve been doing for the last few years.”
Tranmere face an early start to the upcoming season when they take on League Two newcomers Rochdale in the EFL Cup preliminary round on August 1st.
