Cooper previews Prenton Park trip

January 19th 2021Conor Shaw

Head Coach Mark Cooper is expecting another tough test when his FGR side travel to Tranmere Rovers this evening.

Rovers haven't managed to score on more than one occasion in their previous five League Two encounters - whereas Keith Hill's charges remain winless in the league on home turf since late-November.

Despite the hosts' lack in form going into the match, the FGR boss remained solicitous about his own side's opportunities in front of goal - and how the team are working hard to put things right.

I don’t think it’s braver. I think it’s more desire to get into the area, the six-yard box or across the goalkeeper to get on the end of a cross.

"We’ve had a chance to work on a few bits today in preparation for the game. Just for an example, Nicky Cadden has had 126 crosses into the penalty area this season alone, and he’s only had one assist. That means that only one of those crosses have been converted by one our players. That tells you where the problem is."

Former Bolton Wanderers boss Hill has seen a change in fortunes since his appointment in Birkenhead - winning six out of twelve matches under his stewardship, but unable to continue caretaker boss Ian Dawes' incredible form, following Mike Jackson's departure.

With two League Two promotions under his belt, the Rovers Head Coach believes it's only a matter of time before Hill begins to change Tranmere's fortunes.

"Obviously, it’s a bit of a transition, new manager coming in trying to implement his own ideas and his own philosophy.

"Keith did a brilliant job at Rochdale and he had some brilliant young players come through, they had a way of playing which was brilliant to watch and I think eventually he’ll try and implement that on Tranmere. As Keith will tell you, it doesn’t happen overnight.

"You have to have time to be able to implement what you want to try and implement. They’ve got some really good players. James Vaughan up front, really good player. And with Kaiyne Woolery and Manny Monthe, some really good players. I’m sure once Keith gets his feet under the table; they’ll be a real force to be reckoned with."