Banks and his pals aim to cash in
TRANMERE midfielder Ollie Banks is urging his team-mates to put in a 90-minute performance as they prepare to take on high-flying Coventry this afternoon. Following backto-back promotions, Rovers have found life tough in League One so far this term. Heading into the weekend, they were 20th in the table, just above the relegation zone.
Coventry, meanwhile, were fourth after an excellent start to the season, though they lost their unbeaten record in a surprise 4-0 hammering at Rotherham last week.
The Sky Blues will be eager to get back on track at their temporary home at Birmingham this afternoon. They’ve won five of their six ‘home’ games at St Andrew’s, drawing the other.
They’ve also been boosted by the news manager Mark Robins has signed a new contract following an approach from Sunderland.
Micky Mellon’s Tranmere go into the game as underdogs having picked up just one point from five games on their travels, but Banks is optimistic they can pull off a shock.
“Coventry are going well in the league, but we have shown a few times that if we play well, we can match anyone,” he said. “It’s about getting the consistency in performance for not just 30 or 45 minutes, but for 90 minutes.”
Banks, son of former footballer Ian, mentions the game at leaders Ipswich a couple of games ago as an example. Rovers were level 1-1 at the break, but ended up losing 4-1. It’s been a baptism of fire back in the third tier.
Banks said: “We all knew this season would be a bit tougher and it has turned out that way. It’s to be expected with the number of good teams and big budgets in League One.
“We had a big turnover of players in the summer and it’s an old cliché but it takes time to gel.
“The best teams are one that have been together for a number of years. This season is about surviving in League One, finishing strongly and looking to keep everyone together to go again next season.”
The former Chesterfield man, with a penchant for spectacular goals, had a loan spell with Tranmere in their National League play-off winning season and then played a major role last term as they won the League Two playoffs having joined permanently from Oldham.
He added: “I have only ever had success at Tranmere and the manager has done a brilliant job. We are all behind him and pulling in the right direction. We will get where we want to be sooner or later.”
Banks is certainly doing his bit. He’s scored three goals in ten league appearances on his return to League One.
“There’s always room for improvement, but I think I’ve made a good start this season,” he added.