TOP REF DEAN RAVES ABOUT HIS ROVERS!
PREMIER LEAGUE referee Mike Dean celebrated Tranmere’s progress to the play-off final in typically extravagant fashion.
The lifelong Tranmere fan, who is known for his flamboyant mannerisms when officiating, was caught on camera climbing on to a barrier on the away terrace to celebrate wildly as his team clinched a Wembley final against Newport County on May 25.
‘Mike loves his Tranmere,’ said manager Micky Mellon. ‘He comes in to see us a lot and I’m really pleased for him.’
Forest Green suffered the curse of the ex as their former striker James Norwood kept Tranmere on course for back- to- back promotions. Norwood spent four years with the Gloucestershire club between 2011 and 2015, but was very much the pantomime villain here.
Having led 1-0 from the first leg, Tranmere’s advantage was quickly wiped out when Joseph Mills headed home from Junior Mondal’s 12th-minute free-kick. But Norwood put them back ahead on aggregate in the 27th minute when he volleyed home after Kieron Morris had headed a long ball into his path.
‘There was an explosion of emotion at the end,’ said Mellon of the Tranmere celebrations. ‘We’ll enjoy this evening and then get the boys prepared for Wembley.
‘With the big backing and the team spirit, we will give it a real go.’