UP FOR THE CUP
Tranmere manager Micky Mellon looks ahead to their Cup replay
TRANMERE manager Micky Mellon believes his troops have earned their spurs in the Football League this season – now he wants them to earn an FA Cup clash against Spurs.
Rovers will bag a tasty tie against Tottenham’s Harry Kane & Co on Friday, January 4 if they can win at neighbours Southport in their FA Cup second round replay tomorrow night.
And Mellon feels it would be a fitting reward for his players after Rovers’ impressive return to the EFL after a three-year absence. Spearheaded by 15 goals from League Two’s top scorer James Norwood, they headed into yesterday’s game at struggling Notts County in seventh place in the table, the final play-off slot.
Credit
“The players have to take a lot of credit,” said the former Tranmere midfielder. “They have made the transition, they have stepped up. They have come to a standard that’s higher and they have adjusted well.
“I wanted to take things step-by-step and try to create the right environment to give them the best opportunity. I will continue to do that.
“They are enjoying playing at this level, but it’s hard work. Every game is really tough, but we have held our own. Yet we know that you are judged at the end of 46 games – we aren’t getting carried away.”
Rovers can put their promotion challenge on the backburner as they prepare to visit National League North outfit Southport. The sides drew 1-1 in their first meeting – Jonny Smith gave Tranmere the lead but the Sandgrounders drew level with a second half piledriver from Bradley Bauress.
With a tie against Tottenham up for grabs, there is all to play for in the second take, and Mellon is upbeat.
“It will be a full house and there’s a big prize at stake for both clubs,” said the former Fleetwood and Shrewsbury boss. “I’m really looking forward to it. They are the games you want to be involved in – big games on big occasions.
“It’s going to be a difficult game, but we will give it everything we’ve got to try to get over the line.”
If they are to get through, then the in-form Norwood could be the man to make the The 28-year-old former Forest Green Rovers striker notched 23 goals last term, including the National League play-off final winner against Boreham Wood, and has already notched 17 goals in all competitions this term.
It would be understandable if clubs higher up the ladder were looking at him given his stunning form, but Mellon doesn’t want all the focus to be on the front man.
“We’ve created the right environment for him,” said Mellon. “He plays in a team, and he would be the first to admit this, that suits the way he plays. He’s scored a lot of goals, the style suits him and the players are creating opportunities.”
Realistic
As for Norwood’s future, Mellon is realistic.
“I’ve been in the game a long time,” said the 46-yearold. “He’s a Tranmere player at the moment and until he’s told any different. No one really knows what the future holds.
“Like every player, he will be expected to train well, predifference. pare well and perform for the team. His standards have to be high and we’ll keep expecting him to score goals.”
Tomorrow night’s televised game earns both sides £36,000 as a live broadcast fee – the game is on BT – while there is £54,000 in prize money for the victors. There’s a further £150,000 fee for live coverage of the third round home tie against Spurs, also on BT.
“It’s massive for everyone,” added Mellon. “To get any more money at this level is huge. That’s part of the prize.”