As Newport County prepare to take on Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park, we take a closer look at Rovers.
What’s their story?
Founded in 1884 as Belmont Football Club, Tranmere Rovers adopted their current name just a year later in 1885. For years, they played in regional leagues before receiving an invitation to join the Football League’s newly formed Third Division North in 1921. Their early years saw success, highlighted by winning the Third Division North championship in the 1937-38 season, though relegation from the Second Division came shortly afterwards. The club faced ups and downs in the following decades, dropping to the Fourth Division in 1961 but bouncing back to the third tier by the end of the 1966-67 season.
The 1980s brought financial challenges, and in 1987, Tranmere entered administration. However, with the return of John King as manager, the Rovers embarked on a new era of success. King led the team to promotion in the 1988-89 season and secured the Associate Members' Cup in 1990. A year later, Tranmere achieved promotion to the second tier, beating Bolton Wanderers in the play-offs—a turning point that set the stage for what would become the club’s most successful period.
The 1990s were a golden age for Tranmere Rovers, as they firmly established themselves in the second tier and came within reach of the Premier League with three consecutive play-off campaigns. Under the management of John Aldridge, who succeeded King, Tranmere enjoyed memorable cup runs, notably in a thrilling appearance in the 2000 League Cup final, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to Leicester City.
Following relegation from the second tier in 2001, Tranmere spent 13 seasons in League One, before back-to-back relegations saw them exit the Football League after an impressive 94-year run. Their resilience shone through once again, however, as Tranmere fought back to secure promotion from the National League through successive play-off victories in 2018 and 2019, earning a return to League One. However, they were later demoted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the early curtailment of the season.
Who’s the boss?
Nigel Adkins is the current manager of Tranmere Rovers, bringing with him a wealth of experience and success from a diverse managerial career. Adkins began his managerial journey at Bangor City before joining Scunthorpe United’s backroom team as a physio. When he stepped in as caretaker manager, his impact was immediate, and he soon secured the role permanently. His leadership saw Scunthorpe claim the League One title in the 2006-07 season. Despite relegation from the Championship the following year, Adkins guided Scunthorpe back up through a play-off victory in 2009 and took the team to the Football League Trophy final that same season. Following another successful campaign in the Championship, he moved to Southampton, where he masterminded back-to-back promotions, propelling the Saints from League One to the Premier League.
After parting ways with Southampton in 2013, Adkins took the reins at Reading in the Premier League. Although unable to keep Reading in the top division, he continued managing in the Championship, leading teams including Sheffield United, Hull City, and Charlton Athletic.
In May 2023, Adkins returned to Tranmere Rovers, the club where he began his playing career, as the club’s Technical Director. Following the departure of Ian Dawes, Adkins was appointed interim manager and soon after, in November 2023, he was named the permanent manager, signing a contract that runs until the end of the 2025-26 season. Adkins now brings his extensive experience and dedication to guiding Tranmere forward.
Who’s the captain?
Tom Davies, the current captain of Tranmere Rovers, leads the team with a wealth of experience honed over a varied and dedicated career. Beginning his journey at Manchester United’s famed youth academy in 2001, Davies spent several years there before moving to Blackburn Rovers. However, he was released at sixteen, leading him to focus on his education while playing for Team Northumbria in the Northern Football League Division Two.
After completing his degree in 2013, Davies joined FC United of Manchester in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, where he quickly made a strong impression. His performances earned him a move to Fleetwood Town in March 2014, although his time there included loan spells with clubs such as Alfreton Town, Lincoln City, and Southport, and he did not make a first-team appearance. Seeking more opportunities, Davies joined Accrington Stanley, where he enjoyed regular play, making 32 appearances and scoring once, before a move to Portsmouth added 12 more league appearances to his record.
In 2017, Davies signed with Coventry City, debuting in a 0-0 draw against Chesterfield and playing a supporting role in their successful promotion campaign via the play-offs. A free transfer to Bristol Rovers followed in 2019, where he continued to play in League One, though injury setbacks saw him loaned to Barrow in early 2021.
Ahead of the 2021-22 season, Davies joined Tranmere Rovers. Since then, he has become an essential figure in the squad, amassing 125 appearances, scoring four goals, and contributing four assists. As captain, he brings both skill and leadership, guiding Tranmere with the experience and resilience gained throughout his career.
Key player
Omari Patrick has quickly become a key attacking force for Tranmere Rovers, establishing himself as the club’s primary goal threat this season. Making an instant impact, he recorded a goal and an assist in his first start, helping Tranmere secure a 3-0 win over Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup. His next goal came soon after, as he scored the winner in a 1-0 victory against Walsall.
Patrick’s journey began at the FAB Academy before joining Beaconsfield SYCOB, following trials with Brentford, Barnet, and Rangers. He made an immediate impression by scoring on his debut and went on to notch 14 goals in 49 appearances. His promising form led to brief spells with Kidderminster Harriers and Barnsley before he moved to Bradford City, where he made 22 appearances, scored two goals, and enjoyed loan stints with Yeovil Town and Wrexham. After short periods with Carlisle United and Burton Albion, he returned to Carlisle, making 62 appearances and scoring 14 goals over two seasons.
A strong season with Sutton United saw Patrick score six goals, catching Tranmere Rovers’ attention. Since joining at the start of the 2024-25 season, Patrick has made 17 appearances and scored five goals, proving to be a vital player in Tranmere's lineup.
Connor Jennings is another key figure for Tranmere. The striker rejoined the club in the summer of 2023, initially on a one-year deal, before signing an extension through to 2025.
Jennings was a vital part of Tranmere's success in the late 2010s, scoring the decisive goal in the 2019 League Two Play-Off Final against Newport County and providing the assist for James Norwood’s winner in the 2018 National League Play-Off Final.
Starting his career at Stalybridge Celtic, Jennings has gone on to make over 500 appearances for clubs such as Scunthorpe United, Grimsby Town, Wrexham, Stockport County, and Hartlepool United.
Since his return to Tranmere, the 32-year-old has been a mentor to the younger players, offering guidance with his work ethic, leadership, and experience. His ability in front of goal, aerial threat, and relentless work rate continue to make him a dangerous player for Rovers.
