TRANMERE ROVERS- UBI FIDES IBI LUX ET ROBUR
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TRANMERE ROVERS- UBI FIDES IBI LUX ET ROBUR
Martyn Best, our inside man and Associate Director at Tranmere Rovers Football Club, predicts an emotional few weeks for the club and its fans.
I have often written about the amazing work delivered behind the scenes by Tranmere Rovers Football Club, and Tranmere Rovers in the Community. This includes supporting many disadvantaged groups across the Wirral with health, education and welfare initiatives, and even more prosaic matters such as food and physical support.
I’ ve talked recently about the possible new investment by potential new owners, and the excitement that this may include“ Hollywood” connections. Many others talk about the footballing side, and hence I mostly avoid that, but as the season’ s end approaches with the club in a precarious position, currently one place above relegation from league Two, it is worthwhile reflecting on history and the emotional ride that this position can provide.
Let us wind back to 2010, when on the last game of the season, a Tranmere victory against Stockport was the easiest outcome to remain in League One. Other results may have helped, but it was entirely in Rovers’ s hands, and a 3-0 away win secured their status.
Let us wind back further to 1987, when a 1-0 win against Exeter City, a game I actually attended, prevented a relegation into the non league, and maintained Tranmere’ s league status which had run since 1921.
That 1987 moment may have provided the catalyst which then propelled the club to a number of Wembley appearances and actually being in touch of the Premier League over the ensuing years, with a wonderful rollercoaster of emotions and memories.
Of course, we recall sadly the final day of the 2015 season, when defeat in Plymouth did cause that over 100 year run as a full League club to end, and caused a three year stay in the National League. It did however also act as a springboard for the steady and gradual success back to the League Two, and then League One, and further Wembley memories, which was really only halted by the Covid pandemic and the clumsy mishandling of how to conclude that shortened season by the EFL.
Since then, disappointing performances have brought the club to a position which will see great emotions expended over the coming weeks. Recent form has been encouraging, and as I write there is a good gap between the club and the bottom two and of course survival. The prospect then of League Two football next season, and perhaps new owners, new investment and sound foundations for the club, would be a fitting conclusion if this is indeed the final season for Mark and Nicola Palios as owners.
That gap represents the essential essence of the club’ s motto, and I’ m sure the majority of not just footballing fans on the Wirral will be hoping that the motto will bring inspiration to confirm a satisfactory outcome to the season, and hopefully before the last game of the season on 3rd May.
“ Ubi fides ibi lux et robur ", meaning " Where there is faith there is light and strength "
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