Poor Performance Versus Vale + New Kits

Falling to a 1-0 defeat away at Port Vale after a pretty lifeless performance isn't great news, but it only goes to reaffirm the time of year and the impact it may have on the squad. We crashed at Vale Park after Marc Richards' deflected header spun past Scott Bevan and in to the back of the net. Tom Parkes was red carded to compound more misery on Mark McGhee with a pretty dangerous tackle where his boot went over the ball and in to Chris Shuker's leg. The former Tranmere man was unhurt but it wasn't enough to spare Parkes being sent off. We had no shots on target and the closest we came was when Eliot Richards sent in a deflected cross that only narrowly bounced wide of the far post. To all Gasheads who travelled - fair play. It mustn't have been a great watch. But let's not get too downbeat, the season is almost over and we can prepare for next year fully after we've faced Accrington and Dagenham.

I was watching Late Kick Off last night and a point Graeme Murty made was quite interesting. He explained that managers may want their players to switch off at this time of the season in order to decipher who he can trust. Those who continue to play at 100% despite having nothing to play for will prove to the manager that they should be a part of what he's trying to build over the summer. Those who don't are not as trustworthy. Interesting theory. I'm sure McGhee will be far from impressed with a couple of players - the proof will be in who's retained in a couple of weeks time.

Muzzy in action last pre-season vs Reading

Meanwhile fan favourite Mustapha Carayol has tweeted today to explain he was modelling the new Rovers kits for next season. He revealed that the home kit was a v-neck and he was sure the fans would like it. Reassuring to hear! He tweeted Eliot Richards who asked him what the away kit was like and he revealed that it's a black kit. I like the sound of that personally, but I won't get too excited until I've seen what it looks like! Carayol has since been told by the official Rovers Twitter account that he needed to remove his comment on the away kit as it clearly wasn't meant to be made public just yet. Hopefully it won't be too long though.

Preparation continues on the training ground ahead of our final home game against Stanley on Saturday, where prices have been slashed all around the ground. Adults can get a ticket for just £10 whilst concessions pay just £5. Not bad at all. Great work from the club to try and get fans through the door for the final game of the season. I hope most of those who attend the game purchase season tickets for next season too. I have a feeling it will be a good year.

Up the Gas!