As Newport County prepare to take on Tranmere Rovers, we take a closer look at the Rovers.
Tranmere’s Story
Founded in 1884 as Belmont Football Club, the team adopted the name Tranmere Rovers just a year later in 1885. For decades, they competed in regional leagues before receiving an invitation to join the Football League’s newly formed Third Division North in 1921. Their early years brought moments of success, most notably winning the Third Division North title in 1937–38, although their stay in the Second Division was short-lived, as relegation followed soon after.
The following decades were a mix of highs and lows. Tranmere dropped into the Fourth Division in 1961 but battled back to the third tier by the close of the 1966–67 season. Financial troubles then overshadowed the 1980s, culminating in administration in 1987. However, the return of manager John King marked the start of a revival. King guided the club to promotion in 1988–89, lifted the Associate Members’ Cup in 1990, and a year later masterminded victory over Bolton Wanderers in the play-offs to secure a place in the second tier—a turning point that ushered in the club’s most successful era.
The 1990s proved to be Tranmere’s golden age. They became a well-established second-tier side and came agonisingly close to reaching the Premier League with three straight play-off campaigns. Under John Aldridge, who succeeded King, Rovers also produced memorable cup runs, most famously reaching the 2000 League Cup final, where they narrowly lost 2–1 to Leicester City.
Relegation from the second tier in 2001 brought an end to that era, and the club spent the next 13 seasons in League One. Back-to-back relegations in 2014 and 2015 ended their remarkable 94-year stay in the Football League, but their resilience once again shone through. Tranmere earned successive play-off triumphs in 2018 and 2019, returning to League One. Unfortunately, their momentum was halted when they were relegated again following the COVID-19 pandemic and the early curtailment of the season.
The Head Coach
Andy Crosby, a former defender, is the current Head Coach of Tranmere Rovers, having earned the role after an impressive spell in interim charge last season. As a player, Crosby began his career at Leeds United before going on to represent Doncaster Rovers, Brighton & Hove Albion, Oxford United, and Scunthorpe United, enjoying a long and consistent career across the English leagues.
Crosby returned to Prenton Park in December 2024, joining the coaching staff on a short-term basis and reuniting with then-manager Nigel Adkins. When Adkins was dismissed on 26 February 2025, Crosby was placed in caretaker charge. He immediately made his mark, going unbeaten in his first three matches, which led to him being entrusted with the job for the rest of the 2024–25 season.
He went on to guide the club to safety, collecting 20 points from Tranmere’s final 12 games, a run that secured their League Two status. As a result, Crosby was rewarded with the permanent position, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his coaching career.
The Club Captain
Richard Smallwood, the experienced and commanding captain of Tranmere Rovers, has quickly established himself as a key figure in Andy Crosby’s side since arriving in the summer.
A product of Middlesbrough’s academy, Smallwood made his professional debut in 2010 and scored his first senior goal the following year. With first-team chances limited, he moved on loan to Rotherham United, where his performances earned him a permanent deal. Over the next few seasons, he made more than 100 appearances for the Millers, playing a vital role in their promotion to the Championship.
His consistency soon attracted Blackburn Rovers, where he became a fan favourite and earned the nickname “King of Ewood” for his leadership and combative midfield style. Smallwood was instrumental in Blackburn’s promotion back to the Championship, further enhancing his reputation as a tireless and reliable player.
In 2020, he signed for Hull City and was immediately named captain, guiding the Tigers to the League One title in his very first season. After leaving Hull, he joined Bradford City, where once again he was entrusted with the armband. That decision paid off handsomely, as he helped Bradford secure a third-place promotion to League One under Graham Alexander last season.
Now at Tranmere, Smallwood has made a similarly strong start. With his wealth of experience, leadership qualities, and influence in midfield, he will be hoping to inspire Rovers to enjoy the same kind of success he has brought to his previous clubs.
Key Player
Omari Patrick
Omari Patrick has made a strong start to the 2025–26 season, already contributing five goals and two assists in Tranmere’s opening eight matches.
Patrick’s footballing journey began at the FAB Academy before joining Beaconsfield SYCOB, following trials with Brentford, Barnet, and Rangers. He made an instant impact by scoring on his debut and went on to net 14 goals in 49 appearances. His early promise led to spells with Kidderminster Harriers and Barnsley, before a move to Bradford City, where he scored twice in 22 games and gained further experience on loan at Yeovil Town and Wrexham.
He later featured for Carlisle United and Burton Albion, before returning to Carlisle for a successful two-year stint, making 62 appearances and scoring 14 goals. After a strong campaign with Sutton United, where he struck six times, Patrick caught the attention of Tranmere Rovers.
Since his arrival at Prenton Park, Patrick has carried that momentum into the new season. With his pace, direct play, and sharp finishing, he has quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous attacking outlets in Andy Crosby’s side.