Tranmere manager John Barnes insists his faith in his players is as strong as ever despite recent defeats

Sep 11 2009 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

MANAGER John Barnes continues to hold “unwavering” faith in the footballing philosophy driving his management regime at Tranmere – in spite of a run of disheartening results and a rising tide of criticism from supporters.

Barnes acknowledges the urgent need for a confidence building success against Walsall at Prenton Park tomorrow as Rovers attempt to halt a run of four consecutive League One defeats.

But he continues to keep faith in the team’s ability to master the pass and move game he introduced this season – and urges the players to find the self confidence to do it.

“My belief in terms of the way we are playing and what the players can do is unwavering,” Barnes said. “I believe in them because they have shown it – but unfortunately not often enough.”

Barnes and number two Jason McAteer have spent the week attempting to build that confidence into the squad following emphatic defeats at the hands of Leeds, Charlton and Carlisle.

Barnes said: “We keep trying to instil the self belief into the players because I have belief in them.

“It is easier for me because from a theoretical point of view, I can tell them what to do. It’s harder for them to actually do it. And it’s really just up to them.

“We need characters. We need players to stand up and be counted – mentally more than anything else.

“From mental tiredness comes physical tiredness. If you look at the games against Charlton and Carlisle, we did not play with much energy.”

Barnes enjoyed some public words of support this week from chairman Peter Johnson, who said the manager deserved to be given more time.

The former Liverpool and England winger acknowledges however, that pressure on managers in the modern game does not just come from the boardroom.

Barnes said: “Getting support from the people you are working for is always important. But you know what football is like. Things change. Fans have a big say. Hopefully the fans will be on our side and things can turn around quickly.

“As I said the start of the season, I am not looking towards November, or Christmas or towards the play-offs. I’m looking towards the next match.”

The next match brings Tranmere face-to-face with a Walsall side who, like themselves, have not scored in the last four outings.

Victory tomorrow would enable Tranmere to move level on six points with Chris Hutchings’s side, who lie 15th in the table.

Barnes said: “Walsall are a hard-working, well organised, solid side. Like most teams down here they play a straightforward 4-4-2 formation.

“The difference in this division seems to be that the top teams have three or four players who give them something extra. Leeds, Charlton and to a certain extent MK Dons, have something extra. I don’t think Walsall will spring too many surprises. It’s really about how much confidence we can garner to go out there and impose ourselves on them.”

Tranmere will be without full-back Shaleum Logan, who must serve a one-match suspension for his dismissal for two bookable offences at Carlisle. The versatile Gareth Edds likely to deputise at right-back.

Barnes says he will choose between Ash Taylor and Marlon Broomes for the centre-back spot while new striker Kithson Bain is short of match practice.