Caretaker manager Les Parry admits taking over on long-term basis is a daunting proposition

Nov 2 2009 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

CARETAKER Les Parry admitted the prospect of managing Tranmere on a long-term basis looked a more daunting proposition after the 4-1 home defeat by Swindon Town.

Rovers’ fragile performance provided an uncomfortable reminder of the problems that led to John Barnes’ dismissal two months into the season.

Long-serving physio Parry, working alongside coaches Shaun Garnett and Wayne Alison, had succeeded in putting more resolve into the side and raising performance levels in three previous outings.

But Rovers’ resistance crumbled after Swindon striker Billy Paynter snatched the opening goal against the run of play on 34 minutes.

“I was disappointed with the way the lads capitulated when we conceded a goal,” Parry said. “We thought they may be able to handle a setback and kick on again. That wasn’t the case this time.

“We dominated the first 20 minutes and had a number of half chances. We had the crowd behind us which made it upsetting that when we did concede, we dropped so far below the standards we have set.”

Parry said the way the team conceded goals to swiftly mounted counter attacks and to errors was “unacceptable.”

He added: “I appreciate that in the second half we were chasing the game and we were going to be a little bit open, but we got hit by sucker punches.

“I don’t feel let down by the lads because I knew they were giving everything in terms of effort. But I felt disappointed in their performance. It was bits of sloppy play that cost us.

“The second goal summed up the day for us. All Zoumana (Bakayogo) had to do was clear it but he hit it into the legs of one of their lads. He broke on us and it was in the back of our net within 10 seconds.”

Parry was also disappointed with referee Anthony Bates. He said: “I don’t like blaming the officials but we got some poor decisions from the referee at key moments.”

The defeat, the 11th in 15 League One games, left Tranmere deep in the relegation zone, kept off the bottom of the table only by Wycombe Wanderers.

Chairman Peter Johnson indicated in his match programme notes that the board of directors would not be “rushed” into a decision over a permanent replacement for Barnes. Tranmere conducted interviews last week and are considering a number of candidates. However, Saturday’s performance may encourage Johnson to proceed with more urgency.

Parry says he is happy to continue in the caretaker role but now doubts whether he will still be in charge by the time Tranmere play host to Leyton Orient in the FA Cup first round next Saturday.

The candidates for the job could include Ray Mathias, the club’s longest serving player and a former manager and coach at Prenton Park.