Let’s get a run for our money!

Nov 5 2009 Liverpool Echo

THE financial significance of the FA Cup is looming large for Tranmere as they prepare for a first-round tie against Leyton Orient this weekend.

Rovers are in serious need of a boost to falling revenues – and a few victories in the world’s oldest knockout competition could provide it.

Caretaker manager Les Parry said: “The FA Cup could be massive for us.”

Progress to the third round and an away tie against a giant Premier League side still represents the ultimate jackpot for a lower division club.

But the prize money to be earned through round by around progress is also a significant incentive for Rovers as they count the cost of declining attendances at Prenton Park, falling sponsorship and commercial revenues and early exits from this season’s Carling Cup and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy competitions.

A victory over Orient at Prenton Park on Saturday would earn Tranmere £18,000 from the FA Cup prize fund. The figure rises to £27,000 should they win through round two, then jumps to £67,000 if the side were to claim a third-round success.

Parry said: “We all know that if we get through to the third round, the Cup it gives us a chance of pulling a massive club away. You get beaten 8-0 but you don’t care because you’ve cleaned up £2 million.

“That’s a long way off. But there is decent prize money for getting through each round – and that can be important to us.”

Parry is having to work within the restrictions of a budgetary straitjacket as he attempts to find a formula to turn Tranmere’s on-the-field fortunes around.

The long serving physio would like to bring new players into the squad to fit the tactical approach he introduced when taking caretaker charge of the side following the dismissal of John Barnes just under a month ago. But the budget for players this season has already been spent

That leaves Parry with the option of moving players in and out on loan – not a realistic course as long as he holds only a temporary mandate to look after team affairs.

Parry said: “What makes the situation difficult is we have not got any money. One of the ways we can get new players in is to get some of our current players out on loan – and use the money saved to bring loan players here.

“But we are in limbo at the moment. It is not possible for me to go phoning around other managers asking if they are interested in taking our players on loan when there is a possibility that someone else will be coming in to take charge here.

“That ties my hand at little bit. It is always going to be that way when you are a caretaker. There are other decisions that need to be taken that we can’t do until someone has the job long-term.”

Chairman Peter Johnson has insisted the board of directors will “not be rushed” into an appointment.

The name of Paul Jewell has been prominent while some fans believe Ray Mathias could be asked back for a second spell in charge.