Former Tranmere Rovers goalkeeper John Achterberg believes that the club can kick on in the EFL but does think that they will need to bolster the squad ahead of the new campaign.
Achterberg thinks of the Super Whites at a much bigger stage than they currently are and praises the Chairman and Vice Chairwoman for their efforts.
Since Mark and Nicola Palios have come into the club they have lifted the club from the Training Ground, to the stadium at Prenton Park and to the coverage of the football club.
“I have no doubt that they can kick on, but they will need to get a few players through the door, and to do that you need money.” John Achterberg told ATJ Media.
“For me, Tranmere Rovers should be at the top of League One or even just in the Championship, they are a big club and Mark Palios has done a great job to get them back fighting.” He said.
“The inside of the ground has been refurbished, and it brings a positive look about the place, and to make it look a place where players want to be.” He added.
The 46-year old again praises the owners for the work that has been done behind the scenes and points out the work that Liverpool FC do to help the club.
The newly renovated Prenton Park now looks a Championship standard to most and the brand new training ground at Solar Campus also brings a professional look to the club.
“The training facilities are very good now, and players do look at that before they choose a club to play for.”
“Mark and Nicola Palios are important for the club and they are the first people to turn it in the positive direction, and then let the football take care of itself.”
“Liverpool can help Tranmere in many ways, whether it is paying to play on the pitch at Prenton Park for the youth teams and women’s team, or the friendly that we usually have before each season.”
Tranmere Rovers were dealt a blow earlier this week with the news that top goal scorer Andy Cook would not be returning to the club following signing for Walsall.
The striker signed a two-year deal at the League One club and was wanted by manager Dean Keates for some time.
Achterberg is confident that the club can move on without him but insists that the right replacement needs to be made.
“Cook (Andy Cook) has done a very good job for the last two years.”
“The club needs to act and replace him but make sure that the player is able to do a job at the new level.”
The promotion back to the EFL for Tranmere Rovers could open the door for a loan agreement to be made with some of the local teams.
In the past, it has been known for loan agreements to be put in place between Tranmere Rovers and the likes of Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United.
The Liverpool goalkeeper coach, Achterberg welcomes the chance for that to happen but explains that it needs to be the right fit for both sides.
“Not every player who plays for a big club in the reserves is ready to play first-team football, and so you need to find the correct player.”
“Of course the promotion gives Tranmere Rovers more chance of getting players from Liverpool or even some of the other teams around the North West area.
“They will want to help Tranmere because they have a reputation for bringing good talent through.”
The former goalkeeper believes that Tranmere Rovers have the best facilities in League Two and possibly better than some of Sky Bet League One.
“One big thing which will help Tranmere attract the players to the club is the facilities that they have.
“They have arguably the best in League Two and maybe better than some teams in League One. Players look at that, before signing.” Achterberg said.
Achterberg believes that it is not all about getting the best players though, and thinks that Tranmere Rovers could do similar to what Accrington Stanley have done in this campaign.
Accrington Stanley were promoted as Champions of Sky Bet League Two, in the 2017/18 campaign.
“You could look at Accrington Stanley. They have not always picked good players but they have chosen players that fit.”
“Jon Coleman has done a great job there and it has led to the promotion to League One. It is something which Tranmere can mirror themselves on.”