The most inevitable managerial sacking of the season will be a cause of glee for the 'I told you so' merchants who enjoy pointing out the obvious. The departure of John Barnes and Jason McAteer from Tranmere Rovers is not cause for a full bore celebration though, even by Rovers fans who wanted them gone at least 6 weeks ago - only around 6 weeks into their brief reign.
It heaps further embarrassment on an otherwise well-run club up to recent months, following the appearance of the club for sale on ebay and the bizarre sacking of one of the Football League's most-respected managers - Ronnie Moore. The two huge errors of judgement have done little to improve owner Peter Johnson's credibility.
The club lie in the lower reaches of 'League 1' with a threadbare squad and few funds to strengthen or change. With Barnes & McAteer no doubt receiving a severance package their successor is going to have to work with what’s already there. It really could be touch or go whether Rovers stay up this season.
There are little shoots for optimism though. Rovers have a number of promising youngsters to work with, the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Ash Taylor, Charlie Barnett and Ryan Fraughan. The experience and goals of Ian Thomas-Moore, and leadership qualities of Ian Goodison will also give the new man something to build on.
Though John Barnes’ reputation will not be tarnished in the eyes of Liverpool fans, two fairly high-profile managerial stints lasting less than a year in Britain, make him damaged goods to prospective employers. Unless he’s willing to drop a long-way down the non-league pyramid and start again he’s unlikely to get a chance elsewhere.
With just 3 league and cup wins all season and poor performances to match that underwhelming statistic, its hard to argue his case for staying much longer, however much the football purists hoped it would turn around to spite the doubters.
Barnes is an idealist who wanted to see his teams play football in the right way, and there are too few of those in the lower leagues at present. It’s a shame as for lack of an experienced assistant and a bit of money to spend things may have worked out differently at Prenton Park.
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