Town travel to Tranmere looking to pick up points over the festive period at the start of a three-game week for them, starting with tomorrow's test.
Today's opponents have had a challenging campaign so far, with 13 losses and three draws from 21 League Two fixtures this season, leaving the Superwhites looking to lift themselves up the table as we approach the midway point.
Tranmere find themselves 21st in the League Two table, with Swindon looking to respond from their difficult short-run of results as they look to build on their promotion push and current two-point gap from a play-off spot.
A lowdown on the visitors:
Tranmere Rovers Football Club, based in Birkenhead, Wirral, England, has a rich and storied history that dates back to its formation in 1884. The club's early years were marked by local competitions and friendly matches, and it wasn't until 1921 that Tranmere joined the Football League. They steadily climbed through the divisions and achieved their first major success in 1934 when they won the Division Three North title.
Tranmere's progress was interrupted by World War II, but they resumed competitive football in the post-war era. The 1980s and 1990s were particularly noteworthy for the club. Under the management of Johnny King, Tranmere experienced a period of success, including reaching the League Cup final in 2000, although they were ultimately defeated by Leicester City.
One of the most memorable moments in Tranmere's history occurred in the 1999-2000 season when they secured back-to-back promotions, reaching the second tier of English football. This was an extraordinary achievement for a club of Tranmere's size and resources. However, their time in the Championship was relatively brief, and they faced relegation back to League One.
In the following years, Tranmere experienced a mix of promotions and relegations between the lower divisions. The club faced financial challenges at times but managed to maintain its presence in the Football League. In 2018, they suffered relegation to the National League, the fifth tier of English football.
Tranmere, however, showed resilience and determination, securing promotion back to the Football League in the 2018-2019 season before maintaining their league status since then as they look to push up the league table once again.
Head-to-head:
2018/19: Tranmere Rovers 1-2 Swindon Town
2021/22: Swindon Town 0-0 Tranmere Rovers
2021/22: Tranmere Rovers 3-0 Swindon Town
2022/23: Swindon Town 1-1 Tranmere Rovers
2022/23: Tranmere Rovers 1-0 Swindon Town
Manager: Nigel Adkins
Nigel Adkins, a respected figure in English football management, has a diverse career that includes guiding several clubs through the ups and downs of the football hierarchy. Born on March 11, 1965, in Birkenhead, Adkins' connection to Tranmere Rovers is not just professional; it's also rooted in his hometown.
Adkins initially made a name for himself in coaching with Bangor City and later moved to Scunthorpe United, where he had remarkable success. During his tenure as manager from 2006 to 2010, Adkins led Scunthorpe to two promotions, earning them a place in the Championship. His adept management and commitment to attacking football were key components of Scunthorpe's achievements.
In 2010, Adkins took on a new challenge by joining Southampton, then languishing in League One. He orchestrated successive promotions, propelling Southampton to the Premier League by the 2012-2013 season. Despite being dismissed before the season's end, Adkins played a pivotal role in shaping Southampton's ascent.
Following his stint at Southampton, Adkins managed Reading and Sheffield United, contributing his expertise to each club's campaign. His time at Hull City, where he became manager in 2017, saw Adkins once again showcasing his ability to stabilize a team and guide them to relative success.
Although his connection to Tranmere Rovers as a player was brief, Adkins' managerial journey has garnered respect in the football community. His return to Tranmere as a manager would bring his career full circle, providing an opportunity to impact the club where it all began for him.
One to watch: Connor Jennings
Jennings began his professional football journey with Stalybridge Celtic before making a move to Scunthorpe United in 2012. However, it was during his time with Wrexham that Jennings began to make a significant impact. His prolific goal-scoring abilities and versatility on the field caught the attention of clubs, leading to his transfer to his current club and today's opponents, Tranmere Rovers in 2016.
Connor Jennings became a key figure for Tranmere, showcasing this again this season, with six goals and three assists in 20 appearances so far this campaign. His history with the club too has proved successful, as he played an instrumental role in the club's promotion campaigns, including their return to the Football League in the 2017-2018 season.
