Apter back to Tranmere?

TommyHutch said:
I’m not sure we’ll see him in a tangerine shirt. The contract is in place to ensure that when he moves on we get a decent fee. The coach here prefers to develop other clubs’ younger players rather than his own.
Click to expand...
But he is being developed though isn't he. Very nicely too from all accounts.
 
Yarmouth Seasider said:
Surely this is good news for both the player and us? We keep him on a longer contract, which he was obviously happy to sign, and he continues to get proper game time rather than the odd cameo appearance for us.
If Dembele moves on at the end of his loan, we've got a ready made replacement who has gained valuable experience this season, seems like a win, win to me.
Click to expand...
Exactly. Works for everyone.
 
Critchknows said:
I think we all know he isn't better than Dembele not by a long way currently. He will though fit in that position next season after a good campaign in League 2 to give him much needed experience.
Click to expand...
My point was I don’t know as I’ve only seen brief glimpses of him & he looked like he definitely had something. Dembele disappeared after half an hour against Forest (good job he’s playing at a lower level) I love some of his twists & turns but he needs to improve on his final balls, perhaps he’ll develop with us for somebody else next season.
 
poolseasider said:
Give youth a chance like who?

I've been to a development squad game, friendlies and EFL trophy ties this season
not a single player has stood out and I thought they should be around the Lge 1 first
team squad.

It's how the football pyramid works send your players out on loan and they should come back stronger as we've had our fair share.

Totally the correct thing to do with Apter.
Click to expand...
I think Apter divides opinion more than most of the young kids because he already seems to have been around for ages. That as well as the fact he’s clearly talented and seems to have that positivity and bravery in his play that supporters love to see, particularly from a young player.

He was playing a lot in pre season under Appleton and doing ok, so I think people assumed he was closer to the first team than he probably was.

The reality is the best situation for him now is to be playing every single week. Some may think he’s good enough to be doing that for us, that’s their opinion of course. I personally don’t think we’ve seen enough to warrant any outrage at him going back to Tranmere where he’s clearly enjoying his football.

I understand the frustration at the lack of players coming through the development squad. When the club makes a point of signing young players the minimum expectation is that they ‘develop’.

But I think a lot of it is also faux outrage, like the OP above. The club is clearly trying to develop the academy setup and is also trying to make smart decisions with regards to where these players play their football.

The reality is that out of all of our young players there’s only been two or three that actually look like they could make it.
 
I'm now starting to wish we had a manager who understood that Apter is a much better footballer and bigger all round threat than CJ. And that we are short of that technical ability, apart from Dembele, who now has a huge weight on his shoulders til the end of the season. If he gets injured, we will think, "oh shit". A head coach with the guts to give that talent a chance. Delighted about the contract extension, of course....
 
Apter will have been pushing to go back to Tranmere. He will have loved it there. He probably looked himself at how we play and knows it will be a struggle getting into the team with no natural wingers.

It was inevitable and best for both parties.
 
Great news he has extended his contract, a good length as well. Disappointed he is not getting a chance to show what he can do for Blackpool this season. Next best option I guess is the return to Tranmere. Hope he rips it for them and continues to improve.
 
Tbf to Critchley he has given out plenty of competitive senior debuts and minutes. Maybe too many when he threw them all in at once v Morecambe in the EFL Trophy and someone broke their leg. It sounded like he regretted that afterwards.

I think he will develop and involve our younger players if he can be convinced they're of a similar U21 level that he's used to working with. Or of the level he's expected to get results at. If he's actually failing at anything this time then it's on the tactical side by being so limited to this one way of playing and the jobs he's asking players to do that they're not comfortable with. It doesn't really work in away games/anywhere when conceding first. It's making the pitch and opposition look huge and even our most experienced players look tiny on it whenever they're up against it. And they need more help than they've been getting.

Back to the youth, in L1 last time I thought he did what he could with to manage the clamour of chucking them in during a play off attempt. But you could see in that last league game v Bristol Rovers the difference between Brad Holmes getting an hour and Ellis Simms coming on for him to win the game.

It's almost unchartered waters for us to be able to send an U21 out to L2 and them not be sent straight back because it's not what the club expected. Apter's obviously got a bright future and at least the club are in charge of whatever happens with that now with this new contract.
 
voyeur said:
I'm now starting to wish we had a manager who understood that Apter is a much better footballer and bigger all round threat than CJ. And that we are short of that technical ability, apart from Dembele, who now has a huge weight on his shoulders til the end of the season. If he gets injured, we will think, "oh shit". A head coach with the guts to give that talent a chance. Delighted about the contract extension, of course....
Click to expand...
CJ is a waste of space most of the time in the role as a wing-back yet he gets a new deal and the best midfield player of late is being rested pending the outdoor opening.
RA would be a far better option even as a wing-back simply because he has a footy brain.
 
He is not going to get regular games with dembele. Difficult to see them both playing under any formation. So maybe a good move, but still would prefer him to stay and come on as a sub and maybe start the odd game.

It will look very very bad should Dembele get an injury.
 
I think the real reason Apter has gone back to Tranmere is because Critchley is too stubborn to change his formation. Apter is not a wing-back. But then neither is CJ, Dale or Lyons…
 
Simonized said:
CJ is a waste of space most of the time in the role as a wing-back yet he gets a new deal and the best midfield player of late is being rested pending the outdoor opening.
RA would be a far better option even as a wing-back simply because he has a footy brain.
Click to expand...
Outdoor opening?
 
Superbretty said:
I think the real reason Apter has gone back to Tranmere is because Critchley is too stubborn to change his formation. Apter is not a wing-back. But then neither is CJ, Dale or Lyons…
Click to expand...
The system needs tweaking. Critch even tweaked it at Forest. CJ played with Gabriel behind him. He provided a good assist, fair play.

CJ and Connolly are both great lads, that is clear, and they bring a great attitude and commitment. There is a place for both of them. But Critch seems, to me, to now value that above all else. More talented players sit on the bench, or play for another team wondering if they will ever get a run of games for their own club. It's all rigid formation, daily rehearsal of passing routines, and steady eddies in 9 out of 10 positions. And players learning to play in unnatural positions. Maybe he has incorporated the kama sutra into his coaching manual.

I've been one of Critch's biggest supporters over the last few years, he clearly has coaching abilities, but I'm now officially dubious about the whole package, and I'm bored too!
 
Trfc guest said:
Fair point. He’s a cracking player. He’s close ball skill is off the scale. He’s able to pick the ball up with 2 or 3 players around him, go past from his own half and burst into the penalty area. Made up he’s back
Click to expand...
I/m pleased for him and Tranmere, let's hope he keeps on improving so he helps you and gets him ready for us to play next season, seems a win/win to me
 
We really have fans who expect our manager to change the system to allow a 20 year old with almost zero experience at this level to play in a position they’ve never actually seen him play in…

Apters played 20 games of League 2 football. He’s more than likely not ready for us - yet. Critchleys seen him in pre-season, had him training and no doubt watched him muktiple times all whilst getting expert advice from coaches and scouts.

Ffs. Stop playing football manager and thinking it’s real life.
 
LA1 Seasider said:
We really have fans who expect our manager to change the system to allow a 20 year old with almost zero experience at this level to play in a position they’ve never actually seen him play in…

Apters played 20 games of League 2 football. He’s more than likely not ready for us - yet. Critchleys seen him in pre-season, had him training and no doubt watched him muktiple times all whilst getting expert advice from coaches and scouts.

Ffs. Stop playing football manager and thinking it’s real life.
Click to expand...

No we expect the manager to change the formation because of it's not working away from home. Nothing to do with individual players.
 
New contract as well so Tranmeres contribution might be a bit higher 💰

As people have said, this is good for all parties. We don’t want to disrupt Rob’s momentum because the sky is the limit with this kid and he won’t get the same game time here this season.
 
FLATBACKFOR said:
It could be that Apter wants to go back ! We have on a long contract now its not the end of the world is it.
Click to expand...
Yes fair point. It sounds like he was pretty desperate to go back. So he gets what he wants. Part of his reason for wanting to go back though, is the limited chances he has had here. He fosn't trust Critch to pick him. I reckon. Players gravitate to coaches who want them in their team.
 
LA1 Seasider said:
We really have fans who expect our manager to change the system to allow a 20 year old with almost zero experience at this level to play in a position they’ve never actually seen him play in…

Apters played 20 games of League 2 football. He’s more than likely not ready for us - yet. Critchleys seen him in pre-season, had him training and no doubt watched him muktiple times all whilst getting expert advice from coaches and scouts.

Ffs. Stop playing football manager and thinking it’s real life.
Click to expand...
I'd like us to change the system, yes, as it happens. Critch changed it at Forest didn't he? so it's not a forlorn hope.
 
Mike_BFC said:
New contract as well so Tranmeres contribution might be a bit higher 💰

As people have said, this is good for all parties. We don’t want to disrupt Rob’s momentum because the sky is the limit with this kid and he won’t get the same game time here this season.
Click to expand...

It looks like that's the case. From Tranmere's announcement this morning...
"The Club would like to thank the Southern Super White Army whose sponsorship of the player has enabled the loan agreement to take place."
There was no mention of supporting sponsorship when he first went on loan last September.

www.tranmererovers.co.uk

Rob Apter rejoins Rovers on loan till the end of the season.

Tranmere Rovers are delighted to announce that the Club has reached an agreement with Blackpool for the loan signing of Rob Apter until the end of the 2023/24 season.
www.tranmererovers.co.uk www.tranmererovers.co.uk
 
Last edited:
Simonized said:
CJ is a waste of space most of the time in the role as a wing-back yet he gets a new deal and the best midfield player of late is being rested pending the outdoor opening.
RA would be a far better option even as a wing-back simply because he has a footy brain.
Click to expand...
A “waste of space”? Really?
 
Superbretty said:
I think the real reason Apter has gone back to Tranmere is because Critchley is too stubborn to change his formation. Apter is not a wing-back. But then neither is CJ, Dale or Lyons…
Click to expand...
Club sends a young player back to club where he’s settled and playing well in the interest of his development.

Club gives said player new long-term deal.

These are positive things.

And somehow it’s still used as a stick to beat the manager with.
 
BlackpoolPunk said:
Just been chatting to my Tranmere Rovers supporting mate, he reckons with Apter back they can make the play offs, without him, the season was over.
Click to expand...
I hope they do. Good for them, after that nightmare start.

It’s not like Critchley would have used Apter anyway. Can’t be using too many creative players, can we?
 
Sooty59 said:
My point was I don’t know as I’ve only seen brief glimpses of him & he looked like he definitely had something. Dembele disappeared after half an hour against Forest (good job he’s playing at a lower level) I love some of his twists & turns but he needs to improve on his final balls, perhaps he’ll develop with us for somebody else next season.
Click to expand...
Watched Dembele all season and he’s played some magnificent final balls.
A crisp, accurate passer of the ball
 
You have to laugh at those saying he was leaving instantly changing their tune to him going back to Tranmere because he doesn't fit the system.

Given him a three year deal because he wants rid of him...OK.

Is there anything that can't be blamed on Critchley? I'm presuming we must be bottom of the league getting thrashed week in, week out.
 
He would fit into the system he played vs Forest, my understanding is he could play left or right in a three. We would already have Dembele, CJ, Dale and even Lavs who could play in those positions though so maybe he's not getting game time over them. Also got the feeling that it was an enforced change of formation due to having no strikers. We played well first half against good opposition so I wouldn't be against seeing that formation away from home again.
 
Best decision for all parties IMO, he could have contributed to us for sure, but his development will be best served by going back to the place where he’s thriving and comfortable right now.

Til 2027 is fantastic business.
 
tangerine_neil said:
I hope they do. Good for them, after that nightmare start.

It’s not like Critchley would have used Apter anyway. Can’t be using too many creative players, can we?
Click to expand...
You can use too many creative players it's all about balance. And if anyone thinks we don't use enough creative players I'm pretty sure we have lined up this season with a back 3, a defensive midfielder and 6 players primarily known for their attacking attributes. How much more attacking do you want us to be!
 
Tanger said:
So many armchair managers on this thread. Imo the club has played his perfectly Rob extended contract and back at Tranmere, he can come back for pre season and we can reassess where he's at.
Click to expand...
Managers? I think we are just expressing opinions. That's why we come on here surely.

And not to be told to go f*** ourselves, as in a now deleted post (not you). How is so much offence taken at an opinion about a footballing matter? Gets ridiculous on here sometimes.
 
Last edited:
I am sure he has been training alone in my local Gym in Bromborough Village Hotel.
I wasn’t certain until I noticed he was wearing a Blackpool tracksuit top leaving the Gym.
 
Phil_bfc deux said:
Probably for the best as i would have hated for him to be stuck in this lob sided shit show of a system as an out of position right wing back

Needs to be a given a role that suits and he wouldn't have gotten that with Critchley
Click to expand...
Apter's aiming at becoming a professional footballer and part of that is to be capable of playing in different positions, different formations and in different areas of the pitch. Once again you use a piece of good news to criticise Critchley. Dembele is predominantly left-footed but he operates most effectively on the right.
 
voyeur said:
Managers? I think we are just expressing opinions. That's why we come on here surely.

And not to be told to go f*** ourselves, as in a now deleted post (not you). How is so much offense taken at an opinion about a footballing matter? Gets ridiculous on here sometimes.
Click to expand...
There are some very sensitive souls on here if you dare criticise the club in any way.

I bet Sadler is an AVFTTer 😉
 
Sven said:
He would fit into the system he played vs Forest, my understanding is he could play left or right in a three. We would already have Dembele, CJ, Dale and even Lavs who could play in those positions though so maybe he's not getting game time over them. Also got the feeling that it was an enforced change of formation due to having no strikers. We played well first half against good opposition so I wouldn't be against seeing that formation away from home again.
Click to expand...
Yes same here. I expected it as it used to be Critchley's go-to whenever he feared a mauling or was short on numbers. But that's the first time I've seen a clear plan for the opposition this season rather than sticking to a weird shape safe passing method and/or just going long ball to CJ to try and get him in over the top. It must be more engaging for the players when they know each position in the team is supporting the other and they've all got jobs to do in and out of possession to work for a result.
 
Seainsea said:
Apter's aiming at becoming a professional footballer and part of that is to be capable of playing in different positions, different formations and in different areas of the pitch. Once again you use a piece of good news to criticise Critchley. Dembele is predominantly left-footed but he operates most effectively on the right.
Click to expand...
But you wouldn't play Dembele as a ** wing back and that's my point
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top