John Warrington - A Footballing Journey

[MrTini23]

John Warrington - A Footballing Journey

2015/16 Season

League Position: 24th in Championship



So, I decided not to retire. Instead, I went back to where it all began for me in football, my hometown club Tranmere Rovers. I scored 8 goals in 34 appearances during the season but I was unable to help Tranmere fight off relegation to League One. Next season will likely be my last as a player before I look to get into management.

Career Milestones

Joined Tranmere on a free

Football Manager Profile

 

[MrTini23]

John Warrington - A Footballing Journey

2016/17 Season

League Position: 22nd in League One



That's it. My playing career is over. I have decided to retire from playing at the age of 38. I only played 14 times last season in League One, scoring two goals. My aim now is to get into football management and try and prove myself as a coach. I'm really proud of what I have achieved as a player and I end my career with 226 career league goals in 563 appearances.

Career Milestones

Retire as a player

Football Manager Profile

 

[MrTini23]

John Warrington - A Footballing Journey

My Playing Career

Here is my playing career in full.

1997/98 -

- | Apps: 28 | Goals: 10 | Assists: 1 | POM: 0 | Average Rating: 6.78 |
1998/99 -

- | Apps: 24 | Goals: 13 | Assists: 2 | POM: 5 | Average Rating: 7.16 |
1998/99 -

- | Apps: 0 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | POM: 0 | Average Rating: N/A |
1998/99 -

(Loan) - | Apps: 13 | Goals: 3 | Assists: 0 | POM: 0 | Average Rating: 6.75 |
1999/00 -

(Loan) - | Apps: 39 | Goals: 9 | Assists: 1 | POM: 0 | Average Rating: 6.68 |
2000/01 -

(Loan) - | Apps: 22 | Goals: 9 | Assists: 0 | POM: 1 | Average Rating: 7.03 |
2000/01 -

(Loan) - | Apps: 17 | Goals: 6 | Assists: 1 | POM: 1 | Average Rating: 6.73 |
2001/02 -

- | Apps: 1 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | POM: 0 | Average Rating: N/A |
2001/02 -

(Loan) - | Apps: 6 | Goals: 1 | Assists: 1 | POM: 0 | Average Rating: 6.88 |
2002/03 -

- | Apps: 36 | Goals: 20 | Assists: 2 | POM: 4 | Average Rating: 7.12 |
2003/04 -

- | Apps: 28 | Goals: 9 | Assists: 0 | POM: 1 | Average Rating: 7.04 |
2003/04 -

- | Apps: 11 | Goals: 2 | Assists: 0 | POM: 1 | Average Rating: 6.64 |
2004/05 -

- | Apps: 33 | Goals: 17 | Assists: 1 | POM: 5 | Average Rating: 7.25 |
2005/06 -

- | Apps: 36 | Goals: 12 | Assists: 2 | POM: 3 | Average Rating: 7.11 |
2006/07 -

- | Apps: 29 | Goals: 11 | Assists: 3 | POM: 2 | Average Rating: 7.11 |
2007/08 -

- | Apps: 34 | Goals: 13 | Assists: 2 | POM: 6 | Average Rating: 7.20 |
2008/09 -

- | Apps: 28 | Goals: 27 | Assists: 15 | POM: 10 | Average Rating: 8.00 |
2009/10 -

- | Apps: 36 | Goals: 16 | Assists: 3 | POM: 4 | Average Rating: 7.44 |
2010/11 -

- | Apps: 35 | Goals: 19 | Assists: 2 | POM: 7 | Average Rating: 7.49 |
2011/12 -

- | Apps: 27 | Goals: 12 | Assists: 2 | POM: 3 | Average Rating: 7.31 |
2012/13 -

- | Apps: 12 | Goals: 3 | Assists: 0 | POM: 0 | Average Rating: 6.83 |
2013/14 -

- | Apps: 20 | Goals: 4 | Assists: 0 | POM: 0 | Average Rating: 6.86 |
2014/15 -

- | Apps: 0 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | POM: 0 | Average Rating: N/A |
2015/16 -

- | Apps: 34 | Goals: 8 | Assists: 2 | POM: 1 | Average Rating: 6.79 |
2016/17 -

- | Apps: 14 | Goals: 2 | Assists: 3 | POM: 2 | Average Rating: 6.96 |

All-Time Record - | Apps: 563 | Goals: 226 | Assists: 43 | POM: 56 | Average Rating: 7.11 |

International Record - | Apps: 18 | Goals: 2 |

 

[MrTini23]

Tranmere have confirmed the appointment of John Warrington as their new manager after Micky Mellon stepped down earlier in the day.

Warrington had two spells at Prenton Park as a player, scoring 33 goals in 100 appearances at the beginning and end of his playing career. He has been working with the Under 18's squad at Tranmere following his retirement from playing at the end of the 2016/17 season and has expressed an interest in management in the past.

Micky Mellon, 46, leaves Prenton Park after seeing his side fail to gain promotion back into SkyBet League One after suffering successive relegations in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons. Mellon's assistant Mike Jackson has also left Tranmere.

Tranmere chairman Mark Palios said: "I am delighted to bring John in as manager of Tranmere Rovers. Whilst he lacks experience in a management role, there is no person who knows this club more than John himself. He's not only an ex-player, but he's also been working with the under 18's for the past year. Most importantly, he's a Tranmere fan and has the passion to see this club climb back up to the very top."

Warrington added: "I'm delighted to be taking over here at Tranmere and I really feel like this is a club that could far."

"Obviously the club has experienced a difficult couple of years, two of which I experienced during the end of the playing career. However, I see a lot of potential in the current squad of players and I honestly believe that we have what it takes to climb back up to not only League One but the Championship."

"I played with the likes of Steve (McNulty) and James (Norwood) during the final year of my playing career so I'm in a very good place to hit the ground running as the manager of Tranmere Rovers. I've also spent the last year working with the Under 18's so I also have a good knowledge of some of the talented lads we've got coming through."

 

[Lippo255]

Did something like this myself one time, really good way to add depth and interest to the save. Good luck mate, will be following.

 

[MrTini23]

Did something like this myself one time, really good way to add depth and interest to the save. Good luck mate, will be following.

Thanks! It was a nice way to keep me interested in FM during the last month of FM18 and I like the depth it brings.

 

[MrTini23]

John Warrington - A Footballing Journey

About the Club

General Information



We are predicted to finish 19th in Sky Bet League Two this time around. My aim is to guide us to at least mid-table and avoid a relegation dogfight. With some good signings though we have the potential to go further and maybe mount a challenge for promotion to League One.

The Stadium

For a League Two club, Tranmere have one of the nicest grounds around (I know this from experience having visited a number of the others over the years). With a capacity of just over 16,000, we are in a great position for when we start climbing up the leagues. I'd expect us to average 5,000/6,000 fans this season.

Facilities



Facilities wise, we look ok but only that. Pretty much everything is either average or adequate. I have no idea how this compares to the other teams in the league but I'd imagine we'd be one of the best. I will definitely be looking to improve this if we can, especially the youth recruitment. If I can improve on the youth side of things then my plan is to bring young players through into the first team.

 

[MrTini23]

John Warrington - A Footballing Journey

The Staff Team

When I joined the club, I decided to do a complete overhaul of the backroom team to help us reach our potential after securing promotion back to the football league last season. To start with, I got rid of all the current staff team with only Andy Parkinson (the Under 18's manager) staying on.



Then the hard work began. Recruiting for every single staff role is hard work let me tell you. My aim was to build a balanced staff team with a staff member able to cover every aspect of training and I was pleased with the people we were able to bring in.



Coaching Team

We made five additions in terms of the coaching staff. Chelmsford's Nick Haycock joins as assistant manager whilst Jon Haile, formerly of Weston-super-Mare, will head up our youth development program. This is an important job as I'm looking to use our young players in the first team wherever possible. Wade Green will be in charge of coaching the goalkeepers. Allan Stewart is our new fitness coach and Keith Bertschin completes our coaching team.

Recruitment Team

Chris Evans joins the club as Director of Football. It'll be interesting to see how we can work together as I've never worked with one before. Tommy Miller heads up our scouting team, with Danny Philpott in support. Jimmy O'Dwyer is in charge of our Data Analysis department.

Medical Team

We have a really good medical team at the club now. Ben Mortlock, who was previously at Hull, joins us as Head Physio with Paul Rastrick in support. Rob Ryder heads up our Sports Science department, supported by Ricky Parr.

Following the complete overhaul of the staff team, we now have a much-improved staff team and a base on which to build as we climb higher up the leagues.

 

[MrTini23]

John Warrington - A Footballing Journey

Pre-Season

Transfers

Transfers Out



The only departure was that of Connor Jennings, who joined Alfreton on loan. I'm also looking to get rid of Liam Ridehalgh before the end of the window.

Transfers In



A total of five players came in during the window, all on loan as we are strapped for cash!

Goalkeeper Tom King joined on loan from Millwall, having spent last season on loan at Stevenage, who are our opponents on the opening day. Aston Villa full-back Jordan Lyden was another one to come in, he has played four times for Villa whilst they were in the Premier League. Defender Cameron Burgess came in from Scunthorpe, having made 25 appearances for them in League One last season. Another signing with football league experience is George Cooper. The winger has joined us from Peterborough and made 129 appearances for Crewe before joining them. The last signing is Birmingahm midfielder Charlie Lakin.

Friendly Results



I was delighted with the results we achieved in the friendlies. We won 4 and lost 1, which will really help to build our confidence going into the season. The tactical style I'm looking to adopt is an attacking style so the number of goals scored in pre-season is excellent.

August Fixtures

 

[MrTini23]

John Warrington - A Footballing Journey

2018/19 Squad

*Clicking name will show player screenshots

01 - Scott Davies
02 - Adam Buxton
03 - Liam Ridehalgh
04 - Cameron Burgess (on loan from Scunthorpe)
05 - Steve McNulty
06 - Manny Monthe
08 - Jay Harris
09 - Paul Mullin
10 - James Norwood
11 - George Cooper (on loan from Peterborough)
12 - Luke McCullogh (on loan from Doncaster)
13 - Tom King (on loan from Millwall)
14 - Jake Caprice
15 - Kieran Morris (on loan from Walsall)
16 - Mark Ellis
17 - Sid Nelson (on loan from Millwall)
18 - Jonny Smith (on loan from Bristol City)
19 - David Perkins
21 - Harvey Gilmour
23 - Chris Dagnall
24 - Zoumana Bakayogo
25 - Luke Pilling
27 - Charlie Lakin (on loan from Birmingham)
28 - Ollie Banks
29 - Ishmael Miller
30 - Ben Pringle (on loan from Preston)
31 - Jordan Lyden (on loan from Aston Villa)

 

[MrTini23]

John Warrington - A Footballing Journey

August 2018

Fixtures

SkyBet League Two
Stevenage vs Tranmere

What a start to my career as a football manager. I knew we had a decent chance going into the game but I never saw us coming away with a 7-0 win. Walsall loanee Kieron Morris was on fire, scoring 4 goals.

SkyBet League Two
Tranmere vs Cheltenham

So, the game against Stevenage wasn't a fluke. Another SEVEN goals for us and another two for Morris. Incredible stuff. I was a little disappointed to see us concede two though I have to admit.

Carabao Cup 1st Round
Scunthorpe vs Tranmere

A fantastic result! We didn't have Kieron Morris for this one as Walsall didn't give him permission to play in the cups so I wasn't expecting too much. Much to my surprise, an Ismael Miller goal gave us a 1-0 win.

SkyBet League Two
Swindon vs Tranmere

I honestly thought that we'd drop points for the first time this season. I hadn't banked on Ishmael Miller popping up with a winner in the last minute of stoppage time!

SkyBet League Two
Tranmere vs Mansfield

Gutted! We dropped points for the first time this season. In terms of shots it was 21 to us and 9 to them so I was disappointed to see us not find the net.

SkyBet League Two
Tranmere vs Port Vale

Now that's more like it. We put the disappointment of Mansfield behind us and came away with a convincing 4-0 win over Port Vale.


Carabao Cup 2nd Round
Tranmere vs Rotherham

We were so so unlucky! We were more than a match for our Championship opponents but we lost out in the lottery that is a penalty shootout. On the bright side, we had already surpassed the expectations of Mark Palios by reaching the 2nd round.

Stats



League Table



Awards

Kieron Morris Player of the Month x1

September Fixtures

 

[MrTini23]

John Warrington - A Footballing Journey

September 2018

Fixtures

SkyBet League Two
Northampton vs Tranmere

A fantastic result away at Northampton. Kieron Morris continued his good form with two more goals. The only disappointment was that we didn't get the clean sheet.

Checkatrade Trophy North Group C
Shrewsbury vs Tranmere

Given that I can't stand the Checkatrade Trophy, I decided to play a second string side. The lads produced a fantastic performance and we came out 3-1 winners. Even though James Norwood di score two coming off the bench.

SkyBet League Two
Tranmere vs Colchester

Another good win for us against Colchester. I thought we might be in for a disappointing result when Diaz Wright equalised but Ismael Miller and Charlie Lakin scored to give us a 3-1 win.

SkyBet League Two
Carlisle vs Tranmere

We continued our good form with a fine 4-1 win away at Carlisle and with that result we went to the top of the League Two table. So far so good in my management career!

SkyBet League Two
Tranmere vs Newport County

A slight injury to Kieron Morris meant that Jonny Smith came in to the team and he certainly made an impression, scoring twice. We absolutely streamrolled Newport in the first half but a red card for Chris Dagnell curtailed our progress. That said, I can't complain with a 6-0 win.

SkyBet League Two
MK Dons vs Tranmere

A very disappointing result. We simply were not at the races and deserved to lose. Despite the result, we are still top of the table with a two point gap to Crewe in second.

Stats



League Table



Awards

John Warrington Manager of the Month x1 (Sep)
Kieron Morris Player of the Month x1 (Aug)
Charlie Lakin Player of the Month x1 (Sep)
George Cooper Young Player of the Month x1 (Sep)

October Fixtures

 

[MrTini23]

John Warrington - A Footballing Journey

October 2018

Fixtures

SkyBet League Two
Tranmere vs Lincoln

After losing to MK Dons last time out, I was looking for a response from the lads against Lincoln. For 88 minutes, it looked like it wasn't going to happen, but Paul Mullin was then fouled in the box. Ollie Banks put away the penalty and we secured the 3 points with a 2nd in stoppage time as Lncoln committed too many man forward.

SkyBet League Two
Morecambe vs Tranmere

This was a bizarre game. We struggled with 11 men on the pitch but when Ollie Banks was sent off, it was like someone flicked a switch on. From then on we were by far the better side and scored three to take all 3 points.

Checkatrade Trophy North Group C
Tranmere vs Man City Under 23's

I played a second string side again and for the second time they didn't let me down. Sure it was Man City's kids but the result means we are into the next round of the Checkatrade Trophy. Do I want a trip to Wembley or do I carry on playing a under strength side?

SkyBet League Two
Yeovil vs Tranmere

The scoreline flattered us, we were simply garbage all game. The first half in particular was tough to watch as both full-backs struggled massively. We tried to get back into it second half but we just weren't able to get into the game. Disappointing.

SkyBet League Two
Forest Green vs Tranmere

This was a great way to bounce back after the shambles that was the Yeovil trip. That said, Forest Green did have a man sent off at 1-0. Not that I think that would have mattered as we'd looked like the stronger aside up until that point anyway. George Cooper was particuarly impressive.

SkyBet League Two
Tranmere vs Crawley

Not much to say here really. We were under par but a Harvey Gilmour goal saw us go away with all three points.

SkyBet League Two
Tranmere vs Macclesfield

If the Crawley game was under par, this one certainly wasn't. We blew Macclesfield away in the first-half and it was game over by 18 minutes. We kind of took our foot off the gas after that but the damage was done.

Stats



League Table



Awards

John Warrington Manager of the Month x2 (Sep, Oct)
Kieron Morris Player of the Month x1 (Aug)
Charlie Lakin Player of the Month x1 (Sep)
George Cooper Player of the Month x1 (Oct)
George Cooper Young Player of the Month x1 (Sep)

November Fixtures

 

[MrTini23]

John Warrington - A Footballing Journey

November 2018

Fixtures

SkyBet League Two
Tranmere vs Exeter

We went into our third straight home game in good form and I was hoping we could continue that form. I got my wish and we came away with a routine 3-0 win against Exeter. It was great to see Jay Harris come off the bench and get himself a goal.

FA Cup 1st Round
Tranmere vs Crawley

Next up it was FA Cup action against fellow League Two side Crawley. I had a good feeling going in and seven minutes after the start it was 2-0. From there we looked pretty comfortable, despite Jimmy Smith getting a goal for the visitors. It was great to see Paul Mullin finally break his goal duck with his first goal since August.

Checkatrade Trophy North Group C
Bradford vs Tranmere

Absolutely incredible! I picked a second string yet again away at League One Bradford and we ran out 6-1 winners! James Norwood, who was one of the few regulars to play, netted a hat-trick. That result meant we topped the group and we face Rochdale in the 2nd round.

SkyBet League Two
Crewe vs Tranmere

The game at Crewe wasn't our best performance and we had to work hard. Thankfully, we managed to come away with a 1-0 win, thanks to a rare goal from defender Mark Ellis.

SkyBet League Two
Tranmere vs Oldham

Just like we did against Crawley in the cup, we flew out of the traps and found ourselves 2-0 up innside 8 minutes. Oldham never really recovered from there and it was an easy win. This result was especially pleasing given Oldham's position in the League Two table.

SkyBet League Two
Grimsby vs Tranmere

Early goals yet again. We seem to have a knack of scoring early on and it's great to see as it puts us in command of the game. This game was no different with us being 3-0 up inside 19 minutes! Long may it continue.

Following the result of Grimsby, I was approached by Mark Palios and signed a new deal until the summer of 2020. I'm delighted to be staying at Tranmere and hope we can continue our march towards League One.

Stats



League Table



Awards

John Warrington Manager of the Month x3 (Sep, Oct, Nov)
Kieron Morris Player of the Month x2 (Aug, Nov)
Charlie Lakin Player of the Month x1 (Sep)
George Cooper Player of the Month x1 (Oct)
George Cooper Young Player of the Month x1 (Sep)

December Fixtures

 

[Yeti01]

Hi mate - just caught up with this. Some cracking results and you look to be running away with the league. Is there a particular tactic you are using for this one?

 

[MrTini23]

Hi mate - just caught up with this. Some cracking results and you look to be running away with the league. Is there a particular tactic you are using for this one?

Thanks I'm using a bog standard 4-4-2 with two inverted wingers cutting in onto their stronger foot with wing backs overlapping. This is why Morris and Cooper have done so well so far this season. Up top, I have a poacher and a target man.

 

[Yeti01]

Nice, I have found a 4-4-2 to be quite solid also, albeit with quite different instructions. Keen to see where this takes you

 

[MrTini23]

John Warrington - A Footballing Journey

December 2018

Fixtures

FA Cup 2nd Round
Tranmere vs Bristol Rovers

A valiant performance against a team in a higher league. We were unlucky not to win in all honesty and I think we'll be able to challenge for a good result in the replay.

SkyBet League Two
Tranmere vs Cambridge

What a way to prepare for our cup replay at Bristol. We absolutely pummeled Cambridge and it could have been more than eight! The lads were simply amazing all game. The biggest surprise was Manny Monthe. Hasn't scored for the club before then pops up with three!?

FA Cup 2nd Round Replay
Bristol Rovers vs Tranmere

Take a bow super-sub Jay Harris. I brought Jay on and within 35 seconds, he opened the scoring for us. Nors scored just after and that was that really. A great performance which sees us into the 3rd round where we face Crewe at home.

SkyBet League Two
Notts County vs Tranmere

As good as our exploits in the cup were, they cost us two points here. We struggled to get going and deserved to go into half-time two-nil down. I could see the lads were knackered but they somehow managed to bring the game back to 2-2 late on which was really pleasing to see.

Checkatrade Trophy North 2nd Round
Tranmere vs Rochdale

Despite the higher league opposition, I stuck with my second string philosphy in the Checkatrade Trophy. Once again they didn't disappoint, Harvey Gilmour the standout player as we registered a 3-0 win and a place in the 3rd round against Walsall.

SkyBet League Two
Bury vs Tranmere

The game at Bury started well for us with Ollie Banks giving us the lead but we capitulated midway through the first half. After an hour I was worried we'd be losing for the first time since October. Enter Ishmael Miller. The big striker turned the game around with his presence up top and we turned it around to earn 3 valuable points.

SkyBet League Two
Tranmere vs Morecambe

This one was a lot more routine. Two goals in the first half put us in the driving seat and we never looked back. The scoreline could have been even better but Ollie Banks also missed a penalty.

SkyBet League Two
Tranmere vs Yeovil

Another 4-0 win to round off 2018. Every single player put in a good performance on our way to victory and they showed why we are top of the league. It was great to give 17-year-old winger Carl Spellman his first taste of EFL action too.

Stats



League Table



Awards

John Warrington Manager of the Month x4 (Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec)
Kieron Morris Player of the Month x2 (Aug, Nov)
Charlie Lakin Player of the Month x1 (Sep)
George Cooper Player of the Month x1 (Oct)
George Cooper Young Player of the Month x1 (Sep)

January Fixtures

 

[MrTini23]

John Warrington - A Footballing Journey

January Transfer Window

The first thing I did at the start of the transfer window was to terminate to loans of Luke McCullough and Jonny Smith. Neither of them was playing much and I needed to free up some of our wage budget.

My first priority was to sign some cover for left midfield and left back. We did this by bringing in Millwall's Shane Ferguson on loan for the rest of the season.

With the signing of Ferguson complete, we then received a 22.5k bid for David Perkins, a bid I couldn't refuse for the 36-year-old. To replace him, we dived into the free agent market and picked up former Palace man Jordan Mutch on an 18-month deal.

On deadline day, we received a 12.25k bid for veteran midfielder Jay Harris from Forest Green, so I let him leave as he was only going to be released in the summer anyway. We also brought in veteran striker Robbie Keane on a free transfer to bolster our attacking options.

 

[MrTini23]

John Warrington - A Footballing Journey

January 2019

Fixtures

SkyBet League Two
Macclesfield vs Tranmere

An interesting way to start the new year, an absolute goal-fest at Moss Rose. Macclesfield took the lead early before we then responded with six unanswered goals. By then the game was out of sight but that didn't stop Macclesfield from scoring three towards the end, though we also got one through Ishmael Miller. Not a game for the defensive-minded!

FA Cup 3rd Round
Tranmere vs Crewe

With a potential tie against the big boys on the line, the lads were up for this one. It took us until the second half to make the breakthrough but once we did it was plain sailing. Job done.

SkyBet League Two
Tranmere vs Northampton

This wasn't one of our finest performances but an Ollie Banks goal on the stroke of half-time was enough for all three points.

SkyBet League Two
Cheltenham vs Tranmere

A disappointing result. I felt like we should have won it but two defensive mistakes allowed them to score. I think we need to be careful that the number of games we are playing currently doesn't affect us.

Checkatrade Trophy North 3rd Round
Walsall vs Tranmere

Really happy with this result, especially as we won on penalties to go through to the North quarter-final. I think this is the last time that I'll play a second-string side now, especially as we'll be up against Fleetwood in the next round.

SkyBet League Two
Tranmere vs Swindon

I feared the worst in this one when we started slowly. We really struggled in the opening 20 minutes until we woke up a little bit. Once we did, we were the better side and we deserved the 4-2 win.

SkyBet League Two
Mansfield vs Tranmere

Another game where we started off slowly, it's starting to get a little annoying now. It used to be us that flew out of the traps in games. At the moment it seems like we need to go a goal down before we start playing proper football. Saying that, at least we are winning games eventually, could be worse.

FA Cup 4th Round
Huddersfield vs Tranmere

Tom King! What a goalkeeper. Tom singlehandedly kept us in the FA Cup with a string of magnificent saves, especially after Sid Nelson saw red in the second half. To draw with Premier League opposition is a massive achievement and the replay will be a nice little earner for the club.

Checkatrade Trophy North 3rd Round
Fleetwood vs Tranmere

Another superb performance from the lads. We never once looked like not winning this one, which is amazing against a side 5th in League One. It makes me believe that we will be able to challenge in League One if we go up!

Stats



League Table



Awards

John Warrington Manager of the Month x5 (Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan)
Kieron Morris Player of the Month x2 (Aug, Nov)
Charlie Lakin Player of the Month x1 (Sep)
George Cooper Player of the Month x1 (Oct)
George Cooper Young Player of the Month x1 (Sep)

February Fixtures