Rovers Release Four Players

Tranmere Rovers have officially released 4 players, Jason McAteer, 35 Danny Harrison, 24, Olly James, 20 and Gavin Ward, 36. These players contracts were not renewed for the 07-08 season and are available to sign for other clubs.

Rumours had admittedly been swelling about the release of Harrison and the desparate plee to rid of Gavin Ward. But the release of Jason McAteer and Olly James may come as a suprise to some fans.

McAteer who regularly captained the side last season was drawn out of a majority of games due to injury (24 appearances). McAteer became increasingly unpopular with the Tranmere fans because of this and the high wage bill he was running up. However his appearances were indeed influencial and strengthened the midfield. He became the Player Coach in the 2006-07 season, however the former Republic International has recently been linked with other managerial positions. His departure came under mutual agreement.

Olly James, similar to Danny Harrison was another product of the club’s youth system. James was an unused subtitute twice this season, and only appeared once in the 2005-06 season. Whereas Harrison has played over 150 games for the first team, but was only given 14 appearances last season in which he scored 1 goal.
The club felt their potential would be used better elsewhere.

Gavin Ward began his career at Tranmere in the 2006-07 extreamely positively, he hit nation news when he scored an 80+ yard free kick. However with the fan demand of John Achterberg, Tranmere’s usual no.1, rumours surrounded Ward suggesting he was unhappy being sidelined. With another injury To Achto, Ward was immediately summoned, however his effectiveness rapidly wore off and he became rather clumsy, his red card at the end of the season was the final nail in Gavin Ward’s Tranmere future.

Tranmere Manager Ronnie Moore said, “I would like to thank the players for their time at Prenton Park and wish them all the best for the future”.

Vital TRFC also wish every player all the best in their future careers.

NEWS JUST IN! Danny Harrison has joined Rotherham United