The news that New Order are set to re-record their World Cup ’90 song World In Motion has led to speculation as to who will perform the infamous John Barnes rap. Rio? Rooney? Crouch?
Well how about Tranmere’s physio / caretaker manager Les Parry?
Having already replaced Barnes as Tranmere boss, Parry’s got form and after leading Rovers to their first home win since August, so elated was the 55 year old, he’d probably say yes to anything.
The genial Parry is something of a comedic character.
His photo in the programme shows him clutching a mug of tea and after hitting his head on a car door, he sports a cracking black eye.
But the difference he has made to a dispirited Tranmere side is unquestionable. Rovers looked strong, commited and organised – all elements lacking under the hapless Barnes.
Brighton had started well, with the tempestous Glenn Murray missing two headed chances within the opening ten minutes.
Gradually, however, Tranmere began to take control and they were unlucky not to have the lead in the 12th minute with Albion keeper Kuipers saving well from Craig Curren’s powerful shot.
Despie their industrious midfield, Rovers still looked supect at the back and on-loan debutant David Martin was forced to tip over on the half hour after a strong shot from Albion’s Elliot Bennett.
That was as good as it got for Brighton in the first half, and they were behind 5 minutes later as Rovers were deseverdly rewarded for their attacking commitment.
Skipper Ian Thomas-Moore bustled his way into the Albion area and his scuffed shot found Gareth Edds no more than 4 yards out.
With Brighton’s defence appealing for offside, Edds wrong-footed Kuipers to slot home.
Brighton came out after the break a changed team, pushing forward in numbers and winning a succession of corners.
Rovers were holding firm at the back though, epitomised by the excellent performance of centre half Ian Goodison.
They looked dangerous on the break too and Kuipers saved well from a stinging volley from the impressive Zoumana Bakayogo.
It was Brighton who looked the more likely to score and it was against the run of play when with 66 mins gone Tranmere doubled their lead.
When John Welsh picked up the ball 25 yards out there looked little danger but the ex-Liverpool man twisted and turned before creating a yard of space and unleashing an unstoppable left foot drive into the top right corner of the net.
A superb goal saw the crowd visibly relaxing and the fans roared as Parry entered the fray with his physios hat on to treat an injured player.
The joy was shortlived however, and with Rovers seeming unsure of whether to stick or twist, Brighton took advantage with a flowing move down the middle.
Gary Hart broke free into the area and despite a poor touch which took him wide of the goal, he was bought down by Martin resulting in a penalty.
The debutant was lucky to stay on the pitch and only received a booking but was further punished when Murray confidently stroked the penalty home.
Tranmere now looked nervous but they were let off the hook by a stupid piece of petulance from the goal scorer Murray who was sent off for a second booking.
It capped a strange afternoon for the big money signing from Rochdale, who never looked happy following a glaring miss earlier in the half.
His two bookings came for encroachment at a free kick and a needless handball and with him went Brighton’s last chance of levelling the match.
With four minutes of added time to hang on, Rovers finally began to believe and the relief echoing around Prenton Park was palpable as the final whistle went.
Parry admitted later that he was nearly crying as he walked off with the crowd chanting his name. Keen to distance himself from taking on the role permanantly it’s clear who the fans wish to see get the job.
The rapping career might just have to wait a bit longer.
Tranmere Rovers: Martin, Logan, Goodison, Broomes, Bakayago, Edds (Barnett 55), McLaren (Taylor 78), Welsh, Moore, Gornell, Curren
Brighton and Hove Albion: Kuipers, McNulty (Wright 27), Elphick. Virgo, Hoyte, Hart (Dickinson 82), Dicker, Crofts, Thornhill (Cox 46), Bennett, Murray
Ref: Mr J Waugh
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