Episode Summary
Hosts
Graham Dunn, Jamie Rooney
Jamie Wilson, Phil Craig, Declan Clark
Guest(s)
Release Date
26 December 2024
Duration
97 min
In this By Far The Greatest Team festive special — the Boxing Day Bonanza — hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by regulars Jamie “South Coast” Wilson, Declan Clark, and Phil Craig for a Christmas challenge: each pick a team, argue its greatness in under ten minutes, and let the others judge.
Among the highlights is Declan Clark’s defence of Tranmere Rovers (1992–1995) — the golden age of football at Prenton Park under John King. With a fearless squad including John Aldridge, Pat Nevin, and Johnny Morrissey, Tranmere came within a whisker of reaching the Premier League, finishing in the playoff places three seasons in a row.
The conversation dives into the romance of the First Division (then second tier) in the early 1990s — a time when Tranmere mixed with big names, filled Friday-night lights on Merseyside, and dared to dream of breaking into the elite. Declan’s argument is passionate, statistical, and tinged with heartbreak — the story of a small club that went toe-to-toe with giants and came agonisingly close to glory.
Surrounding it are other mini-segments — Hearts 2005–06, Arsenal 1939, San Marino 2024, and Oxford United 1985–86 — each bringing festive laughter, trivia, and debate about what “greatness” really means.
Takeaways
Hearts’ 2005–06 challenge to Scotland’s football elite
Tranmere’s golden 1990s run under John King
Arsenal 1939 and The Arsenal Stadium Mystery film connection
San Marino’s surprising 2024 unbeaten streak
Oxford United’s 1986 League Cup triumph and legacy
Tranmere Rovers 1992–1995: The Nearly Boys of Birkenhead
Between 1992 and 1995, Tranmere Rovers lived a dream few outside Birkenhead thought possible. Under the charismatic John King, they became a second-tier powerhouse — just one step away from joining the Premier League elite.
Built on spirit, intelligence, and a fearless brand of football, Tranmere’s side — led by John Aldridge, Pat Nevin, and Johnny Morrissey — embodied the heart of English football’s 1990s charm. Friday nights at Prenton Park became legend: floodlights, noise, and belief.
Three straight playoff campaigns ended in heartbreak, but those years gave Tranmere identity and pride. They beat big clubs, filled their small stadium with passion, and won neutrals across the country with attacking football and underdog grit.
In this festive Boxing Day Bonanza episode, Declan Clark makes the case that Tranmere’s “nearly” years deserve greatness — not for the trophies they missed, but for the memories they created.
This is the story of football’s romantic middle ground: where the dreamers live, and where a little club from the Wirral once danced with the big boys.
Main Topics
Iconic Moments
Tranmere’s rise under John King and consistent playoff heartbreak
Friday-night football at Prenton Park and its cult following
Key figures: John Aldridge, Pat Nevin, and Johnny Morrissey
The ambition and near-misses of a club punching above its weight
Comparing Tranmere’s run to other “nearly” teams in football history
Three consecutive playoff campaigns (1992–95)
Friday-night football atmosphere at Prenton Park
3–2 playoff semi-final vs Leicester City (1993)
John Aldridge’s scoring heroics and leadership
King’s passionate declaration: “Tranmere Rovers belong in the top flight.”
Notable Manager
John King
Notable Players
John Aldridge, Pat Nevin, Johnny Morrissey, Jim Steel, Eric Nixon, Kenny Irons, Mark Hughes (Tranmere), Shaun Garnett, John Morrissey Jr., Ged Brannan, Kenny Coleman
Style of Play
4-4-2, Attacking, High Tempo, Direct, Wide Play, Determined
Under John King, Tranmere Rovers played bold, attacking football built on energy, width, and belief. Typically set up in a 4-4-2, they blended the direct power of English football with the intelligence and flair of continental-style players like Pat Nevin.
John Aldridge led the line as both finisher and talisman, supported by creative wide play from Nevin and tireless midfield running from Kenny Irons and Ged Brannan. At the back, Eric Nixon’s commanding presence in goal and King’s faith in overlapping full-backs gave Tranmere a balance of aggression and structure.
King’s football was high-tempo, physical, and expressive — a reflection of the club’s underdog spirit. Friday-night matches under the Prenton Park lights became folklore, a carnival of sound and swagger that turned a modest ground into one of English football’s most intimidating atmospheres.
Tranmere’s near-misses in the playoffs told of a club playing beyond its means, driven by belief rather than budget. They didn’t just compete — they entertained, proving that ambition and courage could push even small-town clubs to the edge of greatness.
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