MICKY MELLON won’t ever tire of going to Wembley. For a third season in succession the Scot will take his Tranmere Rovers side to the home of English football hoping to clinch back-to-back promotions via the play-offs.
Leading Tranmere into League One is his priority but the chance to do so at what he describes as “one of the most iconic stadiums in the UK” only adds to the sense of occasion.
Having lost on their first visit two years ago as they looked to escape the National League, Tranmere made amends last year when they defeated Boreham Wood in the final. A stellar first season back in the Football League has led to this repeat opportunity, with Newport County lying in their way this time on Saturday.
Paisley-born Mellon can’t allow himself to get too caught up in the Wembley razzamatazz but he admits having three finals over successive days at the same venue adds so much for players and supporters.
“You never take it for granted,” he said as around 15,000 Tranmere fans get set to head to London. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to go back to one of the most iconic stadiums in the UK to contest the last promotion place out of the division.
“Going to Wembley can be a daunting experience at first as it’s such a massive stadium. The occasion is huge and there’s so much at stake that it can really affect the way players perform. We found that the first time we went there.
“But it got easier the second time and, with this being the third time, it should just be about the performance. We’ve done all the walking around, down the tunnel, in the Arena and all that stuff. This time it can be all about the match itself.
“As a manager and a player you’ve got to take on the responsibility of giving your fans big days and great memories. We have to be professional and concentrate on getting over the line. But to be able to take your fans to these big occasions is surely what it’s all about.”
Mellon, a former Hearts youth prospect, believes the SPFL are missing a trick by not taking their play-off finals to Hampden.
“For me it looks a bit complicated in Scotland although I’m sure the organisers have their reasons for doing so,” he added. “But to make it a big weekend with one final after the other would be a great way to end the Scottish season, too.
“It’s a big day out for the fans, especially at those clubs who don’t get to national cup finals too often. I know some of them will have played against Queen’s Park but to get back to Hampden with promotion on the line would be something special the way it is for us down here.
“You go up the stairs and get a trophy and all the rest of it. It’s a great day out. I think it would be a good idea to have it in Scotland too.”
Mellon signed for Bristol City aged just 16 and has spent his entire playing and management career in England. He was linked with the St Mirren managerial vacancy last summer and admits he could be tempted by a move back home in future.
“I’d love to go back at some point,” admitted the man who signed Jamie Vardy for Fleetwood Town. “I never played in Scotland as there wasn’t an opportunity for me. But if the right opportunity came up and I felt it was worthwhile me going back home then I would definitely consider it.
“I don’t know what the St Mirren thing was about.
“I had only just been promoted with Tranmere and that was my only focus at that time.”
In the meantime he will continue to beat the drum for Scottish football down south, while keeping a constant eye on possible signing targets.
“You look everywhere to see how you can improve your squad and certainly in Scotland there’s usually value to be had,” he added. “I’m a bit biased but I’d love to give any Scottish boys the opportunity to come and play here.
“I think the game up there is getting better and becoming more competitive. Sometimes it seems to me that it’s not always been about making the league as a whole better. It’s been all about Celtic and Rangers.
“But hopefully it looks like teams like Aberdeen, Hibs, Hearts and Kilmarnock are all looking like they can now challenge the Old Firm and that can only be better for the game up there. And the more young Scottish boys getting a chance can only be good for the national team too.”
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