JOHN Aldridge was quick to hand a massive bouquet to Tranmere Rovers' 30,000-strong army of supporters who made the long journey to Wembley.

And he claimed it was better than anything he ever experienced in his own playing career.

"I've been here as a supporter and player with Liverpool and the Republic of Ireland, but I don't remember it ever being as good as that," he declared.

"It was as good as anything I've seen at Wembley. We had 5,000 less fans, but our supporters were brilliant and it was really appreciated. I'd like to thank them all."

The manager was also full of pride for his team. "To fight back as we did from such adversity was fantastic," he said. "It was a lot closer than many people said it would be and I don't think we got what we deserved.

"A draw would have been fair, so I'm delighted with the performance. No-one gave us a chance, but at the end it was hard to take that we lost. Some other teams might have given up when they were down to 10 men, but we're made of stronger stuff at Tranmere.

"I know as a manager I can walk around Birkenhead a proud man - and the lads should hold their heads six feet high when they walk round the streets, too."

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