TRANMERE Rovers' interim manager is taking the squad 'back-to-basics' in an attempt to bounce back from the disappointing run of results that led to the sacking of Gary Brabin.

Saturday will be his first game in charge when Rovers line up against Woking at Prenton Park.

Brabin left the club last Sunday - a day after they were beaten 1-0 by Sutton United.

It was their third defeat in four games and followed a run of seven games unbeaten at the start of the campaign.

Paul Carden, in temporary charge until a new manager is appointed, said during a press conference this afternoon: "The performances in the last couple of weeks have not been of the standard we should have.

"That’s probably why we are where we are. It's down to the players.

"Football is what it is. Gary was not the first manager to be sacked, and won’t be the last.

"Would I be right in thinking that Gary was going to get the sack?

"No, but I know that we need to change things going forward.

"Saturday will be a better time to show we Tranmere can do."

There is no indication how long Carden could be interim manager or whether he could be in the running for the job permanently.

He continued: "Hopefully, I’ll be able to give the team the right result.

"It's a case of the lads thinking back to the first few weeks of the season. 

"It’s a situation that nobody’s enjoying. 

"It’s been a tough couple of days, but we’ll come back from this.

"They're good players, good lads; it's back to basics."

Carden admitted he had selection worries ahead of the Woking game, as a number of injury problems and missing five senior players.

He said: "Jake Kirby is probably the one closest to getting back.

"We hope he'll be back training at the end of next week so if that goes to play he may be available for Dagenham.

"After him is Jay Harris who is a couple of weeks away while Adam Mekki is about three weeks away.

"Connor Jennings is still a long way off, he's likely to be out for another 8-10 weeks and we have Jeff Hughes out with his ban.

"So we are light on numbers but it is what it is and it gives opportunities for players who maybe wouldn't have had the chance otherwise."