CARETAKER manager Ray Mathias is in the Prenton Park hot seat once again with no goalkeeper and the opening game of Rovers' Nationwide League Division Two campaign looming this Saturday at Port Vale (kick-off 3pm).

Mathias found himself in temporary charge of team affairs after troubled Tranmere sacked manager Dave Watson. The bombshell news followed last Wednesday's pre-season 7-0 Prenton Park drubbing at the feet of Premiership new boys Birmingham City.

Chairman Lorraine Rogers said: "More recently there has been a lack of passion and pride on the pitch - and we all agree that it's time to take a new direction. Dave Watson is one of the nicest people in football and we are all disappointed it has turned out like this, but results over the last 15 months speak for themselves."

Watson, who took over from former Prenton Park boss John Aldridge, had high hopes of taking Rovers straight back into Division One after the club's relegation, but Rovers had to settle for an unconvincing 12th place last season.

Mathias, the fans' favourite, is relishing the chance to take the team into a new season.

He told Globe Sport: "I'm delighted but, obviously, after what happened last week I feel sorry for Dave. But again the chairman has asked me to take responsibility and to do a job I like doing and enjoy."

As to whether he would like the job permanently, Mathias says: "Without a doubt. Everyone knows I am Tranmere through and through. When I was a player I gave 150 per cent and each time as a caretaker manager. I would do exactly the same on a permanent basis."

Mathias is confident Rovers will find a goalkeeper for the first two games of the season, while John Achterberg serves his suspension picked up at the end of last season.

Rovers' first home game is against Colchester next Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm).