TRANMERE Rovers Football Club is going through the most turbulent week in its 113-year history besides last night's battle with Newcastle's 'Toon Army'.

Everton chairman Peter Johnson has regained a £6m majority share-holding to save Tranmere from dire financial problems following the resignation of TRFC chairman Frank Corfe.

Despite getting itself off the bottom of Division One with a winning streak, Prenton Park continues to be a centre of controversy. Nine members of staff are being made redundant including TRFC General and Commercial Manager Janet Ratcliffe and club stalwart Les Cameron, the Ticket Office Manager, because of the financial crisis.

In a personal statement Mr Johnson says: "Before I acquired my interest in Everton and disposed of my interest in Tranmere Rovers to Mr Frank Corfe in the Summer of 1994, the Football League was consulted and gave its consent. Since the Summer of 1994 until last month I have had no involvement with, or influence over, Tranmere Rovers.

"The Premier League and the Football League are aware that I intend to dispose of my interest in Tranmere Rovers at the earliest opportuinity. I remain totally committed to Everton FC. I have agreed that we should review the situation at the end of the year, if not sooner. I have a great love of football and will do my best to help Tranmere Rovers seek a satisfactory outcome to its problems. However, my priority is Everton."

Mr Johnson also claims his former close friend Mr Corfe is in breach of a separate financial arrangement with him. Meanwhile, Mr Corfe's building firm Prenton Precast is to be liquidated following a meeting of creditors.

The pub refurbishment firm Storeton Developments in Bebington has already been placed in receivership.

It was thought he had 86 per cent equity stake in Rovers but Mr Johnson is the major shareholder of Everton and Tranmere.

Mr Johnson's statement is endorsed by the Football League as a way to establish immediate financial stability at Rovers while an orderly sale can be arranged.

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