Liverpool Loanee James Norris Subbed Off 42 Minutes Into His Debut For Tranmere

Liverpool loanee James Norris was subbed off 42 minutes into his debut for Tranmere, leaving his manager under pressure from fans and pundits alike.

Norris, 20, rejoined his former club on a season-long loan after outgrowing the confines of academy football. He was handed a start for the trip to Fleetwood Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night, but his debut lasted just 42 minutes, with manager Ian Dawes making the shocking decision to hook him just before half-time.

There was no sign of injury and no issue reported since, with Norris’ withdrawal considered a tactical change from the manager. If being brought off at half-time is considered the ultimate ignominy for players, being substituted before the break is even worse.

Norris, who was deployed at left-back, endured a difficult half up against Ryan Graydon, but Tranmere supporters were left furious with Dawes’ decision.

Fans React to Norris’ Substitution

Tranmere supporters took to social media to express their outrage at Dawes’ decision, with one fan calling him an “actual clown” and another saying that it would do Norris’ confidence “a world of good”.

Another fan said that they had “the gut feeling this would happen” and that Dawes “has to go tonight”, while another said that “only a manager under pressure would do such a thing in a meaningless game at 0-0.”

Dawes’ Record at Tranmere

Dawes, previously assistant, took over as caretaker following the sacking of Micky Mellon, before being appointed permanent manager in May. In 17 games in charge of Tranmere, the 60-year-old has overseen four wins, with seven losses in nine so far this season.

Luca Stephenson and Harvey Davies Also Make Their Debuts

Elsewhere on Tuesday night, there was another debut in the EFL Trophy as Luca Stephenson started for Barrow in their group clash with Blackpool. Unfortunately, it ended in a 2-0 defeat for the midfielder and his side, with Stephenson playing 88 minutes at Holker Street.

Harvey Davies was an unused substitute for Crewe as they suffered a 1-0 loss to Port Vale in Group B, having been rested as first-choice goalkeeper.

Conclusion

James Norris’ substitution just before half-time on his debut for Tranmere has left fans and pundits alike questioning the decision of manager Ian Dawes. With just four wins in 17 games since taking over as permanent manager, Dawes is under increasing pressure to turn things around or face the consequences.