Liverpool loanee James Norris was subbed off 42 minutes into his debut for Tranmere, as one of many decisions leaving his manager under pressure.
Norris was a deadline-day signing for Tranmere, rejoining his former club on a season-long loan after outgrowing the confines of academy football.
The 20-year-old was an unused substitute in a 1-0 defeat to Wrexham the following day,
But was handed a start for the trip to Fleetwood Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.
Unfortunately, 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 report 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, deployed at left-back, endured a difficult half up against Ryan Graydon,
But Tranmere supporters left furious with Dawes’ decision:
Dawes, previously assistant, took over as caretaker following the sacking of Micky Mellon,
Before appointed permanent manager in May.
Why Ian Dawes saked
In 17 games in charge of Tranmere, the 60-year-old has overseen four wins,
With seven losses in nine so far this season, leading fans to call for his exit:
Paul Ricci says:
Call it recency bias, whatever. Ian Dawes is the worst manager I’ve ever seen in my time.
The guy is an actual clown.
Takes a young lad off few mins before half time destroying his confidence,
Tactically hilarious. Get grip Palios and get rid
Elsewhere on Tuesday night, there was another debut in the EFL Trophy
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.
