Tranmere manager John Barnes says he will take inspiration from former Watford boss Graham Taylor as he bids to become a success at Prenton Park.

The former Liverpool and England winger, 45, recently signed a two-year contract with Rovers and has pinpointed Taylor as an example to follow.

"Graham Taylor will probably be the biggest influence on me right now because I am at Tranmere," said Barnes.

"Other managers I have worked with have not worked down at this level and their philosophy was not what was necessary at this level.

"Kenny Dalglish with Liverpool, Bobby Robson and Terry Venables with England were at a different level. But Graham Taylor did it with Watford at this level. He got his principles across, and not necessarily with the best players. I do believe you don't need the best players to be successful."

Barnes blossomed under the legendary Hornets manager in the 1980s as Taylor guided guided the unfashionable Hertfordshire club from the Fourth Division to the First Division in only five years.