[themaclad]

ormer Southampton, Charlton Athletic, Hull City and Sheffield United manager Nigel Adkins has been appointed as technical director at Tranmere Rovers.

Adkins, who also twice led Scunthorpe to promotion to the Championship, is the first person to have the role.

He will act as a mentor and adviser to recently-appointed manager Ian Dawes.

"Appointing Nigel to this important role is the final piece in the jigsaw we have been assembling," chairman Mark Palios told the Tranmere website.

"As a former Tranmere player, a physiotherapist and a hugely experienced manager, Nigel is uniquely well placed to sit across the club's critical football processes.

"His wise counsel will doubtless be invaluable to Ian Dawes as he seeks to make his mark as an up-and-coming manager.

"With Nigel, Ian Dawes, Neil Danns, Andy Parkinson and the returning Andy Hodgen all playing integral roles within the team-behind-the-team, I think we have assembled an exciting group of professionals to give us a platform for success."

Adkins has been out of football since being sacked as Charlton Athletic manager in October 2021.

Born in Birkenhead, he spent three years at the club, making 86 appearances as a player before moving on to Wigan Athletic.

"The opportunity to come back to Tranmere Rovers, my hometown club where it all started as an apprentice professional footballer, and to work with my former teammate Mark Palios, was too big to turn down," Adkins said.

"There is a vision to improve and develop and I'm excited to be part of the process."

[themaclad]

Chris Merrie has signed a one-year contract to remain at Tranmere Rovers for next season.

Merrie joined from Wigan Athletic two years ago and has played more than 50 games for the League Two club.

The 24-year-old picked up a knee injury in the defeat by Carlisle United on Good Friday and did not play after.

"I'm made up it's finally done and I'm just looking forward to getting myself fully fit and getting back into it," Merrie said.

Manager Ian Dawes told the club website: "Chris is the type of character we need at the club. He's someone who always gives his all for the team and is a very good professional."

Tranmere finished the League Two season in 12th place, their lowest finish since they returned to the EFL in 2018.

[themaclad]

Tranmere Rovers have signed striker Kristian Dennis from Carlisle United on a two-year deal after he turned down the offer of a new contract.

The 33-year-old joined Carlisle from Scottish side St Mirren in 2022 and made 65 appearances, scoring 23 goals.

Dennis scored a penalty in the shootout of their victorious League Two play-off final win against Stockport County.

"He comes in having scored 20 league goals and helping Carlisle to promotion," boss Ian Dawes said.

"I believe he can add the goals we lacked in the last campaign.

"He's one of only three players in League Two to score more than 20 goals last season and he also shares our mentality and desire to push for promotion this season."

Carlisle boss Paul Simpson added: "We offered Denno a one-year contract with a second year extension based on appearances, but he has chosen the security of a two-year deal.

"He played a big part in our success last season and we'd like to wish him all the best as he moves on to his new club."

[themaclad]

Tranmere Rovers have signed midfielder Regan Hendry on a two-year deal from Forest Green Rovers, while Connor Jennings has rejoined the club.

Hendry, 25, turned out 19 times for Rovers during a loan spell in 2023.

Jennings made 171 appearances during his first stint, winning promotion from the National League to League One.

He returns on a one-year deal having turned down the offer of a new contract with Hartlepool United, with whom he was relegated from League Two.

Hendry played 63 games for Forest Green, helping them win the League Two title in 2021-22.

"I got a taste of what Tranmere and the fans are about over the last five months, and am happy to commit myself to the club," he told the club website.

Jennings, 31, added: "I'm thrilled to be home. It's so surreal being back, but something that I'm really looking forward to.

"I'm looking forward to a fresh start - it was a no-brainer, really."

[themaclad]

Tranmere Rovers have signed striker Luke Norris on a one-year deal.

The 30-year-old helped Stevenage win promotion to League One last season but was not offered a new contract.

"It's such an important signing for us. He's a player we've come across over the last three or four years, and he's always been a striker I've admired," boss Ian Dawes told the club website.

"He's an all-rounder - he can hold the ball up, he competes well, works hard and scores a variety of goals."

Norris has played for Colchester, Swindon and Gillingham in the English Football League.

[themaclad]

Veteran Tranmere Rovers goalkeeper Joe Murphy has signed a new one-year deal with the club and will also join their coaching team next season.

The 41-year-old will continue as part of the club's playing staff as well as acting as their goalkeeping coach.

Murphy is in his second spell with the club having originally played for them between 1998 and 2002.

"With the signings we've brought in, it's an exciting time and I'm looking forward to playing my part," he said.

[themaclad]

Tranmere Rovers have signed goalkeeper Luke McGee on a one-year contract following his release from Forest Green Rovers.

The 27-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur trainee made 110 appearances for Forest Green after joining in 2020.

"I'm over the moon to get it done. I'm just ready to hit the ground running on Monday and get started," he said.

"The gaffer [Ian Dawes] explained his philosophy, his plans and it went hand in hand with how I want to do it."

[themaclad]

Tranmere Rovers have signed Hull City left-back Jake Leake on a season-long loan after Ethan Bristow left for Minnesota United.

Bristow, 21, was ever-present in League Two for Rovers last season and has joined the MLS side for an undisclosed fee on a deal until the end of 2025.

Leake, 20, ended the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Scunthorpe in the National League.

He could make his Tranmere debut against Barrow on Saturday, 5 August.

[themaclad]

Tranmere Rovers have signed defender Joe Yarney on a one-year deal after a successful trial.

The 25-year-old ended last season with Oldham and made 22 National League appearances for the Latics.

"He should be coming into his peak playing years and still has scope to develop further," boss Ian Dawes told the club website.

"We're pleased to be able to sign him up for this season and improve competition in the defensive area."

[themaclad]

Tranmere Rovers have signed defender Dan Pike on a one-month contract.

The 21-year-old left Blackburn Rovers after graduating through their youth system and regularly captained their under-23 side.

Pike had three loan spells at National League side AFC Fylde where he made 26 senior appearances.

"Dan has been training with us for a period of time now and we have been impressed with what he offers from full-back," said Rovers boss Ian Dawes.

"He will come in and can play both left and right-back and provides good cover and competition."