TRANMERE Rovers manager Micky Mellon has made his first signing of the summer - bringing central defender Mark Ellis to Prenton Park on a two-year contract.

The 29-year-old's career began at Bolton Wanderers before moving to Torquay United, initially on loan, and helping The Gulls to promotion from the Conference Premier into the Football League.

After more than 100 appearances for Torquay, Ellis moved back to the North West with Crewe Alexandra, playing at Wembley Stadium as The Railwaymen won the Football League Trophy in 2012-13 against Southend United.

After two seasons at Gresty Road, the defender teamed up with current Rovers manager Micky Mellon at Shrewsbury Town.

In his first season with The Shrews, Ellis played a big role in helping the club to promotion from League Two to League One as they finished runners-up in 2014-15.

During his second season with Shrewsbury, Ellis had a loan stint with Carlisle United before making a permanent move to Brunton Park in the summer of 2016.

For the second half of the 2016-17 season, he joined Forest Green Rovers and helped them to promotion into the Football League, playing at Wembley in the Promotion Final.

Ellis played 27 times for Carlisle during the 2017-18 campaign and made his final appearance for The Cumbrians on the last day of the season, scoring a goal in their 1-1 draw against Newport County.

Micky Mellon said: "I'm delighted to be able to bring Mark to Prenton Park.

"Having worked with him before at Shrewsbury, I know all about his quality and what he will bring to the group.

"He is a big, strong lad and a very good defender who also offers a wealth of Football League experience plus a winning mentality from having achieved a great deal during his career so far, so we're really pleased to bring him to Tranmere Rovers."