TRANMERE Rovers kick off their pre-season friendlies with games against Heswall and Vauxhall Motors this weekend.

Manager Gary Brabin will feature two squads made up of first-team and youth team players and trialists.

It will a chance to see the club's summer signings in action for the first time ahead of the National League season, which begins with a home game against Woking on August 8.

During a press conference at Prenton Park this afternoon, Brabin said he was: "Really, really pleased" with the way pre-season training had gone so far.

He added: "I'm really looking forward to getting out on the pitch tomorrow.

"We spent a few days away training and the lads have really gelled. They all pulled together, are professional and worked really well.

"We still need to add to the squad, but I'm delighted with the way we are at the moment. I want the squad to have a winning mentality and leadership."

Looking ahead to their forthcoming season, Brabin continued: "We are delighted that the fixtures are out and I was delighted to hear the response from fans when they were announced.

"It's getting nearer to the big kick-off. It's going to be a tough, tough season." 

Rovers will also host Everton Under-21, Championship side Blackburn Rovers and League One newcomers Shrewsbury Town at Prenton Park as part of their pre-season preparation.

Gary Bowyer's Blackburn side visit Prenton Park on July 24, while Premier League outfit Everton bring an Under-21 team to the club on Wednesday, July 29.

Former Rovers player Micky Mellon brings his Shrewsbury Town team to Prenton Park for the final game in Tranmere's pre-season preparations on Saturday, August 1.

Rovers will play their traditional pre-season friendlies away against local opposition to kick-off the pre-season schedule with games scheduled with Heswall, Vauxhall Motors, Cammell Laird 1907 and Marine.

Gary Brabin's team will also travel to North Wales for a game against Welsh Premier League side Bangor City on Tuesday, July 21.

Rovers full list of pre-season friendlies is as follows:

  • Saturday, July 10: Heswall v Tranmere (kick-off 1pm) and Vauxhall Motors v Tranmere (kick-off 4pm) 
  • Saturday, July 18: Cammell Laird 1907 v Tranmere (kick-off 1pm) Marine v Tranmere (kick-off 4pm)
  • Tuesday, July 21: Bangor City v Tranmere (kick-off 7pm)
  • Friday, July 24: Tranmere v Blackburn Rovers (kick-off 7.45pm)
  • Wednesday, July 29: Tranmere v Everton U21 (kick-off 7:45pm)
  • Saturday, August 1: Tranmere v Shrewsbury Town (kick-off 3pm)