TRANMERE Rovers' new manager Micky Mellon believes he has what it takes to return the club to winning ways as their national league campaign continues.

During a press conference this afternoon, the 44-year-old said it was great to be back for his third spell at Prenton Park.

Wirral Globe:

Micky Mellon during press conference this afternoon. All pictures by Geoff Davies

Either side of a two-year stint with Burnley, he made 205 appearances and scored 10 goals for Rovers and was a popular figure amongst the Tranmere faithful.

His appointment as Rovers manager follows the sacking of Gary Brabin last month and his first game in charge will be tomorrow's home game against Wrexham, kick off 12.15pm.

Wirral Globe:

Micky Mellon during press conference this afternoon

Mellon told the Globe: "It's easy for me to say 'it's great to be back', because that's what people will expect me to say, but it truly is. 

"To come back to a club that you have such affection for in a different capacity as manager is a bit surreal for me to be honest, because I still walk around the place and see how it was when I played here.

"I see a lot of familiar faces and familiar things. Of course, a lot of things change but it's still a fantastic football club.

"The plan is to win the next game; that's not even a rehearsed answer, it has to be that.

"I've had these challenges a few times in my career, as a manager and also as a player, and the most important thing is to do all you can to win the next game of football and perform in a way that the players are capable of and the fans want to see.

Wirral Globe:

Looking to the future: Micky Mellon following press conference this afternoon

"That's important and I'm sure we can achieve that." 

As a manager, the Scotsman has had a great deal of success since taking his first role back in September 2008 with Fleetwood Town.

He took over with the side sat at the bottom of the Conference North and lifted them to eighth in his first season before leading them to promotion via the play-offs the following year.

In 2010-11, Mellon then took Fleetwood to the Conference play-offs, losing out to AFC Wimbledon, before helping them to the title and into the Football League for the first time the following season with 103 points.

After leaving Fleetwood with the Cod Army in fourth position in League Two, Mellon spent 18 months working as assistant to David Flitcroft in the Championship at Barnsley before taking over at Shrewsbury Town at the start of the 2014-15 campaign where he guided them to promotion back into League One.

Last season, he led the Shrews to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Wirral Globe:

Micky Mellon following press conference this afternoon

On becoming manager of a national league side, he said: "I never looked at it as dropping down, although technically and physically it is league table-wise, coming to a club that I've got so much regard for and am so excited about trying to win games.

"It's a club I've got so much affection for and I want to win games for the fans.

"I want to show fans that this is a place where people love football.

"You've got to take each game at its merits. There are some tough places to go and try to win games.

"There are tough places to try and win everywhere. You've got to have a group of players that need to adapt in order to try and achieve their victories."

Tranmere chairman Mark Palios said this afternoon: "The first thing that stands out is Micky's track record.

Wirral Globe:

Rovers' chairman Mark Palios and new manager Micky Mellon during press conference this afternoon

"He's got three promotions on his CV and is a relatively young man. So he knows how to win leagues. 

"The second thing is he's ambitious. People will say 'everybody's ambitious' and I would say 'yes, but it's a question of degree.

"Along with that ambition is something very important. I'm bring Mick back to the club for a third time and this is my third time at the club.

"The reality is that he has an affinity with the club and an affection for the club.

Wirral Globe:

Rovers' chairman Mark Palios during press conference this afternoon

"We spoke at Johnny King's funeral and it was quite clear that he was well regarded by everybody and is part of the fabric of the club and I think that's important."

"I am delighted to bring Micky back to Tranmere Rovers for a third time."