Trio of fresh faces join new-look Tranmere but Monthe exits

Defender Nat Knight-Percival and midfielder Chris Merrie both signed on the dotted line this afternoon amid a buzz of announcements by the Birkenhead club.

The new recruits join defender Tom Davies in committing their future to Rovers, making it a trio of fresh signings by Mellon in the past 24 hours.

Knight-Percival, who joins on a one-year deal, is no stranger to Tranmere or Mellon.

The defender played against Rovers for Morecambe in the play-off semi-finals last month and has also worked under the Scot at Shrewsbury Town.

Mellon said: “I know Nat as well as I know any player that I have ever worked with. I’ve gone through some brilliant times with him and I know his character.

“It is great to get a left sided centre back to balance up the team. It's something I always try to do with every club I have worked at.

“Sometimes it isn’t possible because they are not available but with the balance, experience, character and mentality he brings, alongside winning promotion from this league last season, he is a fantastic professional.

“He has great desire and I am delighted to bring him to Tranmere to move things forward. He is a winner; he is a warrior and we will enjoy watching him play for Tranmere.

“I know as well as anybody the size of this football club and the love everyone has for it and anyone can see that from the outside looking in.

“I am delighted Nat can also see that too and I can’t wait to see him pull on the white jersey of Tranmere."

Chris Merrie will play at Prenton Park next season

Chris Merrie moves to Birkenhead on a two-year deal despite being offered new contract terms by Wigan Athletic.

The 22-year-old midfielder said :“I know a lot about the Club. I am a local lad and I know how much it means to play for Tranmere Rovers.

“The fans are so passionate, and I know a lot of people who support the club. I am really looking forward to getting started. I can’t wait to be playing in front of them at Prenton Park.

“I am at an age where I want to play football regularly, I have come from a great club in Wigan Athletic and I have joined another great football club in Tranmere Rovers.

“I am ready for this new challenge now and I want to be successful with Tranmere.

“I am a midfielder who likes to compete in and out of possession. I will give everything to help this club to win football matches.

“Micky has told me what our aims are and what we want to achieve this season. Hopefully we can be successful, and everyone demands hard work first and foremost.

“I can’t wait to get going now.  I want to get a good pre-season behind me, and I will be ready to go. The main reason why I have joined is the Club’s ambition.”

Lynchpin Clark signs new deal

Supporters will also be delighted to learn that evergreen centreback Peter Clarke has today agreed a new one-year deal with Rovers.

He said: “I am delighted to be honest. The re-negotiation was really easy from both sides and all involved, and it was a case of getting things done as soon as possible.  

“I always wanted to extend my stay. The ethos, the standard and the values of the club match my own. Tranmere is a hardworking and honest football club.  

“Tranmere is the centre of the local community and it is a massive part of people’s lives. I love being here and the club and myself are very much alike.  

“I was fortunate enough to play every minute of every league game last season, which I was quietly proud about. As the new season starts to take shape, from a personal aspect, I will be as fit as I possibly can and be available for selection as often as I can be.

“When it was announced that Micky was coming back, there were lots of happy faces within the building as well as the supporters. We are delighted and we know what Micky brings to the club, he has tasted success and we are hoping for more.” 

Murphy stays for more

Another player to sign a new one year contract today was goalkeeper Joe Murphy.

Having featured regularly towards the back end of last season after captain Scott Davies sustained an injury, Murphy said: "I know what the club is all about. I understand the fanbase, the mentality and demand, and hopefully I can give something back again. 

“With the new gaffer coming back in, it’s going to be massive for him and the fans and hopefully we can do what we did two years ago and win promotion.” 

Manager Micky Mellon added: “Joe is a Tranmere man, and he loves the club as much as I do. He is a really talented goalkeeper with great experience, and he will be massive for us. 

“He is a very good goalkeeper, and I am delighted he has signed a new contract. He is a brilliant character and I know he can do the job. He is a key part of our recruitment this summer and if I can get more characters like Joe into the group this summer then it will be a big plus for us.” 

Two big names exit

A couple of first team departures have also been confirmed today.

Imposing defender Manny Monthe, a fan's favourite who helped guide the team to two promotions, confirmed his exit via social media.

He Tweeted: "It has been a magnificent experience for me at this club that I love and its fans.

"The journey hasn't always been smooth but mostly highs, but to represent a club as big as Tranmere Rovers FC and find a place I felt at home from the minute I arrived, I'll always be forever grateful.

Meanwhile, midfielder Paul Lewis has joined Northampton Town on a two-year deal.

Further announcements are expected in the coming days. Keep checking the Globe website for the latest from Prenton Park.