League Two club appoint Darrell Clarke as their new manager

Rovers, who recently released Aaron McGowan but still have Patrick Brough and Jordan Turnbull on their books, endured an awful second half of the 2025/26 season and were nearly relegated out of the EFL, only surviving on the final day of the campaign.

Pete Wild came in for a short period following Andy Crosby’s sacking, but he left the club after the season finished and has now been replaced by Clarke. The 48-year-old most recently managed Bristol Rovers but also had spells in charge of Barnsley, Cheltenham, Port Vale and Walsall.

One of his first decisions will be on whether or not to offer Ryan Watson a new deal. The former Northampton Town Player of the Season is out of contract this summer and the club said they would have ’discussions’ over his future.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Tranmere Rovers,” said Clarke. “This is a club with real history, a passionate fanbase and huge potential, and I can’t wait to get started. I know how much this football club means to its supporters, and my focus is on building a team that works hard, competes with intensity and gives the fans something to believe in every time they come to Prenton Park.

“The chairman was very open with me about the fact that there is a big recruitment job to do because we have fewer players under contract than usual at this time of year, but I see that as an attraction because the job is much harder when you are inheriting a large number of players who are already under contract but may not fit with your style or be the type of characters you want in the building.”

Chairman Mark Palios added: “I’m really pleased to appoint Darrell. We had a number of experienced managers with impressive CVs apply for the role, but it became clear in our conversations that Darrell understood the club, relished the challenge ahead and has the determination to make a real impact.

"He will bring a strong work ethic and high standards into the building, and I believe that will translate on the pitch into what the SWA want to see – committed, fit players who will do what it takes to win.

“Although Darrell is still only 48, he brings almost 700 games of managerial experience, five promotions and a reputation within the game as a driven, accomplished leader. We look forward to seeing him lead the SWA into an exciting new chapter.”