TRANMERE ROVERS have turned to their former player Micky Mellon as their new manager, luring the boss from League One side Shrewsbury Town.
Mellon, 44, will be well known to Rovers supporters having enjoyed two spells at Prenton Park as a player from 1997-99 and 2001-04, making over 200 appearances.
The Scot has enjoyed plenty of success since moving into management with Fleetwood Town in 2008, then in the Conference North.
Mellon realised the Cod Army’s dreams of becoming a Football League club, leading them to promotion from both Step 2 and then the Conference Premier in 2011-12.
The Paisley-born boss helped consolidate Fleetwood in League Two but was sacked in December 2012 after crashing out of the FA Cup against Aldershot.
Following a brief spell in caretaker charge of Barnsley, Mellon took the reins at Shrewsbury in May 2014 and oversaw promotion back to the third tier of English football at the first attempt.
The Shrews secured their League One status with a game to spare last season but they have started this campaign slowly, winning just two of their 11 league games.
Mellon was allowed to speak to Tranmere and has been chosen as the man to replace Gary Brabin, who left Prenton Park last month.
Shrewsbury assistant Mike Jackson is expected to follow Mellon to Tranmere as Rovers try to get back into the National League promotion picture.
Tranmere chairman Mark Palios said: “I am delighted to bring Micky back to Tranmere Rovers for a third time. His track record speaks for itself.
“He already has a number of promotions to his name and we are confident he will add to that record once more at Prenton Park.
“We are especially pleased to bring in a manager currently managing in League One and who sees the potential in the club.
“I would like to place on record my appreciation of the job that Paul Carden has done as interim manager in the most difficult of circumstances in terms of injuries, suspensions and international call ups.
“Micky will take over control with immediate effect and will manage the side for the important derby match against Wrexham on Saturday.”
