PETER SHIRTLIFF, Tranmere’s assistant manager for the past two seasons, is leaving Prenton Park to take up a similar post with League One rivals Swindon Town.
Shirtliff will be linking up with his former Sheffield Wednesday friend and associate Danny Wilson at the County Ground.
Tranmere manager Ronnie Moore formed a solid working partnership with Shirtliff, whose defensive expertise was a factor in helping Rovers keep one of the best goals-against records in League One this season.
Moore said: “I will be sorry to see Peter leave but respect his decision to link up with his friend Danny Wilson at Swindon.
“We have had two good years together and I’d like to thank him for all his hard work and wish him all the best for the future.
“At the present time I am in no rush to appoint a new assistant. I will take my time with the decision as it has to be the right person for the job.”
Shirtliff said: “I’ve really enjoyed my two years at Tranmere Rovers and would like to wish the club all the very best for the furure.”
Meanwhile, Tranmere have confirmed their schedule of pre-season fixtures for this summer, which includes a visit from Championship side Preston North End on Saturday, July 18. Alan Irvine’s side finished sixth, and lost out in the play-off semi-finals.
Moore said: “Preston will give us a good test ahead of the new season. Alan Irvine has a strong squad of players who were unfortunate not to make it to Wembley for the play-off final and they will provide us with the standard of opposition we need.
“I look forward to welcoming them, and Shrewsbury Town, to Prenton Park this summer.”
The full list of first team pre-season friendlies is: Tuesday, July 14 away v Heswall, 7pm and away v Cammell Laird, 7pm; Saturday, July 18, home v Preston North End, 3pm; Tuesday, July 21, away v Southport, 7.45pm; Saturday, July 25, away v Macclesfield Town, 3pm; Tuesday, July 28, away v Morecambe, 7.45pm; Saturday, August 1, home v Shrewsbury Town, 3pm.
Reserve teams friendlies are: Fri July 10 Holyhead Hotspure (away, 7pm); Wed July 22 Ellesmere Port (away, 7pm); Wed July 29 Buckley Town (away, 7.30pm); Tue Aug 4 Colwyn Bay (away,7.30pm); Wed Aug 12 Connah Quay (away, 7pm).
