TRANMERE moved quickly to plug the gap left by the departure of Antony Kay by securing the services of Mark Allott, who has agreed a two-year contract from July 1.

The 31-year-old midfielder joins Rovers after turning down the chance to extend a two-year spell with Oldham.

Manager Ronnie Moore said: "I’m delighted to have signed Mark. He is a quality midfielder who will add experience to our squad. He is a hard- working player who rarely gives the ball away. He has captained both Chesterfield and Oldham and will be a good influence on our younger players.

"This is just the first signing of the summer and we are working at bringing more talented players to Prenton Park ahead of 2009-10."

Moore was looking to strengthen his midfield options after Kay, last season’s skipper, joined Huddersfield Town over the weekend.

Allott began his career at Oldham after progressing through their youth system. He made more than 180 appearances for the Latics before joining Chesterfield in 2002. He was named player of the season at Chesterfield in 2005-06 and was also appointed club captain.

He rejoined Oldham in 2007 and was named player of the season for 2007-08 for 2008-09. He made 100 appearances in his second spell at Oldham, scoring seven goals. Allott said: "I’m pleased to be joining Tranmere and looking forward to getting started in pre-season. I’m raring to go already. I can play the holding role in midfield or get forward, and I’ll always give 100% for the club."