Tranmere Rovers’ preparations for the 2026/27 season gathered pace this week, with four new arrivals strengthening Darrell Clarke’s squad and a comfortable friendly victory offering further encouragement before competitive football begins.
Davies and Okoro arrive
The week began with the arrival of attacking midfielder Jordan Davies on a one-year deal. The 27-year-old joined after leaving Fleetwood Town, having previously built the bulk of his senior experience at Wrexham. Davies had already featured for Rovers as a trialist during pre-season, giving Clarke the chance to assess him before completing the move.
Zane Okoro then joined on a season-long loan from Lincoln City. The young winger signed a new contract with the Imps through to 2029 before moving to Prenton Park, and he made an immediate impact in Rovers colours.
Rovers beat the PFA XI
Okoro opened the scoring after ten minutes in Friday’s 3–0 behind-closed-doors victory over a PFA XI. Joe Ironside held up the ball before releasing the winger, who finished into the top corner. The result continued Rovers’ steady pre-season work and also gave trial goalkeeper Harrison Male a clean sheet over the full 90 minutes.
The scoreline matters less than fitness and familiarity at this stage, but a clean sheet and useful minutes for new and established players represented another positive step towards the start of the campaign.
Ince adds experience
Monday brought the headline addition of Tom Ince, who signed a two-year contract following his release by Watford. The Wirral-raised attacker arrives with extensive Championship experience and more than 500 senior league appearances, adding proven quality and versatility to Rovers’ forward options.
Ince scored 11 times in 93 appearances during three seasons at Watford. At 34 he also brings the kind of experience that can help a squad containing several younger players, although the task now is to translate that pedigree into regular influence at League Two level.
Male completes the week’s recruitment
Rovers rounded off the week by signing goalkeeper Harrison Male on a one-year contract. The 25-year-old was part of the York City side promoted as National League champions last season and collected the division’s Golden Glove after recording 19 clean sheets.
Male’s arrival adds competition in goal after his successful trial appearance against the PFA XI. Alongside Davies, Okoro and Ince, he makes this a significant week of recruitment: creativity, pace, experience and goalkeeping depth have all been added as Clarke shapes his squad for the new season.
With the opening competitive fixtures now close, attention turns from recruitment and preparation to how quickly the new arrivals can settle into the side.