Changes at Prenton Park on Busy Afternoon

On a busy afternoon at Prenton Park, the summer changes began to get into full swing with ins and outs in three areas of the squad and playing staff as three faces depart their roles and two more old faces return in their place.....

After a few weeks of inactivity, the summer got into full swing this afternoon at Prenton Park with changes in three areas including both playing and coaching staff as two swaps in personnel were made and it was confirmed that another will not be remaining with the Club next season and that a search for a replacement is underway.

After rumours in recent weeks, it was confirmed that David Lowe has left the Club to take up a coaching position at Blackburn Rovers and will be replaced on the coaching staff by an old face in John McMahon.

In addition to this, Tranmere have made a change in the Physio department with former Rovers trainee and Chester and Doncaster professional, Greg Blundell replacing George Cain who has returned to Uninversity to further his education.

The other change announced today is that goalkeeper Tony Warner will not be signing for Rovers next season and that Les Parry is now on the look out for a replacement.

John McMahon began his coaching career at Tranmere where he managed the Youth team before becoming first team coach, playing a key role in the development of such players as Ryan Taylor, Iain Hume, Steve Davies and Steve Jennings.

In June 2006 he joined Shrewsbury Town as first team coach and was made assistant manager 12 months later. He then joined Liverpool as their reserve team manager in 2009 and guided his side to third in his two seasons at the club.

Manager Les Parry said of McMahon's appointment....

“I’d like to wish Dave all the best in his new role. I’m sorry to see him leave but this is a great opportunity for him to work at a Premier League Club.  In John McMahon we’ve got the ideal replacement. I’ve known John for many years and I know he’ll be a great addition to the coaching staff.

“He’s always been well respected by players and other managers and coaches and he’s got plenty of ideas to bring to the table.  He did really well at Liverpool where he helped the likes of Jay Spearing, David N’Gog, John Flanagan, Martin Kelly and Peter Gulacsi become regular members of their first team squad."

 “He knows the Club, the staff and the supporters really well at Tranmere and I’m sure he’ll be welcomed back by everyone.”

John added.....

“I’m really pleased to be coming back to Tranmere.  It’s a Club that’s obviously very close to my heart and one I always enjoyed working at.  There’s a decent squad of players here and I’m looking forward to working with them and the rest of the coaching staff over the coming weeks and months.”

Greg Blundell who is 35, is a former professional footballer who began his career at Tranmere where he progressed through the Club’s youth system.

After leaving in 1997 he spent time at Vauxhall Motors and Northwich Victoria before moving to Doncaster Rovers. He then spent 18 months at Chester City before joining Darlington and then Barrow.

He ended his career last season at Barrow where he also spent the second half of the season as club physio after gaining his chartered physiotheraphy qualifications while playing.

Manager Les Parry said:  “I’d like to welcome Gregg back to Tranmere and look forward to working with him.  He already knows the Club well so should settle back in very quickly."

“He’s young, enthusiastic and has recently completed his Masters in Football Rehabilitation and he’ll be a great addition to the backroom staff here.”

Gregg added:

“I’m really pleased the Manager has given me this opportunity and can’t wait to get started when the players come back for pre-season training.”