Shirtliff is excited about his new role at Tranmere

The former Mansfield Town boss replaces John Breckin, who returned to take over a similar role at former club Rotherham earlier this summer.

Shirtliff has also had coaching roles at Leicester and Barnsley after ending a playing career which included spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton.

"I think we can do good things here. There is a good group of players," Shirtliff, 46, told Tranmere's website.