Tranmere secure hometown hero Vaulks as experience boost

Tranmere Rovers have signed midfielder Will Vaulks from Oxford United on a two‑year contract, adding a player who won the EFL Player in the Community award in April for his mental‑health advocacy, as captured by Getty Images].

The Wirral‑born Vaulks began his career in the Rovers' academy, making the move a return to his boyhood club after ten years without a first‑team appearance there.

He said on the club’s website, "I’m grateful to be back… I really wanted to come back to my boyhood club… I’m a Wirral boy and I can’t wait to give everything for the club."

Vaulks arrives with more than 600 senior appearances, having featured for Falkirk, Rotherham United, Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday, the latter known as the Owls.

He left the Owls in June 2024 to join Oxford United on a long‑term deal, playing 39 Championship games last season and scoring once as the U’s were relegated.

Internationally, Vaulks earned seven Wales caps between 2019 and 2022, qualifying through his mother.

Rovers boss Darrell Clarke praised the signing, noting Vaulks’ experience at Championship level, his leadership, and his understanding of what the club means to the people of the Wirral.

Tranmere, who were eliminated on penalties by Rochdale in the Carabao Cup preliminary round, now look to start their League Two campaign at home to Shrewsbury Town on Saturday, 15 August.