Tranmere turn to veteran Tom Ince to revive creativity

Tranmere Rovers have secured veteran forward Tom Ince on a two‑year contract, a deal announced in July 2026. The 34‑year‑old arrives after departing Watford, where he most recently featured, and is expected to strengthen the club’s attacking options in League Two.

Manager Darrell Clarke highlighted a need for greater creativity in the final third of Tranmere’s play. Signing Ince directly targets that shortfall by adding a seasoned forward with proven composure.

Clarke said the signing brings a player who has “played at a very high level throughout his career.” He added that Ince will provide “creativity, composure and versatility in the final third,” and that his experience will be “invaluable to some of our younger players.”

In his spell at Watford, Ince recorded seven goals from 86 league appearances, as documented by [Getty Images]. Across his entire league career he has amassed 103 goals in 505 appearances.

Tom Ince is the son of former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Ince. He began his professional journey with Liverpool before moving on to clubs including Blackpool, Hull City, Derby County, Huddersfield, Stoke and Reading.

The two‑year deal gives Tranmere a seasoned forward to bolster their attacking options. For Ince, the contract offers his first opportunity to play in League Two, the English fourth tier, and to add to his extensive experience.

Ince could make his Rovers debut in the EFL Cup preliminary tie against Rochdale on Saturday. Tranmere’s league campaign begins with a home match against Shrewsbury on Saturday, 15 August.