Blackpool coach leaves Bloomfield Road to become Tranmere Rovers' assistant manager

Pool’s former first-team coach will work as number two to Mike Jackson, who recently replaced Mickey Mellon as Tranmere’s new manager.

Dawes left his first-team role at Bloomfield Road in January after former boss Simon Grayson brought in David Dunn, but he remained with the club and often took charge of reserve games.

The former academy coach links up with Jackson for a second time in his career having previously worked alongside him at Shrewsbury Town.

Dawes, who has previously managed Welsh side Bangor City, admits he can’t wait to get started in his new role.

“I received a phone call from the manager asking if I would like to come in as number two and I am absolutely delighted to be working for such a historic football club. It is an honour,” he said.

“The club has a fantastic fanbase and great history. I am from Liverpool, so I know the club extremely well. It is a massive opportunity and I can’t wait to get going.

“I know the manager well from our time together at Shrewsbury and we work very well as a team.

“I am not just working for a great football club, I am working with some great people too.

“The manager shares the same philosophies and same standards. He has the same mentality and we work well together and the fans and the players will see that and the results will be seen on the pitch.”

Jackson added: “It is good to get him in and you need good staff around you to support you with the work that you are doing.

“He is a good coach and he has a similar opinion on how the game should be played as I do.

“It is a good fit, he is good at helping develop players and that is what we want to do. It is important we keep on helping our players develop so he will help massively in that area.

“He knows the league, he has a good knowledge of players and he is local to the club. He is a great addition to the coaching staff and I am delighted he is on board.”

The Seasiders remain without a first-team coach following Dunn’s recent departure to take the manager’s job at Barrow.

Head coach Neil Critchley did, however, recently bring in former Liverpool coach Mike Garrity as his assistant.

Chief executive Ben Mansford recently hinted the club wouldn’t be looking to immediately replace Dunn.

“I think at the moment we have a good staff,” he told The Gazette.

“At the right time if Neil talks to us then we’ll let you guys know, you’ll hear about it from us.

“But for now it’s about getting our heads down and planning for next season.”