Tranmere sign experienced Oxford midfielder Vaulks

Will Vaulks won the EFL Player in the Community award in April this year for his work promoting mental health awareness [Getty Images] Tranmere Rovers have signed midfielder Will Vaulks from Oxford United on a two-year contract. The 32-year-old, who was born on the Wirral and began his career with Rovers' academy, has made more than 600 senior appearances including spells at Falkirk, Rotherham United, Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday. He left the Owls to join Oxford in June 2024 on a long-term contract, and played 39 games in the Championship last season, scoring once, as the U's were relegated. Vaulks earned seven Wales caps between 2019 and 2022, qualifying to play through his mother. "I'm grateful to be back," Vaulks told the Rovers website. "I spent 10 years at the club, but never played a first-team game, so this is a move that has been on my mind for a number of years now. I really wanted to come back to my boyhood club. "I made it clear that I wasn't going anywhere else, other than to Tranmere - it was the club I wanted to join. "I'm a Wirral boy and I can't wait to give everything for the club." Rovers boss Darrell Clarke said: "We're delighted to bring Will back to the football club. He's had an excellent career, playing a lot of football at Championship level, and he brings real experience, leadership and quality into the middle of the pitch. "He knows what the club means to the people of the Wirral and he understands the standards that are expected here. He's still got a real hunger to be successful, and his character, professionalism and know-how will be invaluable to the group." Tranmere, who lost on penalties to Rochdale in the Carabao Cup preliminary round on Saturday, begin their League Two campaign at home to Shrewsbury Town on Saturday, 15 August.