Declan Drysdale signs for Tranmere after Newport County exit

The 24-year-old from Birkenhead trained with Rovers in pre-season and has agreed a one-year deal with the club.

It is a return to Tranmere for Drysdale, who came through the youth system before moving to Coventry City in January, 2019.

After loan spells with Solihull, Gillingham, Cambridge and Ross County, the towering defender signed for County in the summer of 2022.

Sadly, his time at Rodney Parade was hindered by a succession of injuries that limited him to 43 appearances.

MOVE: Former County defender Declan Drysdale has signed for Tranmere (Image: Gareth Everett)

Drysdale was released at the end of last season and will now try to get his career back on track at Prenton Park after a successful trial.

He said: “It was a no-brainer. When I got the call, I just wanted to get in and prove myself, show what I can do and happily it’s all done now and I can’t wait to get going again.”

Manager Nigel Adkins said: “Having impressed since joining in pre-season training and being involved in the three games so far, we are delighted that former academy player Declan Drysdale has returned home to Tranmere Rovers to join our hard-working, ambitious squad.”

He is the second former County defender to sign for Tranmere this summer after right-back Cameron Norman made the move from Milton Keynes Dons.

County travel to Birkenhead on November 9 and finish the regular season against them at Rodney Parade on May 3.

Drysdale’s deal means that all of the Exiles players that were released now have new clubs.

COUNTY'S LEAVERS

Jonny Maxted (goalkeeper) - Brackley.
Joe Day (goalkeeper) - Cheltenham.
Harrison Bright (defender) - Salisbury.
Declan Drysdale (defender) - Tranmere.
Ryan Delaney (defender) - Swindon.
Scot Bennett (defender/midfielder) - Cheltenham.
Sam Bowen (midfielder) - Solihull Moors.
James Waite (midfielder) - Weston-super-Mare.
Harry Charsley (midfielder) - Oldham.
Omar Bogle (striker) - Crewe.
Offrande Zanzala (striker) - Fylde.