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Rob Edwards

Tranmere Rovers have appointed former Exeter City assistant boss Rob Edwards as their new manager.

The Welshman, 41, replaces Ronnie Moore, who was sacked by the club last month after he admitted breaking Football Association betting rules.

A home defeat by Bradford confirmed the club's relegation to League Two on the final day of the season.

Assistant boss John McMahon took charge of the side in Moore's absence but was unable to steer them away from trouble.

quote We drew up a profile for our new manager and Rob fills all of the criteria

McMahon will continue as assistant manager, with Dave Timmins also staying on as goalkeeping coach.

"I've worked hard for this chance and feel I've been ready to manage for some time," Edwards told the club website. external-link

"I'm ready to put into practice the skills I've learned from 25 years in the game that has seen me work with, and learn from, some superb managers and excellent players.

"My aim is to make sure we are challenging at the top end of the table, as well as setting up a structure to produce more home-grown players."

Edwards joined Exeter as a player in 2006 and made 179 appearances for the club before retiring in 2011.

He left his role at the Grecians on 13 May, with manager Paul Tisdale - who first appointed Edwards to his coaching team in 2008 - describing the former Wales international as the "most important signing" of his lengthy time in charge at St James Park.

Edwards - who also played for Carlisle, Preston, Bristol City and Blackpool during his playing career - has been tasked with securing a return to League One for Rovers, with chief executive Jeremy Butler also keen for his new manager to develop more young players.

"We drew up a profile for our new manager before we began an extensive search and Rob fills all of the criteria," said Butler.

"We want a manager capable of winning promotion but also one able to improve our current bright young talents, as well as putting in place a pathway to bring through more players from our academy.

"Rob has an excellent track record of developing players and we expect his determination to play a style of vibrant, attacking football next season will produce a successful campaign."