Ricketts joins Rovers

One-time England international Michael Ricketts has been handed a 12-month contract with Tranmere.

Former England striker joins Tranmere

One-time England international Michael Ricketts has been handed a 12-month contract with Tranmere Rovers. The 30-year-old striker joins John Barnes' men on a free transfer having parted company with Walsall at the end of last season. Ricketts won his only England cap against Holland in 2002 while he was with Bolton, where he scored 46 goals in a three-year spell. But his career went downhill after international recognition with spells at Middlesbrough, Leeds, Southend, Preston and Oldham following. Ricketts, who goes straight into the squad for the game with Gillingham, said: "I'm pleased to have joined Tranmere. "The lure of playing for John Barnes, who was an idol of mine, and the style of football he wants to play were big factors in me coming here."