Ince signs for League Two club after Watford release

Tom Ince has signed a two-year contract with Tranmere Rovers after his release from Watford earlier this summer.

Ince's three-year stay in WD18 came to an end when his deal expired on June 30, after he scored 11 goals in 93 appearances - including hat-tricks against MK Dons and Birmingham City.

But the former Liverpool and Crystal Palace winger was frustrated by his lack of game time at the club and has now dropped down a couple of levels to play more regularly.

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Upon moving back to Merseyside, Ince said: "It's a great feeling, a bit full circle for me. I'm looking forward to it.

"It's always great when you come to a club like this. The good thing about it for me is that I have that hunger and that desire still.

"I think that's what's allowed me to have the career that I've been able to have, the amount of games I've been able to play and the level I've been able to reach."

👊 Hunger!#TRFC #SWA pic.twitter.com/Jvw03F9y7K

— Tranmere Rovers FC (@TranmereRovers) July 27, 2026

Ince featured 28 times last season, including 11 from the start, and was a favourite under Javi Gracia, who valued his experience and tactical nous.

He hardly started under under Paulo Pezzolano or Ed Still, though, and his deal was never likely to be renewed beyond this summer.

Earlier this summer, chairman Scott Duxbury claimed Ince will be "sorely missed" .

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He said: "He [Ince] has been fantastic, he's a really good professional and he's fantastic around the place.

"He gave his all in training and he's probably one of the best training players we had - every coach said that to me.

"A really good influence in the changing room and he'll be sorely missed.

Tom Ince celebrates scoring for Watford (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC)

"They're the kind of characters you need at a football club.

"We need to hopefully find them a bit younger, no disrespect to Tom, but he'll be sorely missed and I wish him nothing but the best for the future."