The 40-year old has spent the majority of his career at Prenton Park, coming through the Club's youth system to make his first team debut in 1987. He spent eight seasons as a player with Tranmere before moving to Swansea City and then Oldham Athletic.

He returned to the Club in the summer of 2004 to become Youth Team Manager and spent the next five seasons guiding the Club's young players, including current first team squad members Ash Taylor, Terry Gornell, Aaron Cresswell, Joe Collister and Ryan Fraughan, through their first years in full time football.

Last season he was appointed first team coach by new Manager Les Parry and he played a key role in helping keep the Club in League One.

Garnett takes over his new role from Kenny Shiels who has departed the Club to become assistant manager at Kilmarnock.

Manager Les Parry said: "Shaun was keen to take the job although I tried to talk him out of it as I was keen he continued working with me and the first team. However, this role is one he has been aiming for since he came back to the Club and it is too good an opportunity for him to miss.

"I know he will be successful in the role and wish him the best of luck."

Shaun added: "This has been a hard decision for me as I've enjoyed working with the first team over the last nine months and I will miss working with the professionals.

"However, this is the job I have wanted for some time and it is a great opportunity for me. I feel I have served my apprenticeship as Youth Team Manager and that I can now take on this new role and have a positive impact on the Club's young footballers and prepare them for life in the first team."

Chief Executive Mick Horton added: "The Club has a long standing commitment to youth football and the development of young players and Shaun will ensure that continues."

Follow Tranmere on Twitter at www.twitter.com/tranmererovers.