Tranmere Rovers are reportedly locking horns with St Johnstone in a heated race to secure the signature of seasoned defender Charles Dunne, who recently parted ways with St Mirren.
According to the latest reports from the Daily Record, the 31-year-old free agent has been weighing his options since his contract with the Scottish Premiership outfit expired at the end of June.
Dunne, known for his solid defensive prowess, is attracting serious interest from both sides of the border. Nigel Adkins’s side is reportedly keen to bring him back into the English game. However, they face stiff competition from St Johnstone, eager to keep the former Republic of Ireland youth international plying his trade in Scotland. Adding a twist to the tale, there are also murmurs of an unconfirmed approach from an Indian club, which could throw a spanner in the works for both British sides.
Dunne’s football journey started at Wycombe Wanderers, where he clocked up 49 appearances before switching to Blackpool. During his time with the Seasiders, he featured 30 times and enjoyed loan spells back at Wycombe and Crawley Town. In 2016, Dunne signed a permanent deal with Oldham Athletic, where he spent a season in League One before heading north to Scotland. His tenure at Motherwell saw him establish himself as a key figure, eventually leading to his move to St Mirren.
Dunne was due to leave the Buddies in the summer of 2023, but just weeks after his departure was announced, he agreed a new one-year deal, making a further 26 outings last season. In addition to his experience in the SPFL, the left-back also has limited international experience.
In August 2013, Dunne was called up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for a UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier against the Faroe Islands, but he didn’t get any game time. After several more call-ups to the national team, Dunne finally made his only appearance for the Republic of Ireland U21s in November 2013, playing 27 minutes as a second-half substitute in a 5–2 win over the Faroe Islands.
Writer’s View
Landing Charles Dunne could be a major coup for Tranmere. With Nigel Adkins’ side currently flying high in League Two, boasting an unbeaten run and sitting on eight points from their first four fixtures, adding a player with Dunne’s experience could be a masterstroke. As the winter months approach, bringing with them a gruelling schedule of league matches, EFL Trophy games, and the early rounds of the FA Cup, the need for squad depth becomes ever more critical.
In today’s game, having a deep bench is vital. It’s not just about who starts but how you manage your squad over 90 minutes and beyond. With the luxury of extra substitutions, maintaining freshness and avoiding burnout is key—especially as the fixture list thickens. Dunne could be just the player to help Tranmere navigate the challenges ahead.
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