Mark Palios: Tranmere taken over by ex-FA chief and wife

“It’s one of those great clubs – part of the football pyramid, which is unique to this country. It has the opportunities to develop as a club and not just to survive but to thrive.”

Johnson rescued Tranmere from administration in 1987 and had been hoping to hand control of the club over to new owners for some time.

Former Southampton chairman Michael Wilde had been one possible investor, but he withdrew his offer in February, while another prospective bid fell through in March.

“I have been looking for a safe pair of hands to ensure the club’s future,” Johnson told the club website., external “In Mark and Nicola I have found that.

“As a local lad who played for the club, and a former chief executive of The FA with a successful commercial track record, Mark is uniquely placed to help lead Tranmere to a bright future. Nicola is an accomplished lawyer and businesswoman.

“Between them, they have the passion and the experience to take the club forward and I am looking forward to working on the board with them. Finding this mix of football and business skills is highly unusual.”

Tranmere were relegated to League Two at the end of last season and began the 2014-15 season with a 1-1 draw against York City on Saturday.