Keith Hill is set for a swift return to Wanderers after being named the new manager of League Two rivals Tranmere.

The former Bolton boss will be back at the UniBol on December 19 having been tasked with getting the Prenton Park club at the sharp end of the division after the sacking of Mike Jackson at the end of October.

The Boltonian was the first appointment of new Wanderers owners Football Ventures last August but departed when the club’s relegation to League Two was confirmed.

Battling a 12-point deduction and having to bring in players in double quick time on his arrival, Hill believes he and assistant David Flitcroft could not have done any better with the cards they were dealt.

In an interview with his new club’s website Hill said: “It (Bolton) was a challenge and a very difficult one to take on, but I thought we did as well as we possibly could.

“We were dealt the hand that we were dealt but time moves on and I am very happy to be at Tranmere Rovers.”

Like his former club, Hill is hoping to be at the right end of League Two come May.

He said: “It is a position I am really looking forward to taking up and the roles and responsibilities, working with the group of players and the current staff at the club.

“I am really excited. Our aim is to challenge for promotion and it is an exciting challenge.”

Hill was unveiled after Tranmere’s 5-0 win over Grimsby on Saturday and has signed a deal until the end of the season with an automatic 12-month extension kicking in in the event of promotion.

He will take charge of his new club for the first time against Carlisle on Tuesday night.