Chris McCann admits reunion with Owen Coyle was a big lure after he agreed to join Wigan Athletic on a three-year contract.
The Irish midfielder opted against several other suitors to become Coyle's first signing as Wigan's new manager.
McCann arrives on a free transfer having rejected a new deal at Burnley, where the pair worked together between 2007 and 2010.
The 25-year-old told Wigan's official website: "It's a massive club and as soon as the call came I was desperate to get over here and get things signed.
"I'm fully committed and hopefully I'll get to show what I'm capable of very soon.
"The people I've met around the place, you get the impression this is a
friendly club, so I'm delighted to be and looking forward to the challenge.
"Owen was a big factor in the decision of course. Having worked with the gaffer at Burnley, and experiencing what he did with us there, I know he's a manager who'll spread confidence throughout the place and he's certainly someone I'm looking forward to working with once again.
"It was a difficult decision to come away from Burnley, but when you've been with a club for so long sometimes you feel as though you need a change.
"We'll need a big squad and the gaffer has already mentioned bringing in quite a few new faces to add to the quality that is already at the club.
"It's going to be a big season for us and hopefully we can succeed in all the competitions we take part in, but the main aim is promotion back to the Premier League."
Kenyon, 20, was Stockport's Player of the Year last season and has previously captained Morecambe's non-league neighbours Lancaster City.
Shrimps boss Jim Bentley told the club's official website: "I have spoken to a lot of people about Alex and every single one of them has spoken highly of him.
"He was excellent for Stockport last season, played 40 games for them, and is another player who can play in a range of positions and will be a fantastic addition to our squad.
"He is a good age and is another who will keep on improving and I'm delighted to be able to welcome him to the Globe Arena."
Kenyon's arrival follows that of Jack Sampson at Morecambe, who joined from Bolton on Wednesday.
Tomlin will join Vale, who were promoted from League Two last season, when his deal at Roots Hall expires on July 1.
The former Yeovil and Dagenham man, 30, was the Shrimpers' top scorer last term with 16 goals in all competitions, including an impressive run of 11 in 13 games in November and December.
Tomlin was tracked by Vale boss Micky Adams prior to his move to Southend last summer.
And he told his new club's official website: "The manager showed a massive interest in me, I was always told by friends and fellow experienced professionals that you have to go where you are wanted."
