The former England and Liverpool goalkeeper replaces Joe Potts, who has left the club by mutual consent following six years on Merseyside.
Having come through the ranks at Coventry City, Kirkland joined Liverpool in 2001 and made 45 appearances for the Reds.
Following loan spells with West Bromwich Albion and Wigan Athletic, the goalkeeper made a permanent move to the Latics in 2006 and went to rack up over 100 appearances.
Loan spells with Leicester City and Doncaster Rovers were then followed by moves to Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End before the shot-stopper retired from professional football in 2016.