Mahon goes back home

Last updated : 08 July 2009 By Tony Scholes
Alan Mahon
Mahon, who started his career with Tranmere, completed his return there yesterday and signed a three year deal. He'll play in League One for the side now managed by John Barnes after they just failed to reach the play offs last season.

"We're fortunate to have got a player of Alan's quality to commit himself to the club for three seasons," Barnes said on the completion of the move. "He is a former favourite of the Tranmere fans and I'm sure they'll look forward to seeing him in action again at Prenton Park. He will add experience to what will be a young squad next season."

A delighted Mahon, who didn't start a game for the Clarets last season, said: "I'm thrilled to be back to the club that started my career. The new management team has impressed me and I can't wait to get started."

Mahon becomes the fourth former Tranmere player in recent years to play for Burnley and then eventually return to the Merseyside club. Both Micky Mellon and Danny Coyne signed for Tranmere from Burnley whilst Ian Moore returned to Prenton Park via Elland Road after featuring in Leeds' relegation team.

Another former Burnley player on the move recently was Dimitrios Papadopoulos. A short and unsuccessful spell in Serie A with Lecce, where he scored just once, ended when he signed for Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb in the last week in June.