Alan Mahon has confidence in Tranmere Rovers squad

Jul 9 2009 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Echo

Alan Mahon, Tranmere Rovers

"The gaffer says he wants to make a couple more signings, tweaking things here and there. But the fundamentals are in place. I've had a look around and seen some of the players in training, especially the young boys. I was pleasantly surprised."

Dublin-born Mahon spent the first five years of his professional career at Prenton Park after being recruited through Tranmere's Irish scouting network.

He went on to play close to 150 first-team games and helped Rovers to the 2000 Worthington Cup final in his final season.

Mahon has continued to live on the Wirral, in Willaston, and says he now hopes to finish his playing days at Prenton Park.

He said: "To have the opportunity to come back to this club and finish at this club is beautiful."

Mahon became the second major signing for Barnes, who secured the services of striker Ian Moore on a two-year contract last week.

Barnes said: "Alan could have made more money by going elsewhere but in terms of what we can afford we have pushed the boat out to sign him. We want be able to do that again."

Barnes confirmed that John Welsh, 25, a former Liverpool midfielder released by Hull City this summer, has been training with the Rovers squad with a view to signing on a permanent basis. Barnes said: "We are trying to tie that deal up."