Paul McLaren is delighted to be back at Tranmere Rovers

Jul 15 2009 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

PAUL McLaren rejoined Tranmere after a 12-month spell with Bradford City and admitted he'd made a "mistake" in leaving Prenton Park in the first place.

The 32-year-old midfielder signed a two year contract with the Wirral club he served between 2006 and 2008, becoming the third recruit of the summer for new Rovers manager John Barnes.

McLaren said: "It's great to be back. In hindsight it was a mistake to leave."

The play-maker at the heart of midfield, McLaren made 92 appearances for Rovers in two seasons under previous manager Ronnie Moore.

He was voted player of the season by his team-mates in 2007/08.

McLaren cancelled his contract with Bradford to make the move back to Prenton Park. He was half way through a two-year term with the Bantams.

Manager Barnes said: “I’m thrilled Paul has agreed to come back to the club. He is a very creative midfielder who is excellent in possession and is a great passer.

“He is also a threat from set pieces and a great professional.

“He is a very experienced, quality player and I’m glad he is a part of the club’s future.”

Barnes first two signings, striker Ian Moore and midfielder Alan Mahon, also had previous spells with Tranmere.

McLaren began his career with home town club Luton, then had spells with Shieffield Wednesday and Rotherham -- also under Moore -- before joining Tranmere in the summer of 2006.

McLaren's future at Bradford had been thrown in doubt after the League Two club announced they were slashing the wage budget by up to £700,000 this summer.