Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
By Deadly Submarine
July 7 2009
Following recent speculation it has been confirmed today that former Rovers midfielder Alan Mahon has returned to the Club on a mammoth three year deal, becoming John Barnes's first new signing since taking from Ronnie Moore as Manager of the Club.
July 7 2009
Following recent speculation it has been confirmed today that former Rovers midfielder Alan Mahon has returned to the Club on a mammoth three year deal, becoming John Barnes's first new signing since taking from Ronnie Moore as Manager of the Club.
After a couple of weeks of speculation, Tranmere have tonight confirmed that former midfielder Alan Mahon has re-joined the Club on a massive three year deal, becoming John Barnes's first new signing since taking over as Manager after the sacking of Ronnie Moore last month.
Alan returns to Prenton Park for a second spell at the Club, having begun his career in Birkenhead back in 1995. In his previous spell at the Club, Mahon made 144 appearances for Tranmere and was a key member of the side that reached the League Cup Final at Wembley Stadium in 2000.
Shortly after that memorable final at Wembley Stadium, Mahon left the Club tojoin Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon where he was able to play Champions League Football before returning to England just a year later thanks to a £1.5 million move to Blackburn Rovers.
Alam Mahon (left) Celebrates with David Kelly in his first spell at the Club
After three seasons at Ewood Park, Mahon joined Wigan in 2004 and then moved on to Burnley in 2006, taking his career appearances tally to over 350 so far.
Speaking to the Official Tranmere Rovers Website tonight, Manager John Barnes said....
"It's great to have Alan back as he is a very talented midfielder. We're fortunate to have got a player of Alan's quality to commit himself to the Club for three seasons."
"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."
Alan Mahon himself added.....
"I'm thrilled to come back to the Club that started my career. The new management team has impressed me and I can't wait to get started."
Rovers fans can now look forward to seeing Mahon in the pre-season games which start next Tuesday for the first team against Cammell Laird and Heswall on the same night (both kick-off's at 7.00pm).
Total Tranmere hopes to have more on the signing of Alan Mahon tomorrow after we attend the Press Conference so stay tuned for for further reaction tomorrow evening.
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Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Total Tranmere (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2009 19:19
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Mahon Signs.
Posted by: MichaelTRFC (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2009 18:58
It has been going round for quite a while and the news is not unexpected, I am for one happy with the signing of Mahon however as people have said his fitness and injury problems do concern me I just hope he plays for most of the three years.
Its not as if JB and JM can't say they haven't been warned because they have!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:07:07:19:30:18 by Deadly Submarine.
Its not as if JB and JM can't say they haven't been warned because they have!!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:07:07:19:30:18 by Deadly Submarine.
MAHON SIGNS!
Posted by: Deadly Submarine (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2009 19:01
A three year deal seems bizarre.
Perhaps we couldn't offer him the wages he wanted so we gave him a longer deal instead?
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
Perhaps we couldn't offer him the wages he wanted so we gave him a longer deal instead?
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
Re: Mahon Signs.
Posted by: DevonExile (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2009 19:13
It seems really odd given how little he has played in the last 2 years and given that in a small squad we need every player available as often as possible.I am not really sure that Barnett and Mahon would provide the right balance in mid-field.Could the signing mean that Barnett is going?
Re: Mahon Signs.
Posted by: Deadly Submarine (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2009 19:31
Let's hope Barnett stays too! We will have a great midfield then in my opinion.
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Matthew the rover (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2009 20:01
I am absolutely delighted with this signing! The prospect of Mahon and Barnett on the wings, or Mahon and Allot in central midfield is enough to make the mouth water in League One for me. It's brilliant and although a three year deal is very odd, I am only but happy that Alan has returned to the club.
www.twitter.com/totaltranmere
www.twitter.com/totaltranmere
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Philip Brown (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2009 20:16
I think its a great signing. Just hope he stays injury free and gets those twinkle toes back on at Prenton.
We've been crying out for a midfielder like him for seasons.
We've been crying out for a midfielder like him for seasons.
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: super_white_army (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2009 21:20
I think the three year contract is good. We kno have him for three years, we will probably be paying him a reduced wage as we have given him a stable contract and we can budget for three years knowing exactly what we're paying someone who will be a high earning player (obviously bonuses come in to play). The same can be said for I.Moore's 2 yeard signing.
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: keith5092 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2009 21:27
really brilliant signing, like every has said, if he can stay injury free.
hopefully we can get barnett to sign up to have mahon on the left barnett and allott in the middle and shuker on the right (lets hope he can perform this season).
midfield doesnt look too bad if charlie signs,
hopefully we can get barnett to sign up to have mahon on the left barnett and allott in the middle and shuker on the right (lets hope he can perform this season).
midfield doesnt look too bad if charlie signs,
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: MichaelTRFC (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2009 22:26
It makes you wonder what all the pessimists are doing right now!
After cries of our team has fallen apart because of Barnes & Macca we sign a pretty damn good player and thinks all seem to be falling in to place like has been said and the boards become very quiet!
After cries of our team has fallen apart because of Barnes & Macca we sign a pretty damn good player and thinks all seem to be falling in to place like has been said and the boards become very quiet!
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Deadly Submarine (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2009 22:33
Agreed Mike! It is only ONE signing for now but even so it's a step in the right direction!
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: MichaelTRFC (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2009 22:36
I personally belive Mike, and many will disagree with me, but with just a one/two tweaks to the squad I think our squad looks more promising than this time last year.
The future is bright for the boys in white
The future is bright for the boys in white
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Mikey (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2009 23:03
He's a good player etc and can't add much to whats been said BUT he doesn't make a team.. we need more quality players to follow.
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Scorpio7a (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2009 23:20
Hi, Liverpool fan, but with a keen interest in Tranmere since the 4th division with crowds of just over 1000, when I used to go to PP 
Still do try go to the odd few games a season tho, so not an expert by any means!
Anyway, was watching LFCTV last night (Irish Week) and Jason McAteer was on with Aldo and they did touch on a few things regarding Rovers, but nothing fantastic.
I would say that McAteer is on the lookout for Spearing and Darby, yes they have signed contracts, but they need competitive games, not just reserve games. There are a lot of good youngsters at Anfield that would benefit from a move to PP and I think everyone would win with that situation.
Sorry for the long first post.
Still do try go to the odd few games a season tho, so not an expert by any means!
Anyway, was watching LFCTV last night (Irish Week) and Jason McAteer was on with Aldo and they did touch on a few things regarding Rovers, but nothing fantastic.
I would say that McAteer is on the lookout for Spearing and Darby, yes they have signed contracts, but they need competitive games, not just reserve games. There are a lot of good youngsters at Anfield that would benefit from a move to PP and I think everyone would win with that situation.
Sorry for the long first post.
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Matthew the rover (IP Logged)
Date: 07/07/2009 23:53
Things certainly look a lot brighter now that we've signed Mahon, and there's no doubt we're all a bit more optomistic and comfortable.
BUT, it's just ONE signing. We've still got no goalkeepers, and very, very few defenders. It's a paper thin squad which is lacking in experience and numbers.
Things are definately looking better, but there's still a very long way to go.
www.twitter.com/totaltranmere
BUT, it's just ONE signing. We've still got no goalkeepers, and very, very few defenders. It's a paper thin squad which is lacking in experience and numbers.
Things are definately looking better, but there's still a very long way to go.
www.twitter.com/totaltranmere
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Matty_1985 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/07/2009 00:26
I agree Matt - this is a great signing for us. Alan Mahon, when fit, is an excellent signing for any league one club - let's hope he can stay fit throughout the season. It is only one signing at the moment and certainly more need to follow - but it is a positive first signing.
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: The Yob (IP Logged)
Date: 08/07/2009 00:54
Made up up with that news. I really rated Mahon when he was here. 3 year contract may seem excessive but he's no spring chicken and we are getting a player who is competitive at a higher level than League One. Sounds like an arrangement that suits everyone. With a decent midfield we'll hopefully have less defensive panicks and last minute givaway equalisers.
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: SWS (IP Logged)
Date: 08/07/2009 02:16
haha pessimists are still here mike!
It's ok we wont miss coyne chorley kay jenoo greenacre achto...... we've signed alan mahon who has barely made 15 games in 3 seasons, whopper!
Were finally starting to correct a few things at the club tho which is good to see. First thing i thought was same as all you huys "3 years.... seriously..?" 5 thousand fans at PP first game crossing their fingers mahon doesn't do himself a mischeif lol. It's hard one to decide on though, had we been braver in past seasons or Moore given a little more to work with then we would certainly still have 1 or 2 of those important players we've lost last month also the few certain to go like Kay we could have made some money back on!!
i think Mahon had nowhere to go personally and has landed on JB's lap. I can't give him credit for this one, but if he picks out some talent from the lpool kids an i mean quality not quantity, plus brings in a decent experienced player or 2 then maybe things wont be so doom and gloom???
the odds are massive stacked against that currently though
It's ok we wont miss coyne chorley kay jenoo greenacre achto...... we've signed alan mahon who has barely made 15 games in 3 seasons, whopper!
Were finally starting to correct a few things at the club tho which is good to see. First thing i thought was same as all you huys "3 years.... seriously..?" 5 thousand fans at PP first game crossing their fingers mahon doesn't do himself a mischeif lol. It's hard one to decide on though, had we been braver in past seasons or Moore given a little more to work with then we would certainly still have 1 or 2 of those important players we've lost last month also the few certain to go like Kay we could have made some money back on!!
i think Mahon had nowhere to go personally and has landed on JB's lap. I can't give him credit for this one, but if he picks out some talent from the lpool kids an i mean quality not quantity, plus brings in a decent experienced player or 2 then maybe things wont be so doom and gloom???
the odds are massive stacked against that currently though
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Mikeymoto (IP Logged)
Date: 08/07/2009 09:32
Hello guys/gals (if any!)
First post here....
I have to say when I heard Mahon was having a trial and possibly signing for the Rovers again I was over the moon, always been a massive fan of Alan. At the end of the day its another championship player stepping down a division, so its going to bring a wealth of higher experience for both the club and most importantly the younger players in the team! He'll bring some class and drive into the squad I think.
How many times do the critics and the mass of TRFC fans have to moan and groan at the end of each season? I can't think of a season when we HAVEN'T lost important players due to both financial difficulties AND their own ambition. Think of the likes of Humey, Koumas, Ryan Taylor, Graham Allen and Parky.... - We seemed to do alright without them when we signed in a couple of solid / reliable players?
I'm not going to go into "cutting the throats" of Mcateer and Barnes, because it's not going to help ourselves as a club or fans - whatever happened to mutual respect and a positive insight into the frame!!! Sure lack of experience, but I don't recall Di Mateo having hoards of exp in management either? Correct me if I'm wrong, and he took MK Dons to a better place no?
More signings will follow, transfer markets not even half way through yet and its like Asda out there, gotta look for the tasty bargains and "try before you buy" as we did with Alan Mahon for example!!
Loans shall follow, signings shall follow, but most importantly we should all follow our management, because the last thing we need is to give them a hard time and dent their confidence/morale which could potentially effect their overall performance!
I've gone pretty off topic there, but hey we all have an opinion!
First post here....
I have to say when I heard Mahon was having a trial and possibly signing for the Rovers again I was over the moon, always been a massive fan of Alan. At the end of the day its another championship player stepping down a division, so its going to bring a wealth of higher experience for both the club and most importantly the younger players in the team! He'll bring some class and drive into the squad I think.
How many times do the critics and the mass of TRFC fans have to moan and groan at the end of each season? I can't think of a season when we HAVEN'T lost important players due to both financial difficulties AND their own ambition. Think of the likes of Humey, Koumas, Ryan Taylor, Graham Allen and Parky.... - We seemed to do alright without them when we signed in a couple of solid / reliable players?
I'm not going to go into "cutting the throats" of Mcateer and Barnes, because it's not going to help ourselves as a club or fans - whatever happened to mutual respect and a positive insight into the frame!!! Sure lack of experience, but I don't recall Di Mateo having hoards of exp in management either? Correct me if I'm wrong, and he took MK Dons to a better place no?
More signings will follow, transfer markets not even half way through yet and its like Asda out there, gotta look for the tasty bargains and "try before you buy" as we did with Alan Mahon for example!!
Loans shall follow, signings shall follow, but most importantly we should all follow our management, because the last thing we need is to give them a hard time and dent their confidence/morale which could potentially effect their overall performance!
I've gone pretty off topic there, but hey we all have an opinion!
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Deadly Submarine (IP Logged)
Date: 08/07/2009 13:05
As opening posts go Mikeymoto, that's spot on in my opinion!!
Sums up my thoughts on the current situation nicely and welcome to Total Tranmere!
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
Sums up my thoughts on the current situation nicely and welcome to Total Tranmere!
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: darrens8761 (IP Logged)
Date: 08/07/2009 16:53
when mahon signed for burnley initially on loan from wigan back end of 05/06 he was by far the best player
steve cotterill described him as a jewel in the crown, only problem was nobody knew of his best position, so he became a luxury player,
mahon is pretty lightweight and will need to toughen up to play in cm and lacks pace really out wide,
great signing for tranmere, but without being negetive we still have no keeper or back up, no right back, need a center back and some center mids,
also alan mahon did not play regular for burnley last few seasosn, nothing to do with fitness, just burnley had better players, he did make 13 sub appearances last season and was part of the squad,
steve cotterill described him as a jewel in the crown, only problem was nobody knew of his best position, so he became a luxury player,
mahon is pretty lightweight and will need to toughen up to play in cm and lacks pace really out wide,
great signing for tranmere, but without being negetive we still have no keeper or back up, no right back, need a center back and some center mids,
also alan mahon did not play regular for burnley last few seasosn, nothing to do with fitness, just burnley had better players, he did make 13 sub appearances last season and was part of the squad,
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Mikeymoto (IP Logged)
Date: 08/07/2009 17:21
Thanks for the warm welcome DS! Glad to hear I'm not the only one thinking in those terms!
Alan Mahon will bring a really important part to our whole 90 minutes on the pitch.
We'll end up getting someone on loan for sure, as for goalkeepers, I hear we still have that young lad Phil Palethorpe? I don't recall seeing him in the starting XI for the rovers but, at least we have SOMEONE for the crappier teams who are on the friendlies list!!
I noticed Pricey joined Millwall, would have been interesting to see him back in the squad ocne again with Alan M.
I'm hoping Chris Shuker comes back with more flair and determination to shock and confuse defenders with his pace and skills, he seemed really nervy on his return, I can't blame him for that, but he would be a really important player for us if he gets his confidence back on the prowl - and doesn't break his arm slipping in the kitchen!!!
Alan Mahon will bring a really important part to our whole 90 minutes on the pitch.
We'll end up getting someone on loan for sure, as for goalkeepers, I hear we still have that young lad Phil Palethorpe? I don't recall seeing him in the starting XI for the rovers but, at least we have SOMEONE for the crappier teams who are on the friendlies list!!
I noticed Pricey joined Millwall, would have been interesting to see him back in the squad ocne again with Alan M.
I'm hoping Chris Shuker comes back with more flair and determination to shock and confuse defenders with his pace and skills, he seemed really nervy on his return, I can't blame him for that, but he would be a really important player for us if he gets his confidence back on the prowl - and doesn't break his arm slipping in the kitchen!!!
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Mikey (IP Logged)
Date: 08/07/2009 17:23
Palethorpe left agesss ago!! Got Collister but he's only 16/17 I think.
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: SWS (IP Logged)
Date: 08/07/2009 21:30
Alan Mahon if he stays injury free will be one of the most talented players we've had at PP for a long time and certainly has the ability for that killer ball.
It's just wether he gets fit and stays fit. Nobody is doubting his talent.. he'd still be in the Champ no doubt if he weren't injury prone
It's just wether he gets fit and stays fit. Nobody is doubting his talent.. he'd still be in the Champ no doubt if he weren't injury prone
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: StephenTRFC (IP Logged)
Date: 09/07/2009 00:39
Nice for him to come back to the club, doesnt need to 're-settle' because he knows the club inside out. As said in the interview will be good for the younger lads who need abit of guidance and he can offer alot of experience. I can see him being the player of the season IF he does stay fit.
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Deadly Submarine (IP Logged)
Date: 09/07/2009 08:26
I definitely don't think anyone is doubting his talent - more his fitness as mentioned above!
As I've said before a great signing IF he stays fit!!!
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
As I've said before a great signing IF he stays fit!!!
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: philg16 (IP Logged)
Date: 09/07/2009 10:08
Barnes has said that Mahon was offered more money elsewhere. So he shows he wants to be hear having taken a wage cut.
If he stays fit he will be quality, if he plays in the centre, Allot will do the dirty work an let Mahon do his thing. If he plays on the left, then he will have either Taylor or Cresswell playing left back who are, on their day, very good players!
If he stays fit he will be quality, if he plays in the centre, Allot will do the dirty work an let Mahon do his thing. If he plays on the left, then he will have either Taylor or Cresswell playing left back who are, on their day, very good players!
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Mikeymoto (IP Logged)
Date: 09/07/2009 12:46
Mahons expressed desire to be playing for tranmere again to me is enough to be confident he'll be working on ihis fitness 24/7.
I think he'll be caucious to any injuries and relish the challenge of playing every game - Potential captain / Second in command toIan Goodison?
I think he'll be caucious to any injuries and relish the challenge of playing every game - Potential captain / Second in command toIan Goodison?
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: mini_andy (IP Logged)
Date: 09/07/2009 13:06
i would put Allott as the team captain, Leaving Goodison as the club captain!
I think Mahon will play out wide for us, with Allott & Welsh in the middle!
I think Mahon will play out wide for us, with Allott & Welsh in the middle!
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: stemc (IP Logged)
Date: 09/07/2009 19:37
as welsh signed
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Deadly Submarine (IP Logged)
Date: 09/07/2009 20:01
Not yet know but rumours are that it might happen soon.
I haven't heard anything solid on that though up to now!
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
I haven't heard anything solid on that though up to now!
Deadly Submarine
"Will you stop saying you threw a monkey into the sea!"
Re: Midfielder Mahon Returns to Prenton Park
Posted by: Dave Brilley (IP Logged)
Date: 10/07/2009 14:53
Mikey Moto! You haven't been on the Leeds Festival boards in time haha.
Good signing definatly, but we need more players! Competetiveness for places can be as useful as better quality players if players are giving 100% every game!
Good signing definatly, but we need more players! Competetiveness for places can be as useful as better quality players if players are giving 100% every game!