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 Sheffield 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.

He made 35 senior starts for the Bantams last season, scoring three goals.

Bradford manager Stuart McCall said: “Macca is a very, very talented footballer, no doubt about it. He will be the first to admit he didn’t reach the heights he hoped for here, especially at home, where teams came and clamped down on him with three in the middle.

“Macca had some excellent games for us but then again some very quiet ones as well. But I’m not surprised that two or three clubs from League One had been on to us about him.

“I’m disappointed to lose him. I know it had to be done from the budget point of view and he will be missed in the dressing room and on the park.”

McLaren is likely to see action when Tranmere begin their programme of pre-season friendlies with games against local non-league teams Cammell Laird and Heswall tomorrow.