John Barnes is relishing his return to club management with Tranmere Rovers after leaving his post as Head Coach of Jamaica's national team.

Barnes had an unhappy end to his first managerial role, departing Celtic in February 2000 after just eight months in charge, but as he takes up the reins at Prenton Park he can point to a more successful stint with the Reggae Boys.

The 45 year-old former Liverpool and England winger, whose home on the Wirral is conveniently close to the Tranmere ground, notes: "In the last 10 months Jamaica were unbeaten in 12 matches.

"But League football is better for the type of manager I am. As an international manager you only get your players together for four days every two months, whereas at a club you're with the players day-in, day-out and that's what I enjoy. So I saw the Tranmere job as a great opportunity and I'm thoroughly enjoying pre-season."

Barnes is enjoying the early days of what could be quite a challenge at the Coca-Cola League 1 club. He will have to work with a playing squad reduced in numbers following the departure of previous manager Ronnie Moore, under whom Rovers missed out on reaching last season's Play-Offs by just one place.

Five players have been released while a further five - including four key first team members - have moved to other clubs.

He has been able to bring in some re-inforcements, among them experienced midfielder Alan Mahon from Burnley for what will be his second spell with Rovers.

But the manager, whose ex-Liverpool colleague Jason McAteer will be assistant boss, admits: "I can't afford to get many players in because the budget's been cut and I'm having to work within tight financial constraints, but that won't deter or detract me.

"I'm delighted that we've been able to bring in a player of Alan Mahon's calibre - he was a fans' favourite (in his previous spell at Tranmere) and it's fantastic for them that he's come back

"If we can get players of his quality in but cheaper - which is unlikely - then fine. But I'll be aiming to put out a team that has discipline, desire and spirit and with the organisation and structure that can make us competitive in League 1.

"I'm not looking at where we might be next April, though. If you don't perform well in the early stages of the season you won't get to where you want to be in April, so my sole focus is on how we start the campaign."

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