DAVID CLARKSON has admitted it hurt to be snubbed by Stuart McCall a year ago as he celebrates becoming the latest Motherwell old boy to return to Fir Park.

The 29-year-old striker, who spent seven seasons with Well before heading to Bristol City in 2009, carried out a full pre-season last year with the Steelmen but was not given a deal.

But he didn’t hesitate in linking up with his old cub again after talks with new boss Ian Barraclough.

He said: “If you go in somewhere you are hoping to get a contract.

“But from the start, Stuart McCall said to me they were looking for something different.

“So it was never a case of me knowing I was going to get something. It was about me trying to prove myself – and having that against me that I wasn’t the type of player he was looking for.

“Hopefully, this year will be a lot different.

“I spoke to Ian Barraclough – and Stephen Robinson - the day before I signed and was impressed by his attitude and approach to things.”

Clarkson is following in the footsteps of Keith Lasley, Stevie Hammell and Stephen Pearson who also left and came back.

It’s a common occurrence as James McFadden, John Sutton and Henrik Ojamaa have also had two spells at the club.

Clarkson said: “If you enjoy a club then it’s easy to come back. If you ask former players like myself, Hammy and Las, we had great times here and there are a lot of great people at the club.”

Motherwell, who also signed striker Wes Fletcher last week, have sealed a new two-year deal for winger Marvin Johnson who joined last January from Kidderminster Harriers.

Johnson said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my first six months at the club and when I was asked to extend it further, I had no hesitation.

“I really believe in the manager and what he wants the team to do, and if we can kick off the new campaign the way we finished the last, I am hopeful we can enjoy a good season.”