After talking to representatives from the Stags Supporters Assocation (SSA), TEAM Mansfield (TM) and Stags Fans For Change (SFFC) at three separate meetings, he said: "I appreciate I have a lot to do to dispel certain myths. But I cannot change history and I do not deny it either.

"The communication channels are now open and that is a very important part of what I have to do.

"I am now aware of where they (the fans groups) are coming from and our long-term objectives are the same, success for the football club.

"Now we need to create the situation within which the club can thrive and survive."

Mr Booth has called on fans to stop protesting against owner Keith Haslam - including through boycotting matches - as he tries to improve efficiency in the day-to-day running of the Stags and find a buyer.

SFFC and TM had arranged a protest on the banking opposite the West Stand last Saturday, before the weather scuppered the game against Bury, aimed at persuading Mr Haslam to sell the club.

• 'Boycott and protest at Bury game', call to fans

Now they plan to call for a protest at the home game against Accrington Stanley on Saturday 29th December.

In a statement they said: "Cutting off all income streams to the club is the only language that Mr Haslam seems to understand and now this is the only resort left open to us.

"We still fully support the manager Billy Dearden and the players, but this short-term pain will be for the long-term gain of the club.

"Our message to Mr Haslam is clear - go and go now."

However, the SFFC said it might chance its stance over the next few weeks if it was convinced that the new chief executive has brought a radical change to the club.

Mr Booth told Chad: "If fans choose to protest and stay away then I would be disappointed, but not surprised.

"I am trying to overcome what has taken years to build up and I know I cannot change people's perceptions of what is happening or has happened at the club overnight.

"But I would plead with the fans not to continue their disruption because ultimately it doesn't do the club any good.

"My role is to change people's perceptions here — and I am not Keith Haslam's man.

• New Stags chief's plea to protesting fans

"I now have control over running the club, the finances. I repeat, he (Keith) is not drawing a penny from the club now. He is, of course, still the majority shareholder, but I am running the club. Keith will have no input in that."

Mr Booth, who insisted the club was not in debt, added: "Once I have evaluated the finances I will issue a much fuller statement on where the club is at."