AFC Mansfield boss believes club has foundations to build on

The Bulls sit sixth in the postponed NCEL Premier Division table after an encouraging start.

And Chatfield believes that hard work on and off the pitch is now paying off.

“It is great to see the buzz being put back into AFC Mansfield,” he told the club’s Bulls TV channel.

“Our crowds have gone up 25 per cent which is amazing. It is great to set the fans getting behind non league football.

“We don’t have huge crowds, but we rely on the few that come in to support us and we hope that can continue going forward.”

The Bulls boss also believes that he has the right mix inside the dressing room.

“We have got a strong squad with a lot of experience,” he added. “The football dressing room is what I believe it should be - a mix of experience with some younger lads.

“It all sets us up and gives us a foundation to build on.

“We have got so many people connected to the club. I felt we were disjointed when I first joined.

“It's taken a year and a half but it's a highlight of the season for me. We are a real club now and not just a team.”

Chatfield also added his support to a scenario which would see a combined points total from the last two seasons decide the outcome of the current campaign.

He said: “Our results this and last season are chalk and cheese, so it would be unfair on us, but it is fair for teams who have been consistent over the last two seasons and I would back it if that was what was decided.

“We gave ourselves a great chance of being in the mix this season so it would be a shame if that is how it goes. I don't know how it will be resolved.”