'Even stronger': Jon Russell discusses Mansfield Town transfer business and his decision to sign full-time
Jon Russell says Mansfield Town are ‘even stronger’ as a unit following this summer’s transfer business.
Stags’ recruitment plan over the summer involved strengthening their attack and midfield, which included the permanent signing of Russell himself.
The 25-year-old initially signed for Mansfield Town in January, on loan from Barnsley until the end of the season. He then made his move to the One Call Stadium permanent after his contract with the Tykes came to an end.
Russell’s full-time deal was the start of a fruitful transfer window for Stags, which led to four further new additions and a new contract for Tyler Roberts.
David McGoldrick, Michael Smith and Liam Thompson have all signed permanently for Stags, while Owen Dodgson has joined on loan from Stockport County.
Speaking on his decision to come back to Stags, Russell said: “It was really clear what we both wanted and Mansfield got it done. I loved being here for the time I was on loan and especially with the aim for this season and the players we’ve signed…
“How we finished last season definitely put a positive spin on me signing here. It was very natural.
“The gaffer has given me a role to express myself and make lots of runs, use my strides and energy. I think it’s following on from last season to carry on and do even better this season, help the team even more.
“He’s given me that role to get up and down and be a box-to-box and hopefully get goals and carry on from last season.”
Russell believes the arrival of the new recruits have strengthened Mansfield significantly as they look to push on from their tenth-place finish last season.
“It’s pretty much the same team from the end of last season, just with a few added players, who are going to help us massively.
“Everyone’s come together and we’ve become a really strong group. Our team has become even stronger – we look really positive for this season.”