Grimsby Town boss looking forward to locking horns with Steve Evans

Slade said: “I’ve had many battles with Steve in all the leagues from the Conference to the Championship.

“I’ve probably come up against him more than most managers, so I know all about him.

“I think he’s done remarkably well, and you have to respect what he’s done. His teams are always on the front foot, in your face and make life very difficult for you.

“I’ve had my run-ins with him, of course I have, but that’s the nature of the game.”

Slade is impressed by the squad assembled at Mansfield and said: “Fair play to the chairman at Mansfield and Steve Evans, they’re having a right go at it.

“They’ve got a very strong squad, lots of depth, and that’s cost a fair amount of money to assemble I’m sure.

“They’ve got themselves as one of the favourites this year, and they’re having a real go at it. I’m sure if they’re not in that top end come the end of the season they’ll be disappointed.”

He added: “He’ll be learning about his players like I’m learning about my players still. I’m not sure whether he’s got his best team out yet or knows his best team as he starts to look at combinations and balance in his team.”