James Perch missing the 'big difference' Mansfield Town fans can make in games

James Perch admits he'll never get used to playing without fans - and he is missing the atmosphere they create.

The Mansfield Town midfielder has had to play behind closed doors this season as COVID-19 regulations mean the public have not been allowed to attend elite sport events since March.

"It's still strange. I don't think I've got used to it yet," the former Premier League man told The Chad.

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"I don't think you'd ever get used to it. I've played 15-16 years in front of fans and, all of a sudden, no fans. It's very strange."

The summer signing says he is not alone in hoping to have supporters back as soon as it is safe for them to return.

"If I make a bad pass and the gaffer's on my back you want that noise about," he joked. "But when you're on top of teams and the crowd can sense that and get on their feet it does make a big difference to the team, that is what we're missing.

"Ask the players, that's what they miss, the fans getting behind them when they're on top or a goal down and chasing the game. It definitely does help."

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The season is still in its early stages, and new COVID regulations are still taking some getting used to.

"It's still odd," Perch added. "When you wear face masks on the bus, going in one way and coming out the next, it's easy to forget sometimes to put your mask on.

"It's not at the point yet where it feels like a second nature. It's still strange but I guess we'll have to get used to it for a bit longer."

Perch also praised the Stags' charity kit campaign which raised £3,800 for King’s Mill Hospital, adding: "It's brilliant. All donations help and what the NHS have done over the past six months has been fantastic.

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"I was born in King’s Mill Hospital, so it was an extra little bonus for me."First-team coach Jamie McGuire was among those to buy one of the limited edition shirts.

He added: "I've been part of that as a player. I always went to the hospitals at Christmas and the club's always been brilliant with that.

"Even the old people as well. During the pandemic they've been dropping food off at food banks and to help people who need it.

"I like the shirt, I bought it myself."