Joe Riley delighted to be ‘back up north’ with Mansfield Town

Argyle won that game 3-1 as Stags paid the price for missed chances, but Riley said: “I thought it was a great game and Mansfield could have been three or four up at half-time.

“We all know the quality in this squad. I thought Mansfield were brilliant in the first half at Plymouth.

“I don't think we'd come up against a team at home before that had played like that against us. I think we were all taken aback.”

The Salford-born 28-year-old came through the ranks at Bolton, where he played in the Premier League, before a loan at Oxford and spells with Bury and Shrewsbury.

Riley has started 18 games for Plymouth this year but admitted he wanted to return north and Mansfield were the perfect option.

“I’m delighted to be here,” he said. “It's a club that's in a new era with a new manager and I think I can be a part of that.

“This is a new chapter and a new challenge and I know the aims and ambitions of Mansfield going forward.

“Also, location-wise this is more beneficial to me and my family. I have spent 18 months down south at Plymouth, having been a northerner all my life. So I was delighted to get the call from Mansfield.

“I was playing most games, but then I picked up a little injury and the team have been on a fabulous run since. That's part and parcel of football. So I explored the option of coming here and it's one I am excited about.”

He added: “I can play a number of positions, predominantly at right back and I’m looking forward to showing the Stags’ fans what I’m all about.

“It will depend on the formation. I came through the ranks at Bolton as a right back but can play wing back, centre half or centre midfield.

“I think I have a good energy about me and a bit of quality on the ball. The older you get the more defence-minded you become – that'd down to experience.

“I have been around the block and know a few of the lads here already. I spoke to them and they gave the club and manager a glowing reference.

“It can be hard not playing games and I want to get back and start enjoying it again. I felt like I was ready for a new challenge as well.”

League Two has certainly impressed him so far.

“Having spent a few seasons in League One, the quality of League Two has certainly gone up. It's a lot more dynamic as a league now,” he said.

“Teams and players are a lot fitter than they used to be. If you take it game by game and go on a run you could end up anywhere.”