Keeping Rose is like making a new signing says relieved Mansfield Town boss Flitcroft

Mansfield Town boss David Flitcroft described keeping striker Danny Rose this week as like making a new signing.

The Stags had been on tenterhooks as last season’s top scorer Rose, on the transfer list at his own request, could have been snapped up until the loan window closed at 5pm on Friday.

Instead, the only movement was in as Derby County midfielder Timi Elsnick came in on loan for the rest of the season.

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Rose had seen a proposed move to Peterborough United fall through and manager David Flitcroft now hopes to see Rose get back to his best for the Stags, who remain unbeaten in League Two after Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Carlisle United.

“When the window closed at 5pm it was almost like we’d signed a new player,” smiled Flitcroft.

“His form has not been what I’ve wanted it to be in my tenure here.

“But now I think when all the background noise has gone away, he can knuckle down and start being a Mansfield Town player that represents the town like he did before I came in.

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“I am looking forward to working on and building that relationship and us improving the top end of the pitch.”

Rose worked hard but missed a hat-trick of chances against Carlisle.

“Danny just lacked a little bit of sharpness on Saturday,” said Flitcroft.

“He came on for that 30 minutes at West Brom in midweek and he looked sharp there. But the game had died off a bit by then.

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“When he gets that sharpness, the chances he had against Carlisle, he will finish them.

“But there was an endeavour and an honesty there.

“What I’ve loved is the connection he’s had back with the fans.

“He’s come though a tough period and the fans have stayed with him and supported him unconditionally.”