Liam Thompson outlines Mansfield Town ambition and lauds 'brilliant' Nigel Clough in transfer talks
Liam Thompson’s move to Mansfield Town has been described as one of the worst kept secrets in League One this summer but the midfielder is just excited to finally get the transfer finalised.
The 24-year-old is the latest addition to a Stags side fans are hoping to see challenge for a place in the top six this season.
Pushing for promotion is also an aim the club and its new arrivals are targeting, with Thompson eager to play his part wherever possible.
“I’m over the moon, glad to finally get it done and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead,” he told Mansfield Town following his move from Derby County.
Stags confirmed the signing of Thompson on Wednesday after weeks of speculation. He arrived at the One Call Stadium for an undisclosed fee, penning a two-year deal with his new side.
Thompson spent ten years with the Rams before leaving for a new challenge. The midfielder admitted Nigel Clough was a ‘huge’ part in his decision to join Stags and he is eager to get going get as many minutes in the tank as possible.
“It was the gaffer, as soon as I had the first conversation with him. He was brilliant with me, he was clear on what he wanted from me,” Thompson continued. “He spoke about Mansfield as a club – I know the club, I’ve played against Mansfield a couple of times, it’s such a tough place to come.
“Off the back of last season, the lads did brilliant but they want to go that one step further and I want to be part of that. It’s a big decision at this point in my career – 24, still young but no time to waste. I want to play games and enjoy my football.”
After recording their best league finish in almost 40 years, Stags are now looking to kick on with their progress. Last season’s tenth-place finish has lit a fire under Mansfield Town and all new signings so far have spoken about pursuing the next step – which is challenging for a shot at promotion.
“As a group and a club, the main ambition is promotion, it’s the obvious one,” Thompson said. “The lads want to finish one step on from a positive last season but personally I want to play as many games as I can and be as involved as I can, stay injury free for the season and have a real good go.
“I pride myself on being aggressive in the middle of the pitch and not letting people have time on the ball. But I can also add the other side of that with composure and a bit of calmness when it’s needed. I like to be busy and I’m sure you’ll see a lot of that.”
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