Mansfield Town are ready for new season, says manager David Flitcroft

Mansfield Town's new-look squad are ready for the start of the new League Two season, according to manager David Flitcroft.
David Flitcroft - Pic By James WilliamsonDavid Flitcroft - Pic By James Williamson
David Flitcroft - Pic By James Williamson

The Stags completed a fine pre-season programme on Saturday with a 2-1 home victory over Rotherham United to remain unbeaten against four Championship sides this summer - Rotherham, Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United, winning three of the matches.

Flitcroft said: “There’s a togetherness that we’ve grown in Portugal, which has allowed us to bring in the quality that I talked about last season.

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“There is a hunger and an ambition to what they do. We’ve had some very tough tests, each one different, but they’ve come through them.

“I’ve watched a group of players improve and grow. Now they are ready.

“If the game [first game of the season] would’ve been today I would’ve had no qualms. Next week just gives us that fine-tuning what we need.

“Lessons we have learned from today (against Rotherham) we will get into that. It is just about sharpening everything up.”

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Flitcroft also praised matchwinner Tyler Walker for his goal that ultimately beat the Millers, and for his pre-season work.

“Tyler is one who has had a really robust pre-season. When you’re a development player like he’s been you probably get eight to 12 weeks to get fit,” said Flitcroft.

“We’ve got to try and get these boys match-ready in six weeks.

“I can see by the way everyone is celebrating that they’re chuffed for him. The goal is a big weight off his shoulders.”