Former Mansfield Town winger Louis Briscoe aiming to resurrect career at Torquay United

The Burton-born winger is aiming to resurrect his faltering career and fire Chris Hargreaves’ side to promotion at the first time of asking.

Briscoe made 178 apearances for Mansfield but became a forgotten man and made just two appearances in League Two last season.

“It was frustrating that I didn’t get a chance to play for Mansfield in the Football League after I had played a big part in getting the team promoted,” said Briscoe.

“I had a few injuries at the start of last season, but it was more about the formation we were playing and having no place for an out and out winger.

“This move is a fresh start for me and I cannot wait to get going.

“The manager has shown a lot of interest in me and once I knew Torquay wanted me the decision was made.

“I spoke to a few other clubs, but I was really impressed with what Chris had to say and how he wants to use me in the team.

“Some people will look at me and see that I did not play a lot last season and think I am a poor signing.

“The manager, like myself, sees me as a player who is hungry to show what I can do, to show that I have still got it and to prove the doubters wrong.

“I am moving house and everything like that and am fully committed to Torquay and getting the club promoted.

“We will be winning more games than we lose. I would not say we are the favourites to win the league, but we will certainly be one of the favourites to get promoted.

“I played a lot of games at Mansfield Town and I know what it is like to get promoted out of that division.

“You need to have hunger and desire in your team as without that you have no drive. I think this team will have that and I am looking forward to getting started.”

Briscoe will best be remembered at Mansfield as the man who kept his nerve to fire Stags to Wembley in 2011 after his penalty secured a semi-final victory at Luton Town.

Said Briscoe: “I had some great times at Mansfield Town and scoring the penalty that took us to Wembley and my hat-trick against Barrow in the 7-0 win are great personal memories for me.

“The 2010/11 season was probably my best year at the club. I was given a free role and scored 19 goals. It was definitely a role that suited me.

“I scored less goals in the next two seasons because we became a lot more rigid in our style of play.

“We had a striker in Matt Green who scored 57 goals in two seasons. I had a lot less freedom as we were all foils for Matt.

“He was the guy getting the goals for us and he was our match winner. We got promoted so it was definitely the right thing to do at the time.

“At Torquay the boss wants to give me a free role and use me as a player who can hurt teams. It is much more suited to my game.

“Chris has a great vision for the club and I am sure we can succeed.”