Is the door open at Mansfield Town for Calum Butcher

The 27-year-old joined Stags last summer from Millwall and sparkled with a goal on his debut.

However, he failed to win a regular place after 12 starts and two goals, was farmed out to Billericay Town on loan in January and transfer-listed on his return.

But, while admitting he was still up for sale, new Stags boss David Flitcroft said: “Butch is a player that came here under unusual circumstances and went back out. So he’s not had the feel or vibe of what a Dave Flitcroft environment looks like.

“Now he’s feeling that, he has been part of that and has enjoyed that.

“He is robust, he’s dynamic, he’s got quality so he fits in with what we are doing.

“He is technically good and has had a real willingness to work hard.

“He struggled by his own admission. I don’t know if the 4-4-2 system probably didn’t suit him and they tried to fit him into a position that didn’t suit him.“But he fits into what we are trying to do.

“Certainly as an attacking midfielder he is getting through the work and I’ve seen a really positive side to him in Portugal on and off the field.

“Last season was a write-off for him, but this season up to now we have had a fantastic relationship.”