Stags boss happy with opening month's fixtures

For the third time in seven seasons Mansfield Town will take on Newport County on the opening day of the new season, this time at home, before a first away game at Yeovil.

The opening month also contains away games at both promoted National league sides Tranmere and Macclesfield inside four days after a home game with Colchester.

“It’s probably been kind to us in terms of travelling as that first month you can get hit with some heavy fixtures. But we’ve not really got the travel apart from Yeovil,” smiled Flitcroft.

“Starting with a home fixture is brilliant for everyone.

“Then we have an away fixture at Yeovil, which has probably come at a good time. We can get down there and get that one out of the way when the pitch will be fantastic.

“It leads you into then the two bounce clubs that have come up.

“I think wherever you look in the league there are twists and stories, intrigue and interest.

“The non-League clubs will be buoyant from coming up and will maybe get a bounce.

“Will the relegated teams hit the ground running?

“We are planning for the Newport game on the back of what we do for the Rotherham game.

The highly anticipated local derbies with Notts County take place at home on Saturday, 8th December and at Meadow Lane on Saturday, 16th February.

See this week’s Chad newspaper centre pages for a full fixtures pull out poster.