Stags new boy Fisher so happy to be back home

The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Oxford United and broke into their first team back in 2007 aged just 16.

But, after being released a couple of years later, he ended up at the Glenn Hoddle Academy in Spain, moving on to play football in Belgium and Italy.

Now Fisher is now delighted to be part of the One Call Stadium family, saying: “I have been waiting for this for a long time. At the end of each season I thought I would love to be back home so I am very happy to be back here now.

“It is strange how things work out. Playing in Belgium you are only a few kilometres from Holland and Italy so word can get out quickly. But I thought while I was out there I should make the most of it.

“It started out as just a season, but the next contract offer was abroad and I thought I should take something concrete rather than a trial back home. I really enjoyed the experience, but there’s nothing like being back home.

“The League is everything I have ever wanted from football. The more I feel I can adapt to it and get used to it the better. I have really missed being at home. I know this is a fantastic opportunity for me.

“I am living with Ryan Tafazolli. He is a top man and he and everyone at the club has made me feel really welcome. There is a real family feel at this club.”

Fisher loves the rough and tumble of the English game and said it was a huge contrast with what he had become used to abroad.

“You could be sure from a goalkick, they would pass it out of the box,” he said. “It could be really boring to play up front and go 20 minutes without going over halfway just passing the ball side to side.

“I really like how it’s more direct over here as I like to be in the thick of it.

“It is certainly more physical here and you can make challenges you would get a ludicrous yellow card for abroad.

“I now feel like I can adapt to different styles quicker than before I went abroad.

“I scored in the Capital One Cup but still have to score my first League goal. My first priority is that the team wins and if I can contribute to that in any way that’s fantastic. Personally I think I have a lot more to give yet.”

Fisher is one of three strikers fighting for two places with Matt Rhead and Ollie Palmer with Liam Hearn out injured until Christmas.

“Rheady is a master at what he does which frees me up to express myself, Ollie is a fantastic player and Liam is another great asset up front,” he said.

Saturday’s visitors Burton Albion arrive with an unbeaten start and two great Capital One Cup scalps in Wigan and QPR.

But reputations mean little to someone who has been out the country for a few years and Fisher pointed out: “Being abroad for a few years I don’t know what these teams are totally about which can be an advantage as you don’t get bogged down and always focus on them. But I do know it will be tough.”

Fisher was also delighted to hear the news that transfer talks with Chesterfield had broken down and team mate and fellow former Glenn Hoddle Academy player Sam Clucas would be staying with Stags.

He said: “That’s fantastic news and bodes really well for the future. Sam is a fantastic player and a great asset to this club. I have known him for a long time and he is a great lad.”