New Mansfield Town signing Owen Dodgson 'can't wait to get started' as he delivers first words for Stags

The 23-year-old joins the club following Will Evans’ recent departure to Plymouth Argyle.

Dodgson, who spent the majority of his career on Burnley’s books, is eager to get going with Stags and admitted his conversation with Nigel Clough was a huge part in his decision to sign.

“I’m buzzing, I’m very happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started on Saturday and hopefully start the season with three points,” the defender said ahead of his unveiling in amber and blue.

“It was a very easy decision for me, when I spoke to the gaffer on the phone, everything he said to me enticed me.

“The conversation I had with him was one I probably needed for a bit of confidence for me. The things he said to me were things I needed to hear in terms of what he wants from me and it’s down to me now to repay him.”

Dodgson scored two of his three career goals against Mansfield Town but now he is eager to rack up the goals and assists for the side as Stags look to build on last season’s tenth-place finish.

After starting his career with Burnley, Dodgson went on a number of loan moves prior to signing for Stockport permanently this summer. Prior to his loan spell with the Hatters, he spent time with Rochdale, Barnsley, Dundee and Burton Albion.

Describing his style of play and what fans can expect to see from him this season, Dodgson said: “I’m very ambitious, I like to get forward, be involved in play and get crosses in and hopefully get a lot of assists and some goals as well.”

The left wing-back was in attendance at the One Call Stadium on Sunday for Mansfield’s Carabao Cup clash against Sheffield United. Dodgson said he was ‘impressed’ with what he saw, despite the defeat, and he’s eager to add what he can to an already ‘good group of lads’.

“I want to keep improving as a player and growing as a person. This is a team with a lot of older lads but that won’t faze me, I think that’s something that will benefit me, getting advice from other lads who have been in the game a lot longer than me and have played at a higher level than me.

“The signings we’ve brought in are very good players and I think the lads and the experience we’ve got in the squad is very good so starting from Saturday in a big game, it’ll be vital for us to get three points and hopefully we can continue that.”

Dodgson is fit and ready for contention for Mansfield Town’s League One opener against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.