Sykes sets sights on a promotion with AFC Mansfield

Matt Sykes has his eyes on promotion to the Northern Premier League after AFC Mansfield’s impressive capture of the former Worksop Town striker.
Matt Sykes is targeting promotion after rejoining AFC Mansfield.Matt Sykes is targeting promotion after rejoining AFC Mansfield.
Matt Sykes is targeting promotion after rejoining AFC Mansfield.

The Bulls' latest arrival scored 32 goals in Worksop’s league and cup double-winning season in 2019, before scoring nine in 18 appearances in a brief spell at Yorkshire Amateur.

"My aim is promotion, and I'd love to beat my record 32-goal tally, but the priority has to be promotion,” Sykes said.

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The striker said he is excited to link up at the top end with Ross Duggan, who bagged 34 for AFC Mansfield last season in a blistering campaign which saw him score more goals than games played.

"Me and Ross have spoken extensively in recent weeks and we're both buzzing to get started.

"I reckon I'll complement his playing style, and he will be the same for me as I like feeding off a main striker.

"Together I don't see any reason why we both can't surpass our previous goal tallies and hopefully we can get up towards the top of the table."

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"I spoke to Matt [Chatfield] and his enthusiasm and ambition for the team was brilliant - together with the Chairman I think they will be brilliant people to play for."

With several former team mates amongst the growing Bulls squad, Sykes reckoned he will have no trouble getting settled in Forest Town.

"I've played with a few of the lads for a while now so I know what they're about.

"It's always nicer to have familiar faces when joining a new team, and thankfully I know a few of the lads already."

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Had it not been for long distances, the striker could have already enjoyed a successful spell at the club, training with Rudy Funk's side during the pre-season of AFC's promotion-winning campaign in 2017/18.

However, logistics proved too difficult for Sykes at the time.

"I really liked the club but I was living in York at the time and I couldn't make many midweek games or training sessions.

“So I had to move to a club that worked for me," he said, "but just from pre-season I could tell that it's a great club to be at."

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Sykes will be joined by further new arrivals as manager Matt Chatfield continues his recruitment drive.

See www.chad.co.uk for more sport.

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