Stags’ second deadline day signing Alfie Potter has lauded manager Steve Evans’ influence in his decision to sign for the club.
We announced the signing of 28-year-old Potter earlier this evening from Northampton Town as the boss adds the finishing touches to his squad ahead of tonight’s transfer deadline.
And the London-born attacking midfielder says the prospect of working with nine-time promotion-winning boss Steve Evans made it an easy decision to sign a deal at One Call Stadium.
“This is going to be a club moving forward now and he’s (Steve Evans) shown a real interest in wanting me. He was the one that showed the most interest in me really and there’s nothing better than feeling wanted - it was an easy decision to make," Potter said.
“I spoke to other clubs but for me, football-wise, this was the easiest decision anyway.
“I met the gaffer last week and within 10 minutes, I knew I wanted to sign. It was just a matter of getting back down to London, speaking to my family, talking it through with them and once they were fine with it, it was ‘let’s get it done’.
“The gaffer’s spoken about how he wants to play and I think his formation and how he goes about things, it’s going to really suit me.”
The former Oxford United man says he has endured a frustrating season at Sixfields thus far, but is now itching to get a consistent run of games for the Stags.
“The new manager came in at Northampton and obviously brought his own ideas with him and I’ve had to be patient and wait for a chance there and there’s been times when I’ve been given a chance and I’ve taken it and still not remained in the side.
“Managers bring in their own players and their own ideas and sometimes your face doesn’t fit so I couldn’t wait for the January window so I could go out and get some minutes really. As soon as I heard Mansfield were interested, I always knew I was coming here.
“It’s been a while since I had a consistent run of games and I know when I do get a run of games, I know the level I can get back to.”
Potter played a role in Northampton’s Sky Bet League Two title triumph last season and he says he can see similarities between the squad at Sixfields and the camp inside One Call Stadium.
“First and foremost, last year when we got promoted at Northampton, we had an unbelievable team spirit and all the boys were together pulling in the same direction.
“Having spoken to a few of the boys here already, it’s the same here. Obviously the manager knows this level and knows what’s required so he’s putting a squad together that can implement the way he wants to play and like he’s shown before, I’m sure he will bring success to this club.”
Speaking exclusively to Stags PlayerHD after signing, Potter says he is looking forward to playing in front of the home crowd after experiencing what it’s like to be an away team at One Call Stadium.
“It’s always been a tough place. I don’t actually know if I’ve won here before. I’d much rather be playing for the home side than the away side here.
“I’ve had a couple of Tuesday night games here and the atmosphere’s always been unbelievable.”
Supporters can view Alfie Potter’s exclusive interview with Stags PlayerHD by logging in here.
