New signing Rhys Bennett wants to use his vast experience to help the Stags have a successful season in the upcoming Sky Bet League Two campaign.
The defender became manager Adam Murrayās fifth signing of the transfer window following the captures of striker Danny Rose, defender George Taft and wingers Ashley Hemmings and CJ Hamilton.Ā
And now Bennett, who has previously gained promotion from League 2 with Rochdale, wants to use his knowhow to help the Stags become successful.Ā
āIām nearly 25 now so I have a lot of experience in terms of football and winning games and stuff like that, so I know this league and I know how to get out of it,ā Bennett said.
āI think it, [my experience], will help the younger lads and for everyone else as a team and as a club to hopefully get to the next level because thatās what I want to do.
āI think Iām a decent character and I can bring the team together and obviously I want to train and I want to play at my best, so hopefully that rubs off on the younger players.ā
Despite being comfortable at centre-back and defensive midfield, Bennett says that manager Adam Murray envisages him playing at right-back for the Stags, a position which the 24-year-old has spent the majority of his career in.Ā
āIāve had conversations with the manager and he wants me to play right-back and I think thatās a decent position for myself moving forward.
āIāve probably played more games as a right-back than anywhere else. Itās a position which I know and I feel 100 percent comfortable with and I know I can progress there.
āIf Iām playing 100 percent in the same position then itāll hopefully bring success for the club and itāll bring success for me.ā
Reflecting on his time at promotion-winning Rochdale, Bennett explained what he thought were the main contributors to the success of the club.Ā
āTogetherness, first and foremost, and consistency in performances away from home and at home and basically just giving the best account of yourself every day in training and for every game. Thatās basically what breeds success.
āWe want to try and get promoted here. Me as a player, obviously I want as much success as I can so thatās naturally what I want to do.ā
The former Falkirk loanee started his career at then-Premier League side Bolton Wanderers and Bennett says his time in Lancashire stood him in good stead for his career.Ā
āIād obviously love to get back there one day, as a player. But in terms of an experience and to train with good players and international players I think itās great for me and hopefully I can transfer that experience here.ā
Supporters can watch Bennettās first club interview on Stags Player HD.Ā