Striker raring to go after ‘coming home’ following spells abroad playing football.
New signing Alex Fisher can’t wait to begin his Mansfield Town career and insists the enthusiasm of manager Paul Cox played a big part in his decision to join the club.
The 23-year-old was unveiled as our second summer signing this morning – joining us from Italian Serie C outfit A.C. Monza – subject to international clearance.
Explaining how the move came about, Fisher said: “I’ve been playing in Italy for the past year and my ambition has always been to come back to England and play at home.
“So when the opportunity presented itself to come here through a few contacts I jumped at it and thought this was the right time and the right opportunity.
“I’ve been eager [to come home] for a long time. I’ve been playing abroad for three or four years now, and at the end of every season I’ve been thinking ‘Next season, I want to get back to English football’.
“So when this first came about I wanted to pursue it and see how far it could go. When we got into further talks, it was great.
“Given the stature of the club, it was a no-brainer. I just wanted to get here and get started.”
On his goal scoring record and style of play, Fisher said: “I’d like to think that given the way I’ve been coached and some of the experiences I’ve had, then coming back to League Two and the style of play here, it can really pay dividends.
“If I can have a good run in the team, work hard and get myself in there, I’d like to try and push on from what I’ve done in the past.”
He continued: “Each country [I’ve played in] has had its own kind of style.
“I’ve played in several different types of formations. I’ve played out wide, done most of my work as a number nine, played in narrow formations, formations that use wingers, some very technical football and some direct football.
“I feel that being able to play and adapt to different styles, having experienced it first-hand through different managers and different cultures has certainly helped me learn the game.
“If I was able to try and bring that here, it could be a really good thing.”
Fisher added: “I feel as though I’ve held my own everywhere I’ve been. I’ve got a good track record and it’s about time I try and bring that track record to Mansfield.”
Despite progressing through the academy ranks to first team level at Oxford United, it is in mainland Europe over the past few years where Fisher has carved out a reputation.
The youngster spent time in Spain with Jerez Industrial in the 2010/11 season, where he was tutored by Glenn Hoddle, before enjoying later spells with KVK Tienen, Racing Mechelen and K.S.K. Heist in Belgium.
He joined A.C. Monza of Italy just under a year ago, and helped the Biancorossi to a fourth-placed finish in the eighteen-team Lega Pro Seconda Divisione last season.
“Last season I was with A.C. Monza in Serie C and it was a really nice level with a good standard of football, but quite difficult to how they play in England,” added the striker.
“It was quite nice to try and adapt to a new style of football, new style of culture and everything, and I feel it has really helped me to develop as a player.
“I hope to bring this development and the way I’ve been playing to the squad that is already here at Mansfield.”
Alex Fisher's first interview as a Mansfield Town player will be available on Stags Player later today. To subscribe, click here.
