Mansfield Town

New signing Liam Hearn wants to repay the faith shown in him by manager Paul Cox, who fought off stern competition to bring the highly-rated talisman to One Call Stadium.

Hearn, who becomes our third summer signing following the arrival of centre-back Luke Jones and striker Alex Fisher, admits he thought his chances of joining us were over.

The 28-year-old was close to signing for us last summer having recovered from a ruptured achilles tendon, before he suffered a cruciate injury midway through last term.

Despite his injury troubles, Hearn still averaged almost one goal every other appearance during a three-year spell with former employers, Grimsby Town.

Shortly after putting pen-to-paper on a deal with us, Hearn said: “I’ve known the gaffer for a long time and I had my heart set on coming here last season, but it didn’t materialise.

“This season I thought it would never happen due to my [cruciate] injury, but the gaffer has shown huge faith in me. We’ve got a deal sorted and now I’m here.

He added: “The gaffer has obviously re-iterated to a lot of people the interest he’s shown in me and how much faith he’s got in me. When a manager does that, it makes you want to play under him and do well for him.”

Hearn, who hails locally from Bulwell, began his career at Hucknall Town just over a decade ago, and was the leading marksman at Watnall Road with 16 goals in the 2003/04 campaign.

The Yellows won the Northern Premier League that season, the equivalent level to what the Conference North is now, but they were denied promotion due to ground-grading issues.

Hearn eventually moved on from Watnall Road and had spells at Quorn, Chasetown and Eastwood Town – where he linked up with our present manager for the first time.

“When I signed for Eastwood I hadn’t played for a long time and it was difficult for me to come straight in, because they were going through a kind of transitional period,” continued Hearn.

“I feel that we’ve always kept a bond and kept in contact and I want to prove him right for having his faith in me.

“Everyone will know you have good days and bad days like most managers, but the one thing I like about him is you get what you see. He won’t lie to you. He’ll tell you how it is.

“As a player, you appreciate that and it’s what you need sometimes.”

Despite his injury setbacks in the last couple of seasons, the striker, who also scored 45 goals in 76 outings during a three-year spell at Alfreton Town, says he is now injury-free.

“I’m fine. I’ve done a lot of work with the physio (Chris Bowman) in the summer and he’s really pleased with my rehabilitation,” added Hearn.

“Through working with him I’ve gained a better understanding of the injury what I’ve had. Hopefully, I’m looking forward to having an injury-free year and being in the best condition that I can be.”