New signing Martin Riley has stated that he has "unfinished business" after re-signing for the club yesterday.
Riley was a popular figure during his previous spell with us in the 2011/12 campaign, where he became a key figure in our side which reached the Conference Premier Play-Offs that term.
Despite collecting an FA Trophy winners medal at Wrexham last season, the 26-year-old was unable to help the Reds land a place in the Football League.
And the 6ft centre-back admitted that our new found status as a Football League outfit, had a major influence on his decision to return to One Call Stadium.
Martin Riley is speaking to our Head of Media & Communications
Martin Riley is speaking to our Head of Media & Communications
He said: "The fact that [Mansfield Town] are a league club now is massive. I spoke to a few clubs in the league about possibly joining them, but there was one place that I wanted to go.
"The gaffer, a lot of players and the fans all know me, and that helps. I know them too, so hopefully it's going to be a smooth transition. Without a doubt, it feels like unfinished business to be back.
"I don't go into any team expecting to start - you have to earn that. But I back my ability to establish a place in the team and show the gaffer what I'm about."
Riley, who began his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers, continued: "I've been lucky in that every club I've been at, I've had a great rapport with the fans.
"Hopefully, they'll take to me again - and we'll see if they'll sing that song too! It was a great song! What I'm hoping to do now is consistently perform for Mansfield Town in a higher league.
"Obviously I'm still the same player, but I've got that little bit more experience. I played 44 games [for Wrexham] last season, and it was the most consistent in my career."
During Riley's spell at One Call Stadium, the 26-year-old formed a close bond with striker Matt Green, for whom he was full of admiration.
"He's a good friend of mine, so we spoke all season. Hopefully, if he signs back here, which I hope he does, it'll just be like the old times.
"We are very close, but we're competitive too. In my last spell here, I think he split my eye open in one training session, but that's the way we've always been against each other and it's healthy for both of us."
