You will probably already know that the 29^th December 2009 marks exactly a year to the day that manager David Holdsworth first put pen to paper and took over the helm here at Field Mill.

A lot has happened since then and to mark the occasion www.mansfieldtown.net speaks exclusively to the man himself.

After cutting his managerial teeth at Conference North side and near neighbours Ilkeston Town, Holdsworth was thrown in at the deep end and immediately charged with leading us away from danger as we sat in 18^th place in the Blue Square Premier and only two points above the relegation places.

Fully aware of the set of circumstances that he was presented with, Holdsworth set about the task with relish by bringing in new personnel and changing the defeatist mentality among the squad.

"When I came here we were virtually in the relegation places and I had to stabilise the club on and off the pitch," he recalls.

"Different managers have different styles but the first thing I wanted to change here was the professionalism of the players. Fitness levels were also something that I had to change dramatically and very quickly."

Key signings were made last January such as goalkeeper Alan Marriott, centre half Scott Garner and current top scorer Rob Duffy whose impressions were felt immediately as we won four of the gaffer's first five games in charge and set a club record of six consecutive clean sheets at home shortly after.



"Last season was a success for me. We were fighting a battle that was going to be a tough one and the impact the players made was very impressive. I am delighted that we got this club into a safe and stable position," the boss reflected.

"Changes were inevitable as we had 21 players nearly out of contract and I had to make sure we were playing attacking football but also playing very tight."

Holdsworth attributes much of our escape act and eventual 12^th place finish to the healthy relationship that he enjoys with the Chairman and the Board.  He added: "I have lots of respect for them. I know where I can and can't go with the budget and I am transparent. I don't hide anything from them and we all like winning.

"One other thing we all have in common is that we want to take this club forward as much and as quickly as possible."

Going into the New Year, our fortunes have drastically improved from 12 months ago and we find ourselves in fourth place and with every chance of being in the play offs come the end of the season.

In typically modest fashion, Holdsworth refuses to take all the plaudits and said: "I am incredibly proud. I am not someone who needs a pat on the back but there is a good vibe at the club and standards are high.

"The players are training very hard and inside the club we are much healthier.

"This year has been enjoyable and I am grateful to all the staff - Gareth Holmes (coach), Jason Truscott (physio) and Mike Whitlow (head of youth)."

After an action packed year, the manager was hard pressed to pick a best moment due to the continued success that we have had on the pitch.



"It's extremely hard as there have been many good times but the opening game of the season against Crawley stands out," he said.
"I have enormous respect for Steve Evans but it was good to give a strong Crawley side a good walloping and it quickly introduced some of the preseason signings to this football club.

"There is certainly not a most disappointing moment as I am not a negative person and I accept that I cannot win every game. I was unhappy to go out of the FA Cup though."

Attempting to summarise his time here so far he continued: "Things have gone very well. I am pleased with the structure of the club and the work ethic.

"You need a tough exterior in this job and I have learned to find that."

Looking to the future he added: "We will fight for every point, we will keep our eye on the ball and won't give up the fight. We will push all the way.

"Other clubs may have bigger playing budgets but we have a bigger heartbeat."