Mansfield Town

Defender Michael Raynes says the way that boss Adam Murray wants his team to play football was a major factor in his move to Mansfield Town.

The 27-year-old, who operates at centre-back, was unveiled as our sixth signing of the transfer window earlier today – agreeing a deal until the end of the season.

Raynes boasts plenty of pedigree at this level. Most recently with Oxford United, where he enjoyed a two-and-a-half-year stay, the defender also helped Stockport County to promotion from this league in 2007/08.

“I’m glad it’s all over,” said Raynes. “It’s been a tough couple of days. Obviously I left Oxford and being out of work is a bit scary. When this came about I jumped at the chance to come and play here.

“To leave a club after two-and-a-half years, where I’ve had security for that time, and to go into the big bad world was scary. I had a couple of calls, then it all went quiet, then it picked up again, which is the way that football is.

“I think I left Oxford at a bad time as it was a week before the transfer window opened and nobody could do anything. I had a couple of offers, but this one seemed like the right move for me. 

“I spoke to the gaffer [Adam Murray] and everything fell into place.”

Asked why a move to One Call Stadium appealed to him, he said: “The way [the manager wants the team] to play seemed like it had my name written all over it.

“I’ve heard the team is trying to change [the way they play]. They had a perception for being a very long ball team over the last couple of years, but I think you need to have both sides of a game to do well in this league.

“Looking at the boys [in training] today, there’s players here who can do that. When you’ve got to go long, you do it, but there are some very good footballers in the changing room too.

“For me it’s the perfect signs of a club that wants to do well in this league.”

He continued: “My agent has got a couple of other players here. He said that the way things are going it looks like it’s a good club to be at, and I’ve always enjoyed playing here.

“So I’m glad to be back up north after being down south for two-and-a-half years. I’m a northern boy and I needed to get back home.”

Raynes also revealed he consulted with winger Junior Brown, who was his team-mate at the Kassam Stadium, before agreeing this move.

“I spoke to Junior,” added the defender. “We went through a similar phase [at Oxford] and we knew our time was up there. He sung the praises of the gaffer here and couldn’t have sold the club to me any more.”