New signing Pat Hoban is determined to 'make a difference' at Mansfield after as he embarks on a new chapter of his career.
The ex-Oxford United striker admitted that he had not reached the form of which he is capable in the past 18 months and praised Stags' boss Adam Murray for handing him a fresh start.
Stags' boss Adam Murray has already indicated that Hoban will perform a 'hold up' role, with his skills being used to maximise Stags' territorial advantage in the final third of the field, it is hoped.
Speaking about the Stags' manager, Hoban said: “He (Adam Murray) has shown massive interest in me (and) he has already explained what he wants from me.
Stags' boss Adam Murray has already indicated that Hoban will perform a 'hold up' role, with his skills being used to maximise Stags' territorial advantage in the final third of the field, it is hoped.
Speaking about the Stags' manager, Hoban said: “He (Adam Murray) has shown massive interest in me (and) he has already explained what he wants from me.
"I’m delighted to be here and I’m delighted to get that kind of interest.
"Once I heard Mansfield were interested it was ‘yes’ straight away. I was just buzzing when I got the call to sign for Mansfield and hopefully I can do well here.”
"Once I heard Mansfield were interested it was ‘yes’ straight away. I was just buzzing when I got the call to sign for Mansfield and hopefully I can do well here.”
"When someone wants you that just makes you feel so much better inside.
“He wants me to be a 'platform player' so I think that will work wonders for me, I’m not saying I can’t handle the pressure but it will take a bit of pressure off the goals' side"
“He wants me to be a 'platform player' so I think that will work wonders for me, I’m not saying I can’t handle the pressure but it will take a bit of pressure off the goals' side"
Hoban joined Oxford from Dundalk in 2014 following a prolific spell for the League of Ireland side and had spells on loan last season at League Two Stevenage, ending the season at Grimsby Town, who finished the were promoted as winners of the play-offs in the Vanarama National League.
Commenting on his time at the Kassam Stadium, Hoban said: “It was mixed emotions really. Oxford got promoted with a very good side [but] I never really got my chance there."
Explaining his style of play, Hoban added: "[I'm an] old-fashioned number nine who gets into the box and scores goals. I like to hold the ball up and bring others into the team by holding it in the final third for long periods, hopefully get some crosses into the box and score some goals."
Commenting on his time at the Kassam Stadium, Hoban said: “It was mixed emotions really. Oxford got promoted with a very good side [but] I never really got my chance there."
Explaining his style of play, Hoban added: "[I'm an] old-fashioned number nine who gets into the box and scores goals. I like to hold the ball up and bring others into the team by holding it in the final third for long periods, hopefully get some crosses into the box and score some goals."
