Stags' boss Steve Evans says last night's 5-0 victory over a Malta Players Association XI is 'something to build on' after seeing his new-look squad in action for the first time.
Two separate Stags' teams played 45 minutes apiece in the win, with striker Danny Rose and midfielders Paul Digby and Will Atkinson all getting on the scoresheet, whilst frontman Lee Angol bagged a second half brace.
And the gaffer was pleased with the 'workmanlike performance' which he witnessed at the Ta 'Qali National Stadium Training Facility last night.
"It was very much a workmanlike performance, with lots of energy, we scored a few goals, didn't concede, could have scored lots more but [I was] really pleased with the industry and how they're adapting to the style that we're trying to introduce," the Stags' chief said.
"There's nothing for any supporter to look in to [with regard to team selection]. We just shaped two teams and we'll play here for 45 minutes on Saturday, amongst the squad of course, but we'll have it where we mix the group again – so it will be two different XIs and they'll play against each other.
"We're trying to get players used to playing with each other and trying to quickly come up to speed with how we want them to play. It was a good start and simply just something to build on."
"I was really pleased with the industry and how they're adapting to the style that we're trying to introduce."
The manager commended his players for their work ethic in training this week and also thanked the club's hierarchy for the professional nature of the pre-season trip.
"These lads have got an incredible attitude to work hard, they've come here and trained three times a day. There's never been one criticism, not one raised eyebrow.
"The players deserve enormous credit for adapting to what they've done, but the chairman and the chief executive, the Radford family, deserve enormous credit.
"I think we've got players who have all been successful – a lot of them have been successful in their careers at higher levels – and certainly in terms of arrangements, professionalism [and] how they've been treated, it's the best they've had in their careers. That's testament to the Radford family."
A large number of Stags' fans watched last night's pre-season fixture in Malta and the gaffer was appreciative of their fantastic support.
"When I see supporters arrive on open top buses and singing over the walls of the stadium or the training ground we're playing at, it's incredible.
"I must admit, I don't know how many are here – 500/600 Stags' fans – it's a fantastic turnout to come so far and that's why I said to the players I wanted them to go round the far side where the supporters were watching the game and just acknowledge them and appreciate them before we went and got changed.
"It's fantastic to see the players walking off amongst the supporters. It's a little bit of payback to them because they've spent hard-earned money to be here, we're here professionally, but they've spent hard-earned money to support the club they love."
Supporters can view the manager's post-match interview on iFollow Stags.
