Wing-back Gethin Jones commended the extra support created by Stags’ under-18s go free offer which will again be in operation for this Saturday’s clash against Cheltenham Town.
Jones noted that the offer – that has already seen bumper crowds for previous home outings against Macclesfield Town and Forest Green Rovers – is something that gives Mansfield an extra boost.
“I haven’t been used to that with other clubs,” the Welshman began. “I think it’s really good that Mansfield do that for the younger people to come down and watch.
“It definitely helped us on Saturday getting the atmosphere going, and it helped us get across the line.
“Coming into the game against Forest Green we worked hard on the training pitch and went back to our roots. We played really well and the lads were buzzing about the result.”
"I think it’s really good that Mansfield do that for the younger people to come down and watch. It definitely helped us on Saturday getting the atmosphere going, and it helped us get across the line."
Jones secured a temporary switch to One Call Stadium at the back-end of last month as he sought regular first-team opportunities.
The wing-back has subsequently made five appearances for his current side – including two starts in the Stags’ previous two matches – and will be pushing for his third against Cheltenham Town this Saturday.
He cited Stags’ boss David Flitcroft as a key figure behind his quick integration into his role with Mansfield.
“He [Flitcroft] has helped me a lot with different aspects,” he continued. “On Saturday I was able to get a few shots off, which is not normally like me, but I was really happy with the performance.
“Getting up the pitch is not something I’ve been used to in the past but I’m getting more used to it with training; working hard on the training pitch means it’ll come off on Saturdays too.
“I played there a few times when I was with Everton, but obviously the last two years [with Fleetwood] had mainly been as a right-back.
“I know how to play the position and the gaffer’s been helping me on how to play it the best kind of way.
“When I was at Fleetwood it was four at the back so I was playing more defensively – but playing as a right wing-back is something I like to do, so I can drive forward with the ball. I’m really enjoying it.”
The 23-year-old, who is a product of the Everton academy, has been with the Stags for exactly a month and admitted it has been easy to settle into a good environment.
“I’ve settled in really well. I know all the players now, they’ve been really welcoming, and the staff have been good with me too.
“I moved up here to stay three or four times week in the house with Ryan Sweeney – he’s good as well.
“I’ve walked into a really good environment. All the lads are buzzing with how they’ve played this season and it’s something that I’ve thrived off.
“We played alright in the first few games and then dipped a bit with some results, but the performance we put out against Forest Green on Saturday is exactly what the lads are all about.”
iFollow Stags subscribers can watch Gethin's interview in full by logging into mansfieldtown.net/ifollow later today.
To read more about our FREE ticket offer for under-18s ahead of this weekend's match against Cheltenham Town at One Call Stadium, click here.
