New midfielder Willem Tomlinson says that manager David Flitcroft’s willingness to win and develop young players are the main reasons he opted to sign for the Stags.
We announced yesterday that the 21-year-old has signed for Mansfield on an 18-month deal.
The former Blackburn midfielder expressed his ‘delight’ to join the amber and blue, and says his immediate aim is to be a part of this season’s promotion push.
“I’m delighted to be here,” said Tomlinson. “I got the call this morning and I just couldn’t turn it down. It’s such a good move for me.
“I had a chat with the gaffer and he sold it to me. He told me that we just want to win here, and that he wants to develop players.
“I fully believed everything that he had to say and I can’t wait to get started.
“First and foremost I want to be getting promotion this season. We’re in a good position to get promoted and I want to be a big help until the end of the season to secure it.”
Tomlinson spent the first half of the season at Blackburn, after graduating from the club’s academy in 2015. The midfielder says his time with Rovers taught him how to win.
“I learned a lot [at Blackburn] – when I signed we were in the Premier League. We were sturdy in the Championship and that’s when I started coming through.
“I came through the season we got relegated, making my debut against [Manchester] United [in the FA Cup].
“We went into League One but came straight back up, and I was in and around that squad all season.
“I saw what it was like to win. The lads wanted to win every day. I saw what it was like to get promotion and I was lucky to be involved in it.
“It’s been a frustrating season so far. I’ve not really been involved in the [Blackburn] first team and made just one appearance.
“Since October I’ve been wanting to get out to go and showcase what I can do at another club.”
Tomlinson also touched on the qualities he will bring to Mansfield.
“I’m about hard work. I can give a tackle, can play forward, and I just love to get on the ball and move forward.
“I’m going to work hard and give it everything I have every week when they [supporters] come and watch. Hopefully I won’t disappoint.”
iFollow Stags subscribers can watch the midfielder’s interview in full by logging into mansfieldtown.net/ifollow.
