Defender Ryan Sweeney revealed he was ‘buzzing’ to have made the permanent switch to Mansfield Town following his side’s enthralling 1-1 draw with Forest Green Rovers.
Prior to kick-off at The New Lawn, where the Stags earned a deserved point, Sweeney cemented his place in the Mansfield ranks via a permanent move from Stoke City.
After 23 appearances and a solitary goal against Stevenage, the commanding centre-half has slotted into the back-three with ease.
And Sweeney, who has chalked up 12 clean sheets this season, disclosed his delight at signing a two-and-a-half year deal under David Flitcroft’s stewardship.
“The gaffer put it to me last month and I was really interested,” he said.
“Working with him and Futch day in, day out I feel as though I’m improving, especially in the way he has us set up.
“We’re solid at the back and it’s something I was really, really excited about and I was buzzing when it was done today.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time – and I’m really excited about the prospect of the next two-and-a-half years here.”
“I think it’s all down to the environment the gaffer has us in. I’ve said before it’s an easy side to come into – everyone knows their roles and responsibilities – so it’s one of them where I try to give 100 percent every game.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time – and I’m really excited about the prospect of the next two-and-a-half years here.”
The 21-year-old completed yet another 90 minutes in Gloucestershire as Jorge Grant’s first-half opener was cancelled out by substitute Reuben Reid.
It meant that both sides walked away with a point apiece, and Sweeney was quick to praise his teammates’ work ethic that earned a battling point.
“I thought our shape was really good without the ball, and Mellis and Bishop were getting in really good positions in front of us.
“Nicking the ball back meant we looked good on the counter attack. We’ve hit the woodwork twice and scored a great goal – it was a great finish by [Jorge] Granty.
“We knew second half they would have a response because they’re a good side, especially at home, and they scored a good goal after bombarding us.
“But we come to these places where the conditions are tricky and we’ll take well-earned point.”
Sweeney then reflected upon the work that was undertaken in training to ensure that the Stags would not go home empty handed.
“We spoke about setting traps yesterday and they left themselves exposed to our players who have good pace,” he divulged.
“That was the game plan that worked well first half. They changed it a little second half and we struggled to get to grips with it a little bit but that’ll happen.
“You can’t dominate every game but we dug in to take a point.
“We knew that they were a good side because we had done our homework on them and they’ve been on a good run of form.
“The boys dug in really well second half, and when games aren’t going your way you have to try your best, which I thought we did tonight.”
iFollow Stags subscribers can watch the defender's interview in full by logging into mansfieldtown.net/ifollow later this evening.
