Mansfield Town shot-stopper Scott Flinders lauded the club he joined in the summer, describing the Stags in a news conference today as ‘absolutely fantastic’ with a ‘real family feel’.
The 36-year-old was Stags’ first new signing ahead of this season on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Cheltenham Town.
Christy Pym’s absence saw the experienced ‘keeper make his first league appearance of the season on Saturday.
Flinders made a number of saves during Saturday’s 4-1 win against Doncaster which helped Mansfield earn maximum points at One Call Stadium.
Speaking on his time in a Stags’ shirt so far, Scott said: “[I’ve] Absolutely loved [my time here so far]. The club is absolutely fantastic, I love that family feel to a club and this [club] has definitely got it. When you walk around the training ground and whether it’s [the] volunteers or people that work here it’s all in for Mansfield Town and from the first day I stepped through the door it’s been top draw.”
On Saturday’s 4-1 win against Doncaster, he said: “[It was a] brilliant result, hopefully it was a great weekend for everyone else. Brilliant three points, brilliant atmosphere. Going into this week [it’s a case of] building towards Bradford [City] now.
“I thought we were excellent, right from the first second. Oatesy [Rhys Oates] closing down and we score after 27 seconds. [It was] a great start and a good performance all round.”
Assessing his own display against Rovers, the 'keeper said: “I was happy. It’s always hard coming [in] from the cold [after not playing on a regular basis] but I was just glad to get the three points.
“[My best save of the game was] Just reactive, something that you work on in training, day in and day out. I’m happy to help out in what was a crucial time in that moment.
“Four brilliant goals [scored by the lads] as well.”
As well as making a number of strong saves, Flinders also made an assist for Lucas Akins’ strike on the hour mark with a direct kick upfield.
“To be honest I was actually going to throw it out to Kez [Kieran Wallace] and then I’ve changed my mind and [went with] the old-fashioned route one shall we call it and it was a great finish from Lukey [Lucas Akins] as well."
When asked if he is set to start on Saturday against Bradford City, Scott said: “In my eyes Pymy [Christy Pym] has been excellent this season. [I’m happy to play and] if I’m back on the bench I’ll support Christy as much as I can."
