Experienced defender James Perch has thanked Stags’ supporters, saying ‘they’ve been superb all season and never let us down’.
The centre-back has made 44 appearances in all competitions this term and has added vital experience to a side which has been struck with a plethora of injuries.
The Mansfield-born defender helped the Stags to a clean sheet in a 2-0 win on the final day of the season against Colchester United in Essex.
Reflecting on the 2022/23 campaign, Perch said: “[I’m] tired and just gutted.
“The fans have come today in numbers, and they were brilliant.
“They came here to see us have that last push into the play-offs and it didn’t quite work but they’ve been superb all season and they’ve never let us down.”
Analysing today’s victory at Colchester, James said: “First of all, today’s win was a good performance and a very good win.
“In the end it doesn’t feel like that because we haven’t made the play-offs. I think we were one goal off [which saw Salford secure seventh in Sky Bet League Two].
“We had enough chances today to get that third goal.”
Analysing the season in more depth, he added: “When you’re 4-0 up against Crawley [and concede, and then] concede a late goal against Swindon… when you look back, those goals have effectively cost us.
“The gaffer mentioned in the dressing room that we’ve got [one of] the best away records in the league and when you look back at last year, we probably had the best home record.
“It’s flipped on its head a little bit [this season] but that’s something we can take into next season and try and get both [home and away records] working together.”
Speaking on his contract, which is set to expire, James said: “I think we’ve got a few days off now and then [we’ve got] meetings with the gaffer this week and we’ll see what he says.
“If he wants to keep me, I’ll stay, I’m more than happy here.
“I’ve loved it ever since I’ve come through the door and I loved it even when I was a kid. I have a big affiliation with the club.”
When asked of his final thoughts on Stags’ campaign, Perch said: “Thanks to everyone who’s supported us this year. Hopefully next year we can do it.
“It’s been a tough year, the lads have grafted, especially with the injuries we’ve had.
“The lads have stuck together and they’ve fought like the fans have for us.
“I want to say a massive thank you to them. See you all next year hopefully.”
