Mansfield Town midfielder Stephen Quinn says he’s ‘grateful’ to Stags’ supporters and the club after signing a new one-year deal this afternoon.
The 37-year-old, who first joined the club on loan in January 2021, has since become a fans’ favourite and key player in Nigel Clough’s squad.
Speaking to iFollow Stags after extending his stay, Quinn said: “I’m very grateful to the club for giving me another season.
“It was really nice for fans and staff who were pushing for me to get another season. I feel very good, probably better than this time last year.
“I’m buzzing. I can’t wait. Bring on next season.”
When asked about the factors he weighed ahead of signing a new deal, the Irishman said: “[I feel] Really good. I’m here for another season and I’m really delighted to get it over the line.
“I’m very much excited again for the new season to start.
“There were loads of factors, the biggest one was trying to get out of this league.
“That’s most important to me and everyone around. The chairman, the manager, they’re building something good here and I want to be a part of it, and I want to be involved in another promotion.”
Quinn went on to reflect on last campaign.
“The injuries didn’t help,” he said.
“They played a major factor in our push for the play-offs.
“Some key players were out missing at key stages in the season, but we’ve kept the nucleus of the squad and hopefully we can build on it.
“That’s something I’m really looking forward to for next season, seeing the lads progress again.
“There are some great players in our squad, so we just need to keep them on the pitch and that’ll be a driving force for us next season.”
When asked if the midfield area is as strong as it’s ever been, Quinn said: “Most definitely.
“It was packed last season [with quality] but it was very unfortunate that George [Maris] with his Achilles [injury was out] and Ollie Clarke had a few weeks on the sidelines and then [Anthony] Hartigan and Reedy [Louis Reed] who’d just come in and started to play well.
“The quality is really there in the midfield.”
Forward Will Swan also extended his stay at Mansfield last week, signing on a permanent basis from Nottingham Forest.
“It [Swan’s signing] shows the level of commitment from the club. The chairman has this burning desire to take this club and this town all the way.
“It’s really good to see and Swanny deserves it, he’s been brilliant, and he’s got a hell of a future ahead of him.
“It’s brilliant to get Swanny in the door from a Premier League club.”
When asked if this season will be his last, the former Republic of Ireland international replied: “I’m not sure to be honest. You can never say never but I would love to finish on a promotion.”
