Mansfield Town forward Tyler Roberts says he still feels the same way he did in the summer when he decided to stay with the Stags, saying his time there made him love the game again.
The Wales striker was initially signed on a season-long loan from Birmingham City last term before staying at Mansfield on a deal until the end of the 2025-26 season after his Blues contract expired.
Advertisement
The 27-year-old then agreed a new 12-month deal in May after scoring four times in 19 league games.
When the deal was announced, Roberts said the club had helped him “fall in love” with football again after a difficult time with injury and making 62 appearances in three seasons for Queens Park Rangers, Blues and Northampton Town before joining Mansfield.
“I think it was a big comment from me last year but probably the most true one of all,” Roberts told BBC Radio Nottingham.
“A few years ago it was so difficult for me in terms of injuries, changes of managers, I was treated in some places along the way, so coming here and feeling the love and appreciation and the family club that Mansfield is, it really made me fall back in love with football.
Advertisement
“Even though I had a few injuries, I’m back on the pitch and I’m smiling right away. I’m sure I still have the same feeling I did last year.”
Roberts added that one of the appeals of the Stadium is “a great place to showcase my talent” and “go beyond these years”, and boss Nigel Clough believed and the way the team plays as the key to that part.
“The manager gives the players a lot of control, the ability to do what you need to do. On the pitch we are very possession based, high pressure, we want to attack and that’s what I love about football,” Roberts added.
“The manager gives me permission to express myself in the final third and create opportunities.
Advertisement
“I think it’s been a positive start to the season. The league is competitive, but it’s also open this year, so I believe we have the squad and the capabilities to really push and be around the top six spot.”