by Nick Lough
It's always hard to replace a fans' favourite when he is cruelly struck down through injury, but Mansfield Town's on-loan left-back Blair Adams is proving a hit with supporters at the One Call Stadium.
With Mal Benning side-lined by a serious knee injury in October, Stags boss Adam Murray called on neighbours Notts County for Adams, who was out of the Magpies' side.
And the 24-year-old has proven a solid performer since his debut at Yeovil.
“I didn't really feel any pressure,” he said. “Injuries happen all the time and I just had to come in and concentrate on myself.
“It was great to have the chance to go out and be part of a starting line-up again.
“I had a couple of niggles this season, but it has been really frustrating not even being part of the squad – and, being out of contract at the end of the season, I had to get some games.
“I've watched some of Mal's goals and they were incredible. I've been told he's been brilliant, but it's up to me to come in and do well.”
Having featured just twice in the opening months of the season, in which one of the games came against Mansfield, Adams felt his chances in a black and white shirt were slim.
“It was really difficult just sitting watching games from the stand,” he said.
“I needed to play some games and it was a perfect move. With it being so close I didn't need to move, which has helped me settle.
“Mansfield welcomed me with open arms, but I'm not too sure how the County fans feel about it with the rivalry!”
Having come through the ranks at Sunderland, Adams admits he will always benefit from his Premier League upbringing in one of the country's finest academies.
He said: “I can't praise the staff at Sunderland enough for what they did for me.
“Kevin Ball was my youth team coach and he played a massive part in helping me build a career in the Football League. Academy manager Ged McNamee, too, for all his work.
“Being on the bench against Chelsea, when we beat them 3-0 back in 2012, was just a magical day for me.
“Although I never got on and never actually made my debut, nobody will ever take away those experiences.”
Adams' future is undecided at present, with his loan spell at promotion-chasing Mansfield ending in January.
The South Shields-born defender would like to finish what he started and see the Stags up to League One, if given the chance.
“I've loved every minute of it so far,” he added.
“It's nice playing in a side that are in the top half of the table and, because I've enjoyed it so much and I've played quite a big chunk of games, it would be good to see where this can go.
“It's up to Mansfield what they want to do but I'm really enjoying my football. I'm enjoying being a part of such a close, tight-knit group – we're all good mates!”
*This article was originally published in The FLP on 20 December 2015.
