Louis Reed offered his reflection on Mansfield’s ‘special season’ following the team’s 1-1 draw away to Barrow on the final day of the League Two season.
Stags sensationally secured promotion to Sky Bet League One with two games to play earlier in the month.
Reed hopes the Stags can kick-on again in the next campaign.
Speaking to iFollow Stags after the match, Reed reflected on the draw, saying: “[It was] A real battle. They were pushing to get a goal right at the end so it left it quite open. [It made the game] Quite end-to-end which we probably didn’t need.
“It was an enjoyable game to be a part of. It’s a shame we couldn’t finish with a win but we set out to get promoted at the start of the season and that’s what we’ve done.
“As the game got more open we had a lot of chances and we could have put it to bed. It’s disappointing that we’ve missed out on that second spot but to seal promotion the way we’ve done it - with two games to go - it’s happy days in there [the dressing room].”
The vitally-important midfielder summed up his post-promotion feelings: “[It’s been] A special season. I’ve not been involved with many groups as special as this one. So to do it with this group of people, all the staff, the management, the back room staff, it’s been definitely one to remember.
“Hard work comes down to [a lot of what we’ve achieved this season]. We’ve got a really honest group of lads in there that will work day in and day out for each other and I think that’s shown.
“I’ve watched so many YouTube videos these last few months looking back at special days that we’ve had. Obviously Notts County away was unbelievable, the fans at MK Dons away, there’s too many to mention. It’s been a special season.
“We can get our feet up now and celebrate a bit more but we know we’ve got a tough test next season.”
The 26-year-old feels as though Mansfield are in position to continue their progress in the next campaign: “I can’t wait to get going to be honest.
“Everyone is confident in there and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
