Mansfield Town midfielder Louis Reed has expressed his surprise and pride at being named captain in the absence of injured skipper Aden Flint.
Reed, 26, has been integral to the Stags’ strong start to the season, helping them aim for a sixth consecutive league win this weekend.
Reed Reflects on Captaincy
Reed began his career with Sheffield United and later had stints at clubs like Peterborough United and Swindon Town before a move to Field Mill. In a candid reflection on getting the Stags captaincy, Reed admitted:
“It’s been a real honour and a bit of a shock. There are other lads in the squad that I would personally put before me as captain. I walked into the changing room and the team sheet went up about an hour before kick-off and a little ‘C’ was below my name. It didn’t really sink in until after the game… it was a proud moment.”
Reed, who joined Mansfield in 2023, emphasised his desire to lead by example on the pitch rather than altering his approach simply because of the captain’s armband. Despite not seeing himself as the obvious choice, he has embraced the role with humility, focusing on consistency in his performances.
Mansfield’s Strong Start
The Stags have enjoyed a positive start to their League One campaign, currently flying high with an impressive unbeaten streak. After a brief break for international fixtures, Reed said the team is ready to push on, although some players were eager to continue their momentum without the interruption.
“The lads are well-rested now, and hopefully, we’ll hit the ground running again,”
Reed added, noting the importance of balance between rest and maintaining form. He also acknowledged the squad’s strong confidence, stemming from the continuity of players who have been together for multiple seasons.
Writer’s View
Louis Reed’s reaction to being named captain highlights his humble and team-first mentality. While he may not have initially seen himself as a natural leader, his focus on leading by example has earned him respect on and off the pitch. As Mansfield continues its strong form in League One, Reed’s calm leadership and consistency could play a vital role in sustaining the team’s momentum throughout the season.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
