Striker Mikael Mandron hopes his firepower and experience can help Motherwell rocket up the Premiership table.
The 28-year-old bagged a double in Saturday’s 2-0 Scottish Cup fourth round victory at Arbroath on his first start for the club and will now hope to take his scoring form into the league, with the Steelmen travelling to St Mirren this weekend.
The Frenchman started his career at Sunderland’s academy and it has since taken him to stints at Fleetwood Town, Shrewsbury, Wigan Athletic, Colchester United and Crewe Alexandra, amongst others.
Joining from Gillingham, Mandron admits that moving from a top club like Sunderland to lower leagues toughened him up, and says the ability to adapt can stand him in good stead at Fir Park.
“I’ve got a lot of experience. I think that will really help me here,” said the Frenchman.
“I’ve played almost everywhere in England. I’ve moved up and down the country and played in pretty much almost all the leagues in England, so I think that helps, coming here, and being able to adapt. I’ve experienced different types of football in different leagues which will definitely help.
“It was great coming through at Sunderland. Especially at the time that I was coming through, Sunderland was one of the top-five academies at the time.
“There were great people there – great staff, great players, and I really enjoyed my time there.
“The way they developed players was really good, and I just have great memories there.
“Going from there to [smaller clubs] toughens you up. I think that’s part of your journey as a football player, being able to adapt to different types of clubs, league, and different types of football, and that always makes you better.”
Mandron made his debut off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Ross County at Fir Park on January 14 and he says though there has been previous interest from Scotland, this is the time for him to try something new.
“It was a great experience for me to come on and make my debut,” he said. “I really enjoyed it and the lads are great.
“Everybody here welcomed me with open arms, everybody is sound, everybody is very friendly, so it was so easy for me. I really enjoy training, a lot of possession games, and you can tell there’s a lot of quality within the team, and it has honestly been great for me.
“Why Motherwell? To be fair, there has been interest for me to play in Scotland for a while. My agent has mentioned it for a while and some of my family members as well.
“It’s just a case of timing and opportunity.
“It was just the right time for me, and when I spoke with the manager ahead of singing, it really sounded great.
“Their philosophy is to play, pass the ball and things like that, which was very attractive for me and so far I’ve really enjoyed it.
“For those who don’t know about me, I’m the type who works very hard. I will always give my best.
“My strength is that I can do a bit of everything. I’m very good at linking the play, short passes and stuff, but also getting goals.
“I’m good in the air, with my size, and I’ve got a decent left foot as well.”
After netting his first goals for the club, Mandron added: “I am very aware of the situation and I will do my best to help the team. Hopefully, I can use my experience, my energy and to give everything on the pitch to help the team.
“Two goals is part of what I can bring to the team.
“The lads are great and I get the impression that it is a really good football club that is well run. Everyone is together, getting on and we are going in the right direction.
“Sometimes you need new faces to bring a new energy and hopefully I can help do that.”
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