MATT Preston has turned down the chance to stay at Swindon Town next season after signing a deal to join former County Ground manager David Flitcroft at Mansfield Town.

Central defender Preston was one of six Swindon players out of contract this summer to be offered fresh terms to remain at SN1.

However, the 23-year-old has instead opted to reunite the man who first brought him to Swindon last September and joins Flitcroft’s Stags.

“It’s a new challenge for me and I feel like I will thrive under the gaffer and Futch (assistant manager Ben Futcher).

“They are the right mentors for me to improve personally and I enjoyed my time working with them previously at Swindon.

“I feel I have made the best decision for me to keep developing as a player.

“I’ve researched the club and the fans get behind the players here. It’s a massive thing to know that, as a player, you’re coming to a club where the fans are supporting you in the stands.”

Preston joined Swindon on a free transfer late last summer after spending his early career at Walsall.

He made 26 appearances in total, scoring three goals, but saw his season ended in mid-February due to a knee injury.