DAVID Holdsworth has not got a bad word to say about Sheffield United.

Having spent 15 years at Watford as a player, it was always going to be a wrench for him to leave Vicarage Road.

But when he did make the move to venture north to join the Blades, the former defender was to have no cause for regret whatsoever.

In his three years at Bramall Lane, he became a real fans' favourite, taking over the captain's armband.

And it says much about his affinity for the club and city that he still lives there despite subsequent spells at Birmingham, Walsall, Gretna, MK Dons, Ilkeston and now Mansfield as first player and then manager.

Holdsworth was delighted when United agreed to make the short trip down the M1 from South Yorkshire to open up the Stags' pre-season campaign.

And he is hoping both clubs can put on an entertaining show at Field Mill today in what is the start of the club's centenary season under their current name.

"I think Sheffield United are a fantastic club with a tremendous history and support – and it's a real coup to get them to Field Mill to play us," said Holdsworth.

"I was at Watford a long time but I struck up a good relationship with everyone at the club. It's close to my heart.

"It is good of Kevin Blackwell to agree to it and I think he is keen on bringing the majority of their first team squad.

"They have made a few signings (Daniel Bogdanovic, Leon Britton and Johnny Ertl) and I'm sure they will bring a few fans who are keen to see them play.

"With it being our centenary as Mansfield Town we wanted a good game to start the season and we believe this is it."

With Mansfield's players still building their fitness for the first game of the new league season against Forest Green on August 14, Holdsworth says he will not be pushing his charges too hard.

Two familiar faces will be back at Field Mill, as striker Mickey Boulding and his brother Rory are on trial, training with the Stags and will play some part in the match.

Holdsworth added: "To let the players go at it hell for leather would be reckless. They will only be ten days into their full pre-season training at that point and it is a case of easing them in.

"There are still plenty of friendlies to come after this one and ideally I would like to give most of them 45 minutes each."

The game will give Mansfield fans the first chance to look at Holdsworth's acquisitions.

So far, they include Steve Foster, Chris Smith, Kevin Sandwith, Paul Stonehouse and Adam Smith.

"Hopefully the fans will look forward to seeing the players," said Holdsworth. "They will be looking forward to having their first run out at Field Mill as Mansfield Town players."