PAUL Cox is 'chuffed' Paul Edwards has joined Mansfield Town on loan – having first tried to sign the pacy left-back in the summer.

The Stags boss was trailing the player when he left Barrow at the end of 2010-11.

But big-spenders Fleetwood stepped in to keep the 32-year-old – who has made more than 200 Football League appearances for the likes of Wrexham, Blackpool, Oldham and Port Vale – in the north-west.

However, Edwards has yet to make a senior appearance for the Cod Army this season and Stags quickly made a move.

"We had a period in the summer where left-backs were coming and going on trial and Paul was one in the background I wanted to sign," said Cox.

"I have been watching him for a while but it has come out of the blue. It was a surprise he became available.

"First and foremost he is a good defender, but he also has a good left foot going forward

"Hopefully it will lead to a longer stay for Paul whether we extend the loan or make it permanent."