MANSFIELD Town have acquired one of the Blue Square Bet Premier's best left-backs in Paul Stonehouse, according to former Stag Craig Armstrong.

Forest Green Rovers offered their former youth product a new deal at the end of the season, having made more than 150 appearances for the club.

But Mansfield stepped in to snap up the 22-year-old, who can also play as a left-sided midfielder, on a one-year deal.

Armstrong was loaned out to Rovers towards the end of last season, where he played in the middle of their defence alongside Stonehouse.

After becoming player-coach at the New Lawn under Dave Hockaday for 2010-2011, he is upset to see the talented player leaving for his one-time employers.

"It is a shame to see Stoney leaving Forest Green, but Mansfield have got themselves one of the best in that position in the division," said Armstrong. "He's not the tallest, but he's not bad in the air and he's certainly very good on the ball.

"Stoney is very fit and works very hard up and down the wing and at 22 there is more to come from him.

"When David Holdsworth rang me about him I told him good things and when Stoney asked me about Mansfield I told him training would be tough but Mansfield are a club wanting to win matches."

Armstrong revealed he had a hand in persuading Luke Jones, released by Mansfield at the end of the season, to join him in Gloucestershire.

Armstrong said: "I encouraged David to make enquiries about Jonah and everyone came back saying he came highly recommended."