Football Season Guide

John Radford will be hoping he will finally be rewarded for his investment in Mansfield Town with promotion to League One. Having come so close to promotion in 2019, the Stags have endured two disappointing seasons, the most recent under experienced manager Nigel Clough. His appointment represented something of a coup, having previously managed East Midlands giants Derby County, and he had an immediate impact which meant a relegation battle was never on the cards. However 2021 has been a depressing year with poor results and performances and the pressure is on to get it right this time around. Clough has allowed several players to leave the club this summer, including goalkeeper Aidan Stone and striker Jamie Reid, who have joined Port Vale and Stevenage respectively. He has pulled off something of a coup in season-loan capture of Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop whilst the signing of three strikers will have made their rivals take note. Striker Danny Johnson was a regular goalscorer at Leyton Orient whilst striker Rhys Oates was player-of-the-season as Hartlepool United won promotion via the National League play-offs. Striker Oliver Hawkins completes the trio, signing from Ipswich Town and hints at a possible change of playing style given his height and strength. Midfielders George Lapslie and Stephen McLaughlin were bright sparks last season, with the latter switched to a left wing-back role, and they will be key to any success the Stags have this season.