Football Season Guide

The start of the new season will feel a bit like groundhog day for Mansfield Town as they try and find a way out of League Two. John Radford took ownership of the club ten years ago and despite spending millions in the hope of reaching League One, it remains as far away as it ever has. They have twice missed out in the play-offs and twice finished in 8th place, including last time around. It was a desperately disappointing end to a season in which Nigel Clough had his side challenging for automatic promotion until falling away in the last few weeks. They were unable to last the pace due to a crippling injury list, with several players playing through the pain barrier. Clough is an experienced manager and will have another go at realising Radford’s dream after signing a new one-year deal just a day after missing out on the play-offs. He has retained most of his squad which has a strong spine. Goalkeeper Christy Pym’s loan move from Peterborough United has been made permanent whilst defenders Alfie Kilgour and Elliott Hewitt proved their worth. They have an abundance of talent in the middle of the park. Davis Keillor-Dunn will be looking to continue his excellent start with the club. Stephen McLaughlin and Rhys Oates were just two of many players who seasons were blighted by injury. The former was Player of the Season in 2021/22 whilst Oates was their leading goalscorer. Getting them both fit and firing again will be key to the Stags hopes of promotion.