Football Season Guide

Mansfield Town’s quest to reach League One continues after they were beaten in the League Two play-off final by Port Vale in May. It was an afternoon to forget for the Stags at Wembley with Nigel Clough’s side beaten by the better team on the day. It will have been another bitter disappointment for owner John Radford, who has spent millions trying to win promotion and yet here they are about to start their tenth season at this level. There is cause for optimism however as he finally appears to have the right manager in Clough. His side overcame a dreadful start to reach Wembley and has retained a strong squad that is set to challenge again. Striker Rhys Oates showed his quality after signing from Hartlepool United and finished as leading goalscorer. Clough has added playmaker Hiram Boateng to his midfield this summer and they have an embarrassment of riches in the likes of George Maris, Ollie Clarke and Stephen Quinn. Player of the season Stephen McLaughlin is set to provide another bag-full of assists from left-back. John-Joe O’Toole and Oliver Hawkins are expected to continue their central defensive partnership having started their careers in different position. Perhaps the only tricky position is in goal with Nathan Bishop having returned to Manchester United following an impressive season on loan between the sticks. Christy Pym and Scott Flinders have been brought in to replace him but represent a step down in quality.