Nigel Clough Focuses on Strengthening Mansfield Town for League One

Nigel Clough, the manager who guided Mansfield Town to promotion to League One for the first time in 21 years, is prioritizing bolstering his squad for the upcoming season over engaging in contract talks. The 58-year-old's existing deal automatically triggered a one-year extension after the team finished third in League Two, securing their spot in the third tier.

Clough, who was voted League Two Manager of the Season, has confirmed that three key players - Lucas Akins, 35, Ollie Clarke, 31, and George Maris, 28 - have agreed to new deals in principle. Additionally, full-back George Williams, 31, had a contract extension triggered at the end of the season.

When asked about his own contract situation, Clough stated, "At the moment no, we are concentrating on the players." The manager emphasized the importance of retaining the core of his promotion-winning squad, saying, "We had a chat with the owners and we agreed that the best way in League One to find stability and to try to achieve success is to keep a majority of the lads together because it is that spirit, and everything that has developed over the past two or three seasons, that we don't want to lose."

Mansfield Town's return to League One marks a significant achievement for the club, which last played in the third tier in 2003. Clough, who took charge of the Stags in November 2020, has been instrumental in their success, leading them to the League Two playoffs in his first full season before securing automatic promotion this year.

As Mansfield Town prepares for the challenges of League One, Clough's focus on maintaining the squad's core and spirit that propelled them to promotion underscores his belief in the team's potential to compete at a higher level. With key players already committed to the club, the Stags will look to build on their success and establish themselves as a force in the third tier.

Key Takeaways

• Nigel Clough prioritizes squad bolstering over contract talks.
• Three key players agree to new deals in principle: Akins, Clarke, and Maris.
• Full-back George Williams' contract extension triggered at season's end.
• Mansfield Town returns to League One after 21 years.
• Clough focuses on retaining promotion-winning squad's core and spirit.