At Mansfield Town Football Club, football is more than just a game – it’s a way of life deeply rooted in the heart of our community. As a lifelong Mansfield resident, I feel proud that our local club has such a storied history and devoted fanbase.
Though recent seasons have posed challenges, our ambitions remain lofty. I believe the players’ work ethic and hunger that’s needed to bring success back to Mansfield Town may happen in 2024. The backing of the whole community gives us all belief that our glory days lie ahead.
With the team and supporters united behind shared goals and values, the future looks bright. The best is yet to come – come on you Stags!
Brief History of Mansfield Town Football Club
Founded in 1897, Stags are one of the oldest professional clubs in England. Our iconic nickname “The Stags” as this epitomises the strength, spirit and pride of our team. Generations have cheered them on at Field Mill, our historic stadium affectionately known as The Old Ground. Its ageing terraces and tight pitch generate an intense, intimate atmosphere on match days.
Over the 125 year history, they’ve experienced exhilarating highs and testing lows. There have been memorable giant-killing FA Cup runs, including reaching the quarter finals in 1968-69. The team have earned promotions to the second tier, now known as the EFL Championship, as well as suffering relegations.
But through it all, the fans have remained loyal and steadfast. Their unwavering support inspires us, especially during difficult spells. The roar of the crowd on derby days is truly spine-tingling. Our supporters are the lifeblood of this club.
While chasing trophies and promotion is key, developing homegrown talent is equally important. I know that the academy nurtures the stars of tomorrow, many hailing from our local community. The club takes pride in equipping young players with skills on and off the pitch to succeed at the highest levels.
Flashback to 2017:Mansfield Town owner to ‘consider advancing’ One Call Stadium hotel plans after town centre rejection
An artists impression of what the hotel will look like
The owner of Mansfield Town will ‘carefully consider advancing’ plans for a hotel at One Call Stadium after his bid to build one in the town was rejected.
It was revealed last week that John Radford had submitted plans to build a new hotel on the site of the old bus station in Rosemary Street.
But Mansfield District Council later released a statement saying that Mr Radford’s plans had not been selected as the preferred bid.
Executive Mayor Kate Allsop, said: “The council has chosen a preferred developer partner to redevelop the former bus station site on Rosemary Street with a hotel and associated retail units.
“Although the details of the deal with the preferred developer are still in the process of being finalised, we can confirm a bid, submitted on behalf of Mr John Radford, chairman of Mansfield Town Football Club, was not the preferred bid.
“A formal decision to confirm the terms of our agreement with our preferred developer partner is expected to be taken in the next few weeks, after which we will be in a better position to release further information.”
Bitterly Disappointed
Following the announcement by the council, Mr Radford said he had been “led up the garden path”.
He said: “I am bitterly disappointed that my plans for a new hotel in Mansfield, flagshipped by a global brand, have been held back.
“It was an exciting project for our local area and the football club and I pledged to keep our supporters and the people of Mansfield abreast with developments and will continue to do so whenever possible.”
Mr Radford says he first discussed plans for a hotel at One Call Stadium with the Mayor on January 30, before a second meeting on September 19.
He said: “At this meeting I was persuaded that it was in the best interests of the town to build a hotel on the site of the old bus station.
“After paying fees for architects and surveyors, I was both surprised and disappointed that my bid had been rejected.
In truth, it feels like I may have been led up the garden path.”
Mr Radford said he had a desire to help Mansfield prosper and will now “carefully consider advancing proposals” for a new hotel at the football ground.
Councillor Allsop vowed to continue to work with Mr Radford.
She said: “We are committed to continuing to work with Mr Radford and other local business people who want to help us to revitalise the district.
“We will continue to work with Mr Radford to help him realise his plans.”
Mansfield District Council is expected to reveal further information about its “preferred developer partner” in the next few weeks.