Football Season Review

Another season of mid-table obscurity for Mansfield Town, who are as far away from League 1 as ever. Owners Carolyn and John Radford cannot be accused of not backing their managers but the success they crave remains elusive. It was another story of woe as the appointment of Graham Coughlan backfired. His side was characterised by a lack of spirit, regularly letting leads slip and dropping points. He was given less than two months of the season before being sacked. The side had failed to win any of their opening nine league matches and a relegation battle was on the cards. The appointment of Nigel Clough as his successor looked a good one and he soon had an impact. The side lost just two of the next 15 league games, taking them clear of any relegation battle. Being able to hold on to a lead remained a problem however and there were too many draws. The dreadful winter weather turned the Field Mill pitch into a bog and the last three months of the season were a depressing slog. They did enough however to eventually finish in 16th position. It was breakthrough season for young striker Jason Law whilst the capture of midfielder George Lapslie made a real difference. Farrend Rawson was the mainstay of the defence whilst Stephen McLaughlin was converted from a left winger to left-back. Clough now has the summer to rebuild the squad and bring in his own players. After two desperately disappointing seasons, he will be expected to have the team challenging for the play-offs next time around.

Player of the Season: Farrend Rawson