Mansfield Town were back in training yesterday as their focus draws to the new campaign ahead and a friendly with local non-leaguers Retford United next Tuesday night the Stags first game of a heavy summer load of fitness gaining prior to the 2021/22 Football League Two campaign.

Adding to recent signings Ollie Hawkins and Danny Johnson from Ipswich Town and Leyton Orient respectively, Goalkeeper Nathan Bishop loaned from Manchester United will fight for a place with main stay Marek Stech and another new young shot stopper who has been loaned in from Nottingham Forest, George Shelvey is just nineteen having spent a spell on loan at Southern League Truro City last season.

Another young player joining Mansfield on loan is Ryan Burke from Birmingham City, the 20-year-old Irishman is a left back who joined the Blues as a sixteen year old from St Patricks Athletic before being sent out to National League side Yeovil Town last year.

When asked of the signing Manager Nigel Clough stated “We needed someone to push Stephen McLaughlin, who will probably start out as our first choice left-back.”

“He’s aggressive and has a lovely left foot. I’ve seen him play in the left of a back-three, a left wing-back and as an orthodox left-back. He’s equipped himself well in each position.”

The Stags players were back at the RH Academy yesterday with the dreaded ‘bleep test’ followed by some light passing with Clough saying “It’s nice to see them all back looking relatively healthy – they’ll look a lot better in five weeks.”

During that time Mansfield will open up at Cannon Park on Tuesday night (13^th July)  in an away game at Retford United before taking on Matlock Town on Friday 16^th July over in Derbyshire.

On Tuesday 20^th a first real test will be against National League newcomers Grimsby Town at RH Academy before a trip to Championship Hull City at the KCOM on Saturday 24^th July and a test against another tough opponent in Coventry City at the One Call on Tuesday 27^th.

Further games against Basford United and Nottingham Forest U23’s will end the month prior to a 7^th August start in League Two at home to recently relegated Bristol Rovers.

By that time, Nigel Clough will hopefully know his starting team and will have his boys fit and ready for a promotion push ahead.

*Main image @mansfieldtownfc Nigel Clough talks to his team on day one of pre-season training.