League One Mansfield Town have secured the signing of highly rated Nottingham Forest forward Joe Gardner ahead of Rivals Lincoln City.
Reports emerged towards the end of the season that the Imps were keen on keeping the Forest forward with the club after his loan spell.
However, Michael Skubala’s side had other priorities after the loss of star players Sean Roughan and Paudie O’Connor, both to fellow third tier sides which allowed Clough’s Stags to move ahead in the race.
Mansfield Town Secure Joe Gardner Loan Signing from Nottingham Forest
Gardner had a reasonably disappointing spell at Sincil Bank, he started his time at the club by getting sent off (somewhat harshly) for a 50/50 challenge just four minutes after his introduction on his debut against Cambridge United.
The straight red ruled him out for three games. After his return he struggled to get up to speed with the rest of the team and had to settle for a bit-part role but did go on to score once in his 11 appearances.
Michael Skubala could clearly see his potential and was keen to see him return when the summer transfer window opened.
Journalist Alan Nixon suggested that the reason was due to the style of football being offered at Field Mill would be better suited to his talents. However, sources close to the Imps have confirmed to The Football Deck that they had moved on from Gardner long ago to other targets.
Whatever the reason for the move Gardner now finds himself with Mansfield for the 2025/26 season on loan from Nottingham Forest.
Gardner commented on the move to the BBC:
“I’ve been out here only a couple of days and the lads have made me feel very welcome.
“I’m really looking forward to the season and hoping to impress.”
A Difficult Season Predicted for Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town did show some promising signs last season, for part of the campaign it looked as though they could even challenge for promotion. However, a rapid fall down the division saw them finish 17th, eight points above the relegation zone.
Whilst there are clubs that have much bigger budgets than the Stags are able to offer, the club will be hoping to turn around some of that form to make it more comfortable that it was in the end.
The division looks far tighter than it has in the past and there are only a couple of teams you would pin-point as potential relegation fodder.
A lot may come down to how well the four sides promoted from League Two adapt and if sides like Burton Albion can continue their own improvement under Gary Bowyer.