Mansfield Town have turned to the loan market in a bid to improve their fortunes after suffering five consecutive defeats in all competitions and four on the spin in League One.
The Stags have been heavily reliant on goals from Lee Gregory and Will Evans as the duo have scored 21 goals between them, accounting for 60% of the team’s total output in League One.
It is therefore no surprise that they are making a move to boost their options in attack.
Mansfield Town in Midst of Worrying Run of Form
Nigel Clough’s side had adjusted reasonably well to life in League One by beating Bolton Wanderers on the opening weekend and the team went on a four-game winning streak in September after their promotion from the fourth tier.
However, they have failed to pick up three points since a win at Stockport County on the fourth of January.
Their run of form would not be a disaster under normal circumstances but they have been beaten by the sides that occupy the bottom three places in League One in the space of a week.
This has brought into question their credentials at this level and if it had not been for their two star players in attack they may have been a contender for an instant return to League Two.
Brighton Forward Poised to Join League One Side
In a bid to address their slump, Mansfield Town are on the verge of signing Brighton attacking midfielder Caylan Vickers on loan, according to Pete O’Rourke.
The 20-year-old has scored five goals at Premier League 2 level this season, including a hat-trick in an incredible 10-0 win over Crystal Palace, a game in which the player also provided two assists.
Vickers joined Brighton in February 2024 after playing 22 matches for Reading’s senior side. He scored three goals for the Royals, including a winner in the dying moments after coming on as a late substitute in a League One clash with Bolton Wanderers.
Although he may not become a regular fixture in the team sheet initially, the player’s ability to play across the forward line will help him to get game time with Mansfield Town.
The attacking midfielder is a major goal threat and should help to ease the burden on Gregory and Evans for the remainder of the campaign.