Archived News from January 2022
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STAGS SIGN LUCAS AKINS FROM BURTON
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Stags land new signing
mansfieldtown.net, Thursday 20 January 2022 Mansfield Town are delighted to announce the signing of Lucas Akins from Burton Albion on a permanent transfer. The 32-year-old, who reunites with former manager Nigel Clough, has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal at One Call Stadium. Lucas rose through the ranks at hometown club Huddersfield Town, making his debut in August 2007, before enjoying a brief loan spell at Northwich Victoria. Stints followed in Scotland with Partick Thistle and Hamilton Academical before Tranmere Rovers captured his signature in 2010. His impressive displays at Prenton Park attracted the interest of Stevenage, who paid a fee for the 6’1” player in 2012. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2022/january/stags-land-new-signing Lucas made his move to Burton in 2014 and went on to play a significant role in the Brewers’ rise up the football pyramid, from League One to the Championship. A fans’ favourite at the Pirelli Stadium, he won back-to-back supporters' and players' Player of the Year awards in 2018 and 2019. He made 345 appearances in all competitions for Burton, scoring 71 goals. holds the club record for most appearances and goals scored for Burton in the Football League. Manager Nigel Clough said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Lucas to the club. He’s a player who we know very well and has the unique distinction of having played in every position, bar goalkeeper, for us in our time at Burton. “We’re sure that he will become a firm fans’ favourite, as he has been at Burton over the years, and will give us an extra dimension in our push for promotion.” ----------------- After the win at Barrow, Saturday 22nd January 2022: Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough believes this afternoon’s heroic ten-man victory away at Barrow is ‘as good it gets’. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2022/january/thats-as-good-as-it-gets---manager/ Recent January acquisition Lucas Akins made his Stags debut off the bench. The boss was impressed by his contribution. “I thought he was brilliant for the 15 minutes he came on,” said the manager. “It was just about being sensible. He held the ball up and looked a threat, everything we’ve seen Lucas do for many years. “It’s brilliant to have him at last, we’ve been trying for about a year. “Clubs don’t want to let good players go and with what he’s done for Burton, he’s been there seven and a half years “Averaging 40 games a season, player of the year, community player of the year - absolutely incredible. “He’s looking forward now to a fresh challenge.” Clough also told Craig Priest for Mansfield 103.2: "Lucas (Akins) is a real alternative to Rhys Oates. He hasn't got the pace that Rhys has, but he'll do the same sort of work, and the same sort of runs, and be a nuisance to defenders." Nigel Clough told John Lomas on iFollow Stags: “The only reason you get people like Lucas Akins sometimes is their personal circumstances. “He's got a young family and he lives up in Huddersfield, so this is closer for him. “Sometimes you just drop lucky. We have been trying to get him for the last 12 months and have eventually got deal deal over the line, so we're absolutely delighted. “I thought his first display on Saturday on his debut was outstanding.” -------------------------- LUCAS AKINS SIGNS FOR MANSFIELD TOWN burtonalbionfc.co.uk, Thursday 20 January 2022 LUCAS Akins has left Burton Albion after the club agreed to release him from his contract so that he could join Mansfield Town. Akins joined the Brewers in 2014 after Gary Rowett made him a target as he looked to win promotion from League Two. He played a key part in back-to-back promotions that saw the Brewers play in the Championship for the first time in the club’s history. https://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/2022/january/2001-akinsdeparts/ Akins made 345 appearances in all competitions, scoring 71 times, and playing in virtually every position for the Brewers. He was the supporters’ choice as Player of the Season in both 2018 and 2019. Brewers manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said: “Lucas originally put in a transfer request a year ago but at that time we didn’t have a ready replacement and couldn’t let him go. “He put in another request in this window and the club has recognised his valuable service to Burton Albion and has allowed him to leave so that he can sign for Mansfield Town. “We understand that players need to secure their long-term future and we weren’t in a position to talk about new contracts at this stage. “Therefore, we thank Lucas for all he has done for the club and wish him well for the future.” Akins said: “After seven and half fantastic years my time at the club has come to an end. During this period, the best of my life to date both on and off the pitch, we have created and shared some special memories whilst building on the superb work of previous Brewers teams, to continue to make history together in achieving consecutive promotions to climb up to the club’s highest league position and to reach a semi-final of a major domestic cup competition. “I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to represent such a wonderful club and to have had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people along the way. I would like to thank each and every individual associated with Burton who has made my whole experience such a positive and complete one. Thank you for your unconditional support throughout and please continue to support the team moving forward as I believe more success is around the corner! “I sincerely wish you all nothing but the best in the future and look forward to returning soon.” -------------------- Akins happy to reunite with Stags' boss mansfieldtown.net, Thursday 20 January 2022 New Mansfield Town signing Lucas Akins says he’s delighted to re-unite with Nigel Clough, who made the player enjoy ‘coming into work every day’ during their previous spell together. Akins was managed by the Stags’ boss for six of the seven-and-half years he spent with League One side Burton Albion, achieving promotion to the Championship in 2016. The former Brewers’ number 10 has been deployed in a number of roles in recent years. “[I usually play] anywhere in attack but as long as I’m on the pitch I’m happy to be contributing,” said Akins. “[Versatility] is something that I see as one of my strengths,” the club’s new addition said. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2022/january/akins-happy-to-reunite-with-stags-boss/ “At the end of the day, I love playing football. “I just try and work hard. I enjoy being hard working and trying to be effective by any means. [Whether] that’s contributing through goals, assists or by [playing] in many positions.” The versatile spoke fondly about reuniting with the Stags’ chief. “I think he’s a fantastic man-manager,” he said. “I enjoyed coming into work every day [under his management]. “I’ve made no secret in the past that I’ve enjoyed my football most under [him]. [He is] someone who inspires you. You go away and you really want to work hard for him. “I’ve had real success with him in the past and it’s something that I believe I can achieve again in the future [with him].” Akins alluded to the club’s ambitions of promotion as a key reason for changing clubs for the first time since 2014. “The club is very ambitious,” he said. “The owners are very ambitious and they’ve consistently tried to achieve success. “To have the opportunity to come and represent this club is something that I really want to relish. “I’ve come across a lot of people that have been associated with [Mansfield Town] and they have spoken very highly [of the club]. “I’m incredibly ambitious [and] my best years are still hopefully still ahead of me. That’s what I’ll be trying to prove here.” The previous promotion-achiever hopes that the team can continue their scintillating run of form in the coming weeks. “It’s always easier coming into a team that’s in a good run of form. “I hope the run continues and that it culminates in success for this club. “I’d like to try and help the team continue the fantastic run of form that they’re in, and hopefully we can all achieve our goals. I’m just looking forward to getting going now. “Previously when winning promotion with this manager, we didn’t get too carried away. We just concentrated on the next game and hopefully that will put us on the right path. “I’m looking forward to meeting the lads and getting down to work. I just really hope I can make a positive difference [to Mansfield’s season].” Watch Lucas’ interview in full now via http://www.mansfieldtown.net/ifollow ----------------------- Lucas Akins delighted to be reunited with Nigel Clough and believes best years lay ahead of him at Mansfield Town chad.co.uk, By John Lomas New Mansfield Town signing Lucas Akins, 32, is delighted to be reunited with his old Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough and believes his best years are still ahead of him. Clough had been chasing his former utility man for a year and finally signed him on Thursday after rumour after rumour had previously come to nothing. “Once a manager you've had success with in the past goes to another club, people sometimes put two and two together,” said Akins, who made his Stags debut as a second half substitute in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Barrow. “I have made no secret in the past that I have probably enjoyed my football the most under the current manager here. It was always something that crossed people's minds. https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/lucas-akins-delighted-to-be-reunited-with-nigel-clough-and-believes-best-years-lay-ahead-of-him-at-mansfield-town-3539460 “To come and have the opportunity to represent this club now is something that I relish and I want to seize the opportunity.” A former Huddersfield, Tranmere, Stevenage and Hamilton Academicals player, Akins was managed by Clough for six of the seven-and-half years he spent with League One Burton, achieving promotion to the Championship in 2016. “I enjoyed coming into work every day under him,” he said. “He trusted me and kept it quite simple. He asked me to play to my strengths and that's what I love to do. “He is someone who inspires you. You go away and you really want to work hard for him as he gives you that trust and responsibility. “I’ve had real success with him in the past and it’s something that I believe I can achieve again in the future with him. “It's the way he goes about his business. I think he’s a fantastic man-manager and a fantastic coach. He is someone who simplifies things. “It is a fantastic coaching staff who assemble good characters, good teams and, most importantly, the way we play football. We play some decent stuff as no doubt the fans have seen of late. It's something everyone can get behind. “As long as we never get too high or too low I am sure we'll get where we want to be. He is fantastic at keeping everyone level-headed.” He added: “Clearly it was the most successful period in my life both off and on the pitch at Burton. “But I see similarities here to there which excites me even more. “The Burton fans were fantastic and I've heard the fans here are fantastic as well. We all need to support each other as, at the end of the day, we all want the same things. “It was a fantastic period in my career and I wish them nothing but the best for the future. “I'm now looking forward to creating some more memories here. I am still incredibly ambitious and hopefully my best years are still ahead of me.” Akins was also very aware of the huge backing given to the club by owners John and Carolyn Radford and its potential for success. “I am happy to get the deal done and I'm looking forward to getting on with the job and making an impact,” he said. “There were lots of factors in deciding to come here. It's a club that I have seen from afar. “The club is very ambitious. The owners are very ambitious and they’ve consistently tried to achieve success. “To have the opportunity to come and represent Mansfield is something that I really relish. I’ve come across a lot of people that have been associated with Mansfield Town and they have spoken very highly of the club.” Akins' versatility is another big bonus for Stags with him playing every position apart from goalkeeper during his time at Burton. “I like playing up front or on the wings - anywhere in attack, but, and I know it sounds a cliché, I'm happy as long as I am on the pitch and contributing towards positive performances,” he said. “I just love playing football. We are very fortunate to do what we do and I just hope I can put a few smiles on people's faces. “My strengths are first and foremost just working hard for the team, assisting other players in any way I can. “I just enjoy being hard-working and trying to be effective by any means - goals and assists in many positions as no doubt the fans may come to see. “Versatility is something I believe is one of my strengths as well as availability. “I have been very fortunate to be available for the majority of the games during my time at Burton and prior to that. I hope that run continues and culminates in success for this club. “All supporters will believe their club deserves success, but everyone can see what the owners have invested at this club and how great they've been and hopefully they can get some success in the near future and I can help that happen.” Stags are on a fantastic run of 11 wins in 12 games, but Akins believes the previous barren run of 14 without a win could be a positive factor in the side's ultimate success. “It’s always easier coming into a team that’s in a good run of form, though earlier in the season when they weren't, that's when characters are really made,” he said. “The boys have that in their armoury now to call upon if they ever need it again. “I hope this run continues and that it culminates in success for this club. “I’d like to try and help the team continue the fantastic run of form that they’re in, and hopefully we can all achieve our goals. I’m just looking forward to getting going now. “Previously when winning promotion with this manager, we didn’t get too carried away. We just concentrated on the next game and hopefully that will put us on the right path. “I just really hope I can make a positive difference to Mansfield’s season.” --------------------- Akins tells the Burton website that he commutes every day from Huddersfield. ---------------------- David Sharpe @DavidSharpe91 Welcome to the Stags, Lucas Akins. A player we’ve chased for a long time. Great to have you on board Lucas! Writing handYellow circleBlue circle Ash Wilkinson @AshWilkinson90 Media/comms @burtonalbionfc We’d often joke in the office and simply refer to “Lucas Akins, nicest man in football” when mentioning LA. It’s a moniker he’s earned. A family man who always makes time for others, always helped us with press after a bad result, always asked after family. All the best mate Edward Walker @edward_w97 d3d4football Thread for #Stags fans on what to expect from Lucas Akins. In a sentence: one of the most unique players in the whole football league. A big part of his longevity at Burton was his incredible fitness. Every pre-season he was the player every other member of the squad aspired to match. Through all of his prime years with the club he was a virtual ever-present in games. It was an event when he didn’t start. What set Akins apart from the rest though is his versatility. He has played every single outfield position for Burton. His performance at centre-back in a 3-0 win over AFC Wimbledon is particularly memorable for many. Clough would often put the team together and then add Akins into the XI wherever he was needed. When first at the club under Rowett and Hasselbaink, he was a dangerous winger who could go onto either foot. Clough made great use of him in the Championship as an attacking, dynamic wing-back and full-back on the right hand side. I would nowadays consider winger his primary position, right back secondary, and striker tertiary. His ability from the penalty spot is what has helped him get so many goals. He has the technique nailed down to hit the ball bottom left, bottom right, top left and top right. Conversion rate hasn’t been 100% from penalties, but he will hit the target. Main weaknesses? There’s very little but I would say a main one is his first touch. He’s a lot better receiving the ball to feet than in the air, and it’s why he works best out wide when he can get the ball in a less congested area and already facing goal. Once he has it under control, you’ll do well to get it off him. Whilst he can play as a striker, I find he fares a lot better as part of a 2 rather than being a single striker. Being the lone focal point can leave him with his back to goal too often. Akins isn’t the player he once was, but he’s in no way finished. Martin Shaw @shawma1 Lucas Akins is an absolutely great signing I think. I can't wait to see him in a Stags shirt. Fabulous interview with Mark Stevenson is available on iFollow. And what a classy message to the Burton fans too: ---------------- Akins leaves after one of the Brewers' great careers Seven and a half years, 345 games and 71 goals for a club legend - but to go now was the right time for all Burton Mail, By Colston Crawford It has, without a shadow of a doubt, been one of the great careers in Burton Albion’s history. Lucas Akins has left the Brewers having played 345 games and scored 71 goals. That puts him 11th in the club’s all time appearance list and none of the 10 ahead of him had their time with Burton entirely in this century, as he did. Obviously, he has set a record for Football League appearances that will take some beating. It is the right time, though. There is just the suggestion in the club’s press release that all was not ideal between club and player any more, manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink going on record to say that Akins had put in transfer requests both last year and this. “Lucas originally put in a transfer request a year ago but at that time we didn’t have a ready replacement and couldn’t let him go,” said Hasselbaink. “He put in another request in this window and the club has recognised his valuable service and has allowed him to leave so that he can sign for Mansfield Town. We understand that players need to secure their long-term future and we weren’t in a position to talk about new contracts at this stage. Therefore we thank Lucas for all he has done for the club and wish him well for the future.” https://www.staffordshire-live.co.uk/sport/football/akins-leaves-after-one-brewers-6525921 That is a fairly terse goodbye to a player who has been around for seven-and-a-half years, which is a bit of a shame, although, in fairness, Akins’ own farewell message is also in the press release and is reproduced below. He would not, for sure, at 33 next month, have been offered a two-and-a-half year deal by Burton with his contract up in the summer but that is what his former manager, Nigel Clough, has been able to put on the table at Mansfield. A player in Akins’ position has to look at maximising his income for the time he has left and he has done that. It will not be a surprise if relatively wealthy Mansfield have at least matched his salary. Burton have released him from his contract and, since he was the last remaining player who was promoted to the Championship with the club, his will be one of the bigger wages removed from the club’s bill. He was no longer the first name on the team sheet, as he was for so long, but he is likely to do a very good job for the Stags in League Two and the journey from his Yorkshire home will be a little shorter. All long spells for much-admired players end somewhere. Paul Peschisolido bit the bullet and ended Darren Stride’s record-breaking time; Gary Rowett did so with Aaron Webster and John McGrath. Footballers move around much more readily now than they used to and there will not be many more who spend seven-and-a-half years in one spell with one club like Akins. We should - we will - remember him with admiration and affection, one of the game’s gentlemen. As has often been noted, he played in every outfield position in his time at the Pirelli and that does not happen often in the modern game either. He deserves to be considered as “up there” with Stride, Webster, Phil Annable and others in the appearances top 10. He also leaves with a better record of achievements than any before him, having been promoted twice with the club. The career he has had with Burton could hardly have been predicted when he arrived. Having started with his home town club, Huddersfield Town, for whom he made six substitute appearances, he had played briefly in Scotland then had two years with each of Tranmere Rovers and Stevenage. Rowett was building a squad to take the next step after two play-off disappointments in League Two when he added Akins in June 2014. He also brought in John Mousinho, Jon McLaughlin, Stuart Beavon and Shane Cansdell-Sherriff. To say it was one of the better summers in the market for Burton would be a huge understatement. Akins scored the only goal of the game on his debut, away to Oxford United, as the Brewers began with six wins in an unbeaten run of seven games. He scored nine goals in 38 appearances and set the tone - fit as a fiddle, he hardly ever missed a game. In his second season, Burton were romping to a second successive promotion when he hit a hat-trick in a 3-0 win away to Colchester United. Akins coped as well as anyone with two tough years in the Championship and was still playing almost every game when Burton returned to League One. His most prolific season was in 2018-19, with 14 goals from 56 appearances, the total boosted by the run to the Carabao Cup semi-final. He won one of his two player of the season awards in that campaign. Off the field, he was unfailingly polite, articulate and passionate in interviews and a good role model. However, football teams are always being amended and developed and Akins found himself on the bench a few times in recent weeks. We had reached a point where it was not going to be the biggest surprise if he moved on - and he has. He leaves an indelible mark in the club’s history. Lucas Akins sent this message to Burton Albion supporters: “After seven and half fantastic years, my time at the club has come to an end. During this period, the best of my life to date both on and off the pitch, we have created and shared some special memories whilst building on the superb work of previous Brewers teams, to continue to make history together in achieving consecutive promotions to climb up to the club’s highest league position and to reach a semi-final of a major domestic cup competition. “I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to represent such a wonderful club and to have had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people along the way. I would like to thank each and every individual associated with Burton who has made my whole experience such a positive and complete one. Thank you for your unconditional support throughout and please continue to support the team moving forward as I believe more success is around the corner. “I sincerely wish you all nothing but the best in the future and look forward to returning soon.” ---------------------- |
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