Stags’ Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Radford says the appointment of new manager Steve Evans is a ‘real statement of intent’ to the club’s supporters.
The nine-time promotion winner was today unveiled as the club’s new boss after Mrs Radford and chairman John Radford met Evans on Monday evening to discuss the 54-year-old joining the club and subsequently agreed a deal which was signed by both parties this afternoon.
With the current League Two table so congested with just three points between the Stags and the play-off places, Evans outlined his belief that the club can be promoted this season and Mrs Radford shares that vision.
“We’re privileged to have Steve with us,” Mrs Radford said.
“It’s a real statement of intent to deliver on our promise to the fans to get promotion and we hope Steve can bring that success. Steve can absolutely get us promoted this season.”
Mr and Mrs Radford were drawn to Evans’ reputation as a promotion winner, achieving the feat with Crawley Town before taking Rotherham United from League Two to the Championship.
“It’s absolutely massive for the club and we’re thrilled he’s decided to come on board with us and to take the club forward. We want promotion and he often delivers that.”
Evans has been a man in high demand since leaving Leeds United at the end of last season and he has made no secret of the fact he has turned down a number of clubs over the past few months before securing his return to football with the Stags.
And our CEO was delighted to secure the deal with the new manager and spoke about how both herself and Mr Radford immediately connected with Evans during their first meeting with the 54-year-old Scot.
“There was a little bit of romance involved - we took him to the hotel where he proposed to his wife and we got on really well, there was a good working relationship straight away.
“It’s really important that we get on with our manager because there has to be an element of a good relationship and if you have that mutual respect it’s easier to go forward.
“We like to have that banter too and it’s great to have a good relationship as we’re on the same journey. The highs are high and the lows are lows so it’s great if going forward you’re singing from the same hymn sheet.”
