Mansfield Town

Luke Waterfall becomes latest loan signing ahead of Concord Rangers cup clash.

We are pleased to announce the signing of centre-back Luke Waterfall on an emergency loan from Scunthorpe United until the New Year.

The 24-year-old, who has spent time on loan at Macclesfield Town this term, is eligible to go straight into our squad for tomorrow’s FA Cup first round tie at home to non-league Concord Rangers.

Speaking this afternoon, the 6ft2in centre-back said: “I trained at Scunthorpe on Tuesday and then got a phone call in the evening saying that [the opportunity to join Mansfield] had come up, so it was a no-brainer really.

“I’d like to think that I attack the ball well in both boxes and I’d say I’m a bit of an old-fashioned type centre-half. I know the manager likes to play three at the back and I think I’d be comfortable in that system.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s game, he added: “We’re expecting a tough game as they’ll be coming here trying to prove that they can play at this level.”

Born in Sheffield, Waterfall began his career in the youth set-up at Barnsley, but after not being offered a professional contract at Oakwell, he joined Tranmere Rovers for the 2008/09 campaign.

After a season-long stay at Prenton Park, the Yorkshireman moved on to Ilkeston Town, where he was a regular in 2009/10 – making 38 appearances and scoring two goals.

He then moved on to Gainsborough Trinity and enjoyed three successful years at the Northolme Ground, during which time he built up a reputation for being composed, cool and calm under pressure, and helped the club reach the Conference North play-off final.

His eye-catching displays resulted in a transfer to Scunthorpe United in May 2013, and he made 10 appearances as the Iron won promotion from Sky Bet League Two last season.

Waterfall has been allocated the number 26 shirt during his stay with us.