Manager David Holdsworth has moved quickly to appoint ex-Bolton Wanderers defender Mike Whitlow as our Head of Youth.

The appointment comes just one week after David Jervis mutually left the role.

Mike, a former central defender, amassed over 450 appearances during a career which spanned 20 years and is fondly remembered at Leeds United, Leicester City and Bolton Wanderers.

As a coach, he began at Notts County in 2007 and worked at Derby County's academy more recently.

He will oversee our entire youth operation and will work closely with manager David Holdsworth, and Football in the Community co-directors John Gaunt and Mark Hemingray as we look to improve our national reputation of developing quality local players.

The manager told mansfieldtown.net:  "Mike will work endlessly for this football club.  His enthusiasm, dedication and strength of discipline are second to none."

Said Mike:  "This is a great opportunity for me.  It is my job to help our young players develop both as people and players and push them into the first team."