Chairman John Radford says he is pleased with the club’s ongoing progress after marking three years at the helm yesterday.
Since taking over the club as owner and chairman, Stags fans have seen our team appear at Wembley in the FA Trophy, obtain a place in the play-offs, face Liverpool at home in the FA Cup and win the Conference Premier title last term.
Fortunes have also increased off the field after Mr Radford bought the stadium in March 2012 and put it back into the club’s hands.
Reflecting on three years in charge, Mr Radford said: “I’m really pleased with the performances of the players and the people behind the scenes. It’s been a good three years and I’ve hit all my targets so I’m a happy chairman at the moment.
“There’s been so many highlights: Obviously getting out of the conference was a fantastic day; Greeny’s (Matt Green) goal at Hereford, getting to Wembley [in the FA Trophy], and playing Liverpool. I could go on…"
John Radford is in conversation with our Head of Media & Communications Mark Stevenson
John Radford is in conversation with our Head of Media & Communications Mark Stevenson
On acquiring Field Mill, now named One Call Stadium, he said: “It was well documented that the club wasn’t in a position to get promoted when I joined as the club didn’t own its own ground, nor did it have a ten year lease. I had to negotiate so the club could get its ground back and be in a position to be promoted. That was a big achievement, for me."
The club’s finances are in a healthier state after promotion to League Two, Mr Radford also revealed.
“We have lost £1million a year since I have become involved but it’s not as bad as that now.
“We need 4,500 fans through the gate in order to break even, and hopefully with the continued performances on the field we can get the missing fans back.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s big derby match at the Proact Stadium, he said: “Chesterfield are in form, and so are we. It will be quite a clash. As a Mansfield Town supporter, it’s the game you want to win and I want to take six points off them [this season] if we can. Saying that, I’d be happy with a draw and over the moon with a win away from home.”
Despite the club’s magnificent progress in the past three years, the chairman insisted that the club must continue to aim high to avoid stagnating. “It’d be nice to get out of this league and into League One. I’m ambitious for the club, along with the fans. I want to have a go at getting [the club] into the championship.”
In this exclusive interview with Stags Player via mansfieldtown.net he ended by thanking the supporters for their backing. “I am doing what any Mansfield Town supporter in my position would do. I continue my promise by trying to do what is best for the club.”
