Hot prospects Alastair Smith and Jordan Graham (pictured) have returned to Mansfield Town after ‘invaluable’ loan spells in non-league, academy manager John Dempster has said.
The duo are now back amongst the U21s’ set-up at Brooksby Melton College in Leicestershire – the home of our academy.
Furthermore, Jordan Graham has recently linked up with the first team in training at One Call Stadium after the 20-year-old netted 10 goals in 33 appearancesin the EVO-Stik Premier for Hednesford Town.
Chairman John Radford congratulates Alastair Smith after signing a professional development contract in the summer.
Midfielder Smith, 18 scored 13 goals in over 40 games for Loughborough Dynamo in the EVO-Stik South.
"This experience is invaluable as is cannot be gained in just a training environment."
Academy manager John Dempster told www.mansfieldtown.net: “We would like to thank all the management staff, coaches and players for the development of both Alistair and Jordan.
"With their input and guidance, the lads have gained a great experience in being part of a first team environment where results mater and consistency is important.
"This experience is invaluable as it cannot be gained in just a training environment.
"The experiences Alistair and Jordan have had this season will stand them in good stead for the future. They have developed well as players and people.
"Both loan clubs have demanded high standards from our young professionals but have also offered support to them whenever they have needed it.
"As a football club, we cannot speak highly enough of Loughborough Dynamo and Hednesford and we thank their staff and players for their efforts this season."
Senior professional development coach Richard Cooper added “Both players have gained valuable experience from the guidance of senior players in both teams and have benefited from the physical aspects of playing competitive men’s football on a regular basis every Tuesday and Saturday whilst maintaining the standard of performance to stay in the starting eleven.”
