Mansfield Town can announce the appointment of Stephen Brown as a youth development coach as the club’s academy continues to expand.
Brown, son of former Mansfield Town 'keeper Graham Brown, has been working part-time with the Stags' academy players over the past few weeks, and has now been hired as a development coach - for the youth development group - on a full-time basis.
"I'm absolutely over the moon," he said. "It's been a lifetime ambition of mine [to join Mansfield Town]. I'm delighted how it's all come about and happy to get it over the line.
"I've been part-time coaching with the goalkeepers at the academy for the past four weeks. We've had a couple of meetings and it has come about from there really that the club would like to bring me in.
"I'm looking to bring my enthusiasm and love for Mansfield Town Football Club. I can't wait to get started with the young lads and hopefully progress them into the first team.
"You only have to look at the youth team's success in the last three years, it's different class. I've been working closely with Nathan Cantrill who has just secured a treble with his under-13s, so it shows how the academy is progressing at Mansfield Town.
"I'm looking to bring my enthusiasm and love for Mansfield Town Football Club. I can't wait to get started with the young lads and hopefully progress them into the first team."
"Being involved with the football club and seeing a young lad progress into the first team will be amazing."
Brown, from Kirkby-in-Ashfield, also spoke of his family's history with the Stags, and explained his deep-rooted love for the club.
"My dad made over 180 appearances for Mansfield Town as goalkeeper, Graham Brown. I also had a spell here myself, a year pro under the management of George Foster and Andy King.
"I've got a massive affinity with the club. I've played here [at Mansfield], I've played locally non-league, and with my dad being a professional goalkeeper, I feel like I've got great experience to give the young lads in the future.
"It's a massive opportunity and my thanks are sent to Mark Hawkins and Steve Hymas (youth directors) for this chance.”
Youth director Mark Hawkins added: “We’ve got a great blend of national, regional and local experience now in our youth academy, across all levels.
"Stephen has first class knowledge of local players and is a fine coach. He will be a real asset to our academy as we continue to strengthen it in all areas."
