New Mansfield Town signing Lucas Akins says he’s delighted to re-unite with Nigel Clough, who made the player enjoy ‘coming into work every day’ during their previous spell together.
Akins was managed by the Stags’ boss for six of the seven-and-half years he spent with League One side Burton Albion, achieving promotion to the Championship in 2016.
The former Brewers’ number 10 has been deployed in a number of roles in recent years.
“[I usually play] anywhere in attack but as long as I’m on the pitch I’m happy to be contributing,” said Akins. “[Versatility] is something that I see as one of my strengths,” the club’s new addition said.
“At the end of the day, I love playing football.
“I just try and work hard. I enjoy being hard working and trying to be effective by any means. [Whether] that’s contributing through goals, assists or by [playing] in many positions.”
The versatile spoke fondly about reuniting with the Stags’ chief.
“I think he’s a fantastic man-manager,” he said.
“I enjoyed coming into work every day [under his management].
“I’ve made no secret in the past that I’ve enjoyed my football most under [him]. [He is] someone who inspires you. You go away and you really want to work hard for him.
“I’ve had real success with him in the past and it’s something that I believe I can achieve again in the future [with him].”
Akins alluded to the club’s ambitions of promotion as a key reason for changing clubs for the first time since 2014.
“The club is very ambitious,” he said.
“The owners are very ambitious and they’ve consistently tried to achieve success.
“To have the opportunity to come and represent this club is something that I really want to relish.
“I’ve come across a lot of people that have been associated with [Mansfield Town] and they have spoken very highly [of the club].
“I’m incredibly ambitious [and] my best years are still hopefully still ahead of me. That’s what I’ll be trying to prove here.”
The previous promotion-achiever hopes that the team can continue their scintillating run of form in the coming weeks.
“It’s always easier coming into a team that’s in a good run of form.
“I hope the run continues and that it culminates in success for this club.
“I’d like to try and help the team continue the fantastic run of form that they’re in, and hopefully we can all achieve our goals. I’m just looking forward to getting going now.
“Previously when winning promotion with this manager, we didn’t get too carried away. We just concentrated on the next game and hopefully that will put us on the right path.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the lads and getting down to work. I just really hope I can make a positive difference [to Mansfield’s season].”
Watch Lucas’ interview in full now via www.mansfieldtown.net/ifollow
