Stags pay tribute to late lifelong fan Stan Barnes

Fans and players from both sides gave him a minute’s applause before Saturday’s game with Newport County after hearing the news that the 68-year-old, a familiar face at the ground, had died.

His face was shown on the scoreboard during the applause.

“I got the call from Tina Broughton the day that Stan passed away and I couldn’t believe it. I had been talking to him the evening before,” said manager Steve Evans.

“He messaged me, I wouldn’t say every day, but if I missed a day it would be unusual for him to not message me. It was always his love for the club and he was fantastic with the players and supportive, sponsoring numerous things around the club.

“He just had Stags written right through the middle of him.

“I can remember discussing it with Lee Taylor in the car, looking at the sky and saying how could it happen? But it just shows you – live for today. Tomorrow you might never see.

“I am a big believer in that, my family as well – live for today.”

Operations director Tina Broughton said: “Stan was a very generous supporter who loved to come to the ground on a regular basis.

“He would make regular appointments with the manager and players, which they would always welcome. He simply loved the club.

“A friendly face to our staff behind the scenes, Stan recognised the tireless work in the running of a football club.”