A MINUTE of applause rang out around Field Mill as Mansfield Town fans celebrated the club’s stadium purchase ahead of Saturday’s local derby with Lincoln City.
The deal which saw chairman John Radford purchase the Field Mill freehold – and in the process end Keith Haslam’s 19 year association with Mansfield Town – was officially confirmed by the Football Conference on Friday night.
Speaking on the pitch just minutes before kick-off, Steve Hymas told the bumper crowd: “The 1st March 2012 is a momentous day and we would like all the fans to remember it as Amber Day.
“John Radford has elevated Mansfield Town to the next level and we would all like to thank him from the bottom of our hearts.
“We all wanted rid of Keith Haslam and that has now happened. The best way to show our appreciation is for the fans to turn out in record numbers and back us in our quest for promotion.”
He was in turn followed by chief operating officer Carolyn Still and chairman John Radford, who said: “I am proud to say that I own Field Mill, it is an absolutely fantastic feeling.
“Working with the present board of directors has been a pleasure.Keith Haslam has gone and it is now a new era for the club.”
The deal, which includes a 20 year clause meaning the ground cannot be used for anything but sporting purposes, means Mansfield Town are now eligible to be promoted back to the Football League should the club achieve on-field success.
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