McKenzie. who had two spells at Mansfield Town at the start of an illustrious career, is the guest speaker at a Sportsman's Dinner in September.

SFU was set up after relegation to non league football and aims to raise upto £250,000 to invest in the Stags in return for a seat on the board of directors and the chance to buy more shares in the club.

So far the group, a merger of the four main fans organisations SSA, TM, SFFC and OSSC, has totalled £37,000 - with money from four fans who took part in the Mansfield Half Marathon still to come in.

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Now it has organised the Sportsman's Dinner at the John Fretwell Centre, Sookholme, on 24th September, 7pm, as a major fundraising event to boost the total.

McKenzie played for Stags during two loan periods whilst he was at Nottingham Forest, before becoming Brian Clough's only signing during his ill-fated 44-day reign at Leeds United.

He later went on to star for Everton, Anderlecht, Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers.

Since retiring as a player he has hosted 606 on BBC Radio's 5 Live and has gained an excellent reputation on the after-dinner circuit.

The SFU Sportsman's Dinner will also include a comedian and an auction of a range of sporting memorabilia.

Tickets for the evening will be £35 and includes a three-course meal.

Ticket enquiries should be made to Richard Sharp on 07814737946 or sent to sfudinner@hotmail.com.

The SFU are also very keen to offer corporate packages for sponsorship and company tables. Contact Richard on 07814737946 for further details.

The fans group is also holding a fundraising race night at the Kings Arms on Ratcliffe Gate, Mansfield, on Friday.

Everyone is welcome to attend with the chance to buy a horse on the night and win a prize; bet on the races and also win a signed framed MTFC shirt in the raffle.

SFU is also planning other fundraising events.