The SFFC had been behind many of the more vociferous protests against the former owner in recent years, including:

• roadside protests


• balloon stunts


• boycott of matches


• production of 'The Haslam Times' newsletter highlighting their complaints against the owner's management

But on Friday it announced that it would change its role to one of 'the critical friend'.

The group is also one of four fans organisations behind the recently formed Stags Fans United (SFU), which 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 further shares in the football club.

And the SFFC said on Friday that it welcomed Tuesday's statement from the new owners of the Stags - Andy Perry, Andy Saunders and Steve Middleton - 'both regarding fan representation on the board of the club and the urging of fans to support SFU with further donations'.

• Mansfield Town's new owners back SFU

The SFFC first went public in January 2007, stating it was 'an independent protest group of MTFC supporters calling on the club's CEO, Keith Haslam, to officially put the club up for sale and to leave as soon as possible or face ongoing protests at home and away games'.

Formed as a single-issue protest group to actively campaign for the removal of Mr Haslam as owner, it was formed when disparate groups of supporters came together.

But now the SFFC has said it will continue in the future.

In a statement on Friday it said:

"We have been asked on several occasions whether we will now disband as an organisation, after the achievement of our original objective (the removal of Keith Haslam as owner).

"After much consideration it has been decided that the SFFC will continue to exist, albeit with a different remit. We do not intend to remain as a protest group, but will fullfil the role of 'the critical friend', supportive but prepared to voice our opinions and concerns when necessary.

"Over the past two years, we have developed skills in order to raise funds for our campaign and we intend to utilise this in order to support the club that we all hold dear.

"Currently, we are planning a gig featuring Attila The Stockbroker and Verbal Warning and are also looking into producing a Fanzine, which will be sold on match days.

"In addition we will continue to work in close cooperation with the other supporters groups in order to achieve the aims of SFU.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those supporters who backed our campaign by taking part in protests, boycotting matches or simply reading 'The Haslam Times'. We believe it was worth it, we hope you all do aswell.

"We know the club still has to assemble a full squad of players and the new manager and owners can't be expected to achieve miracles.

"The SFFC calls upon all Stags fans to get behind the team and make the Blue Square clubs fear coming to The Mill.

"Let's announce that Mansfield Town have arrived, but will only be staying for a short time!"

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