AFC Mansfield boss praises club as ex-Mansfield Town man returns

Former Mansfield Town midfielder Jon D'Laryea, who is back at AFC Mansfield.

Experienced midfielder D’Laryea, who started his career at Manchester City, is back at the Forest Town Arena after leaving at the backend of last season.

And Chatfield said the move to bring back a player who made more than 150 app earances for Mansfield Town between 2005 and 2009, underlined the ambition of the Bulls.

“It shows the intent from the club as to where we are looking at moving to next season,” said a delighted Chatfield. “It also shows that we’re already thinking about next season.”

“It’s been noticeable, especially when ‘Bucko’ (Phil Buxton) was suspended, that we’ve needed some experience in that central area.

“Some of our players have certainly over-achieved in that midfield position, but there are times in the game when we need an older head to take control and this is where Jon will come in.”

The 34-year-old needs no introduction in Forest Town because he previously made 145 appearances in a three-year spell at AFC Mansfield and helped them gain promotion to the Northern Premier League.

After leaving, D’Laryea was reunited with former Bulls boss Rudy Funk at Long Eaton United at the beginning of this season, but favoured a swift return last month when Funk parted company with the Blues.

As for Chatfield, the AFC Mansfield manager believes Long Eaton’s loss is a monumental gain for his side.

The boss added: “Jon loves to organise, break play and then move the ball on quickly, and he’s a real leader among the lads on the pitch.

“Him signing means we can move players back to their preferred positions and also give players like ‘Bucko’ more freedom to go forward.”

D’Laryea made one appearance for Manchester City before moving on to Stags. He then spent time in the non-league game at Northwich Victoria, Eastwood Town, Gainsborough Trinity and North Ferriby United.

After suffering relegation from the Northern Premier League last season, AFC currently sit 16th in the 20-team Premier Division of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League. Their match at the weekend was postponed, but this Saturday, they are earmarked to entertain high-riding Bridlington Town.