Departing Mansfield Town players send heartfelt farewell messages to club and fans on social media
Mansfield Town have confirmed the players who will be leaving the club this summer after a rollercoaster season in League One.
Following Stags’ retained and released list, seven players have been confirmed to depart the One Call Stadium as either free agents or as a result of their loan deals coming to an end.
Aaron Lewis is among those on his way out after making more than 130 appearances in amber and blue. The midfielder will be released upon the expiration of his contract, along with Victor Adeboyejo and Dom Dwyer. Meanwhile, loan stars Joe Gardner (Nottingham Forest), Jon Russell (Barnsley), George Abbott and Oliver Irow (both Tottenham Hotspur) are due to return to their parent clubs.
Players have taken to social media to reflect on their seasons and send messages to Mansfield Town and their fans. For the likes of Dwyer and Lewis, it’s a heartfelt farewell. However, there is still speculation surrounding the situation with Russell and Tyler Roberts.
Stags have confirmed they are holding contract talks with Roberts, whose current terms will also expire this summer if negotiations do not materialise. Nigel Clough also said after the Cardiff City match that the club are in conversation with Russell over a potential permanent deal.
Mansfield Town players bid farewell to the club
Lewis posted on Instagram: “After three fantastic years, it’s been tough to say goodbye to Mansfield Town. I’ve got memories for life on and off the pitch from my time here.
“I want to thank the fans for your incredible support home and away over the last three years, you lot have made every minute being here special!
“To the gaffer, owners, directors and staff thank you for your belief and trust in me throughout my time here, and my teammates who have been more like family than anything else since day one of me turning up here I hope you have continued success. I wish the club nothing but the best going forward, and I look back on my time here with pride.”
Dwyer, who played just 28 minutes during 2026, has stressed he ‘still has more to give’ ahead of his next chapter.
“Proper club, proper people. You made me feel at home from day one,” the 35-year-old wrote. “I’ve loved my time here… and yeah, always nice to bang a few in along the way. Two seasons fighting, two seasons staying up, and a cheeky top 10 finish to sign off. What a group of lads. I’m not done… still hungry and still have more to give.”
Tottenham youngster Irow wrote: “I am very thankful for my time at this club. It will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you to the fans, players and stuff for everything.”
Meanwhile, Russell, who many fans are hoping will sign permanently with Stags this summer, has said it’s ‘not goodbye’ when it comes to his relationship with the club.
“Nothing but love for Mansfield Town. The way the players, coaches and fans welcomed me… I’ll never forget it. This place made me fall in love with football all over again. It’s never goodbye.”
While Russell’s choice of wording might give supporters hope, a few have shown concerns that Roberts could be finalising his chapter at the One Call Stadium based on his post.
“After a rough few years you have made me fall back in love with the game,” the striker penned. “I'm forever grateful for the constant love, confidence and support that you have shown me. From the fans, to the players and staff, I have so much appreciation for you all, getting my enjoyment and smile back has been priceless. I pray for nothing but great things to come your way.”