Fans set to enjoy '˜An Evening With' Mansfield Town defender Mal Benning

The left-back will become the first current senior player to take to the stage this calendar year to answer questions about his personal and professional life with host Mark Stevenson.

Benning, who joined the Stags last summer, quickly became a fans’ favourite with his assured defensive displays and emphatic goals from left-back.

His thunderous volley against Newport County recently won the club’s ‘Goal of 2015’ award, voted for by Stags’ supporters.

The former Walsall man was an ever-present in Adam Murray’s side before suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in the 2-1 home defeat to Bristol Rovers in October 2015.

Facing a three-month spell on the sidelines, Benning worked hard to regain his fitness – which included kicking a ball against a wall in his house – before making his long-awaited comeback in the 1-0 victory over Crawley Town in January.

Entry to the evening is free and there will be the chance to put questions to Benning as well as winning Stags merchandise.

The Sandy Pate Sports Bar is situated at the back of the Ian Greaves Stand next to the main car park, which is free.