But that long-awaited promotion to League One has always eluded them.
This year of course might be the year – and as this combined table from the last eight years shows – they more than deserve a crack at a higher level.
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Mansfield Town have played 633 League Two games since their return to the EFL eight seasons ago. They have the fourth most points won in that time. Photo: Chris Holloway
. Northampton Town - 891 pts
Northampton Town 595 243 162 190 95 891 Photo: Pete Norton
. Cheltenham Town - 856 pts
Cheltenham Town 644 223 187 234 -47 856 Photo: Pete Norton
. Wycombe Wanderers - 854 pts
Wycombe Wanderers 559 229 167 163 110 854 Photo: Alex Burstow
. Mansfield Town - 841 pts
Mansfield Town 633 218 187 228 13 841 Photo: Chris Holloway
. Morecambe - 796 pts
Morecambe FC 640 205 181 254 -118 796 Photo: Alex Livesey
. Exeter City - 773 pts
Exeter City 503 213 134 156 99 773 Photo: Lewis Storey
. Accrington Stanley - 753 pts
Accrington Stanley 556 205 138 213 -51 753 Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
. Bury - 730 pts
Bury FC 508 195 145 168 61 730 Photo: Pete Norton
1. Northampton Town - 891 pts
Northampton Town 595 243 162 190 95 891 Photo: Pete Norton
2. Cheltenham Town - 856 pts
Cheltenham Town 644 223 187 234 -47 856 Photo: Pete Norton
3. Wycombe Wanderers - 854 pts
Wycombe Wanderers 559 229 167 163 110 854 Photo: Alex Burstow
4. Mansfield Town - 841 pts
Mansfield Town 633 218 187 228 13 841 Photo: Chris Holloway