Mansfield Town Legends night is a huge success

The event saw the evening split into two parts as Mansfield Matters presented a live stage version of their ‘A Trip Down Memory Lane’ series, with Barker revealing all in part one, and Murray and Cox uniting in part two to recall the Stags’ journey back into the Football League.

Promising to relive the drama, heartache and glory – the evening didn’t fail to deliver with Barker revealing he fought tooth and nail to stay in the Amber & Blue, until he was told the money from his transfer to Hartlepool would essentially prevent the club from folding.

RELIVE THE NIGHT ON VIDEO HEREMurray and Cox fondly recalled their time at the club with Murray recalling how the pain of losing the FA Trophy Final in 2011 and then in the play-off semi-final the following year, was the inspiration he needed to pay through the pain of numerous injuries.

Other stories from the duo included how a pre-season team bonding session gave chairman John Radford a night he’ll never forget, what really happened in the dressing room at Woking and how Tyrone Thompson’s own goal defied logic.

Event organiser and host Craig Priest said: “I’m absolutely blown away by how successful this evening has been.

“Nathan Edge, Simon Mercer, Cam Felton and myself have worked tirelessly on this for the last two months and to have raised over £200 for the cause is phenomenal.

“Kevin Bird was with us on the night, which made it extra special and poignant.

“The money that has been raised is going to make a huge difference in areas such as research and helping to run activities such as memory cafés, which provide support for people living with dementia and those caring for someone with dementia.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who came out in support of the event and to those who’ve sent messages of support.

“The three guests are three of my all-time heroes and I feel so privileged to have shared the stage with them and played a part in bringing them home.

“A big thanks to Richie, Adam and Paul – to John and Carolyn Radford for their backing, and also the club for their tireless support. I hope this is the first of many events of this nature.”

Mansfield Matters will be continuing with their ‘A Trip Down Memory Lane’ series over the course of the season, and will be back for series two of the Mansfield Matters Podcast – broadcast live on facebook.com/mtfcmatters every Thursday at 6.30pm where supporters can have their say on their team.