After marking his sixth year in charge of Mansfield Town, Nigel Clough is now the club’s longest-serving post-war manager.

The personal accolades have come thick and fast for Nigel Clough recently after he surpassed two records previously set by club legend Ian Greaves.

First taking charge of the most EFL games in Stags’ history last month, Clough then became their longest-serving manager post-war, overtaking Greaves’ six years and two days in charge.

The record is now his own to extend as far as he likes but as is typical with Nigel Clough, he doesn’t like to focus too much on his individual achievements.

Nigel Clough celebrates at the final whistle of the Sky Bet League One 2026/27 match between AFC Wimbledon and Mansfield Town. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

placeholder image — Nigel Clough celebrates at the final whistle of the Sky Bet League One 2026/27 match between AFC Wimbledon and Mansfield Town. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

After six years with Stags, Clough reflects on what the club has achieved as a unit, rather than the part he has played. Of course, supporters know just how important the manager has been in their recent growth.

When Clough was appointed back in 2020, Mansfield were crying out for help and treading water near the bottom of League Two. After they kept themselves comfortably afloat, Stags started to push for the promised land of League One, which they achieved with automatic promotion in 2024.

The club has continued to improve under the management of Clough year after year, and while it's been no easy ride, it has been filled with precious memories and success to mark in the history books.

“It’s been tough, hard work but rewarding – hopefully for the club and the supporters more than anything,” Clough said as he reflected on his impressive tenure.

Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough following the Sky Bet League One match against Northampton Town AFC at Accu Stadium,25 April 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.media

“We sit here in the top half of League One and we’re into the second round of the FA Cup again, compared to being third or fourth from the bottom six years ago. So I hope that can be viewed as successful progress.”

The Clough family name carries monumental weight in the football world and like his late father – the legendary Brian Clough – Nigel is showing impressive durability, especially as knee-jerk managerial firings are becoming all the more common in today’s game.

Clough’s presence in management stands head and shoulders above many in today’s game. Only Mikel Arteta has been his current role longer than the Stags gaffer in the entire top four English tiers.

Interestingly, despite Clough’s dad teasing him that he would never beat him at anything, Nigel surpassed Brian’s tally of 1,453 games managed a good while ago now.

“It’s the only thing I’ll ever finish ahead of him on. That’s the only thing he didn’t predict, actually,” Clough told the Telegraph last season.

As well as his record with Mansfield Town, Nigel Clough also has the longest-serving tenure with Burton Albion, where he remains a key figure in the club’s folklore.

From Burton, to Derby County, to Sheffield United, back to Burton and onto Stags, Clough has kept his valuable team members close.

Right-hand man Andy Garner also looked back on his time with the gaffer over the years and pinpointed Mansfield’s promotion-winning season as a career highlight, particularly mentioning the 4-1 win over MK Dons just before Stags’ fate was secured in the following match.

“I don’t think there is any one particular thing,” Clough said of his favourite memories. “Getting promoted is always special, we near as damn did it on that day [vs MK Dons]. I think staying up the last couple of seasons as well, finishing in the top half last season.

“Rather than individual moments, I try to look at it long-term. The way we play, the FA Cup run, where we finished last season, one defeat in 15… I think that is as good a memory as any.”