In those four years at the helm Clough has overseen the transformation of Stags from a team struggling to get going in League Two and match their ambition, to a team currenty lighting up League One.
His first win came in Gloucestershire with Stags beating Forest Green Rovers 2-1 eight days later. The goals came from George Lapslie and Harry Charsley with Stags lining-up in a 4-5-1 formation.
It’s been all change since that date with Stags going on an emotional rollercoaster.
Stags finished a lowly 16th in League Two during Clough’s first season in charge as he worked to put the foundations in place for a promotion push.
It was so nearly realised in the 2021/22 season when Stags were beaten by Port Vale at Wembley play-off final.
The following season brought more pain with Stags missing out on the play-offs to Salford by just a single goal.
But there was no stopping Stags last season with a 19 game unbeaten start setting the tone for a wonderful season ahead. Stags went on to rack up the wins – and goals – before promotion was finally clinched after a memorable win against Accrington Stanley.
Just three players now remain from the starting side that got the journey going – Jordan Bowery, Stephen McLaughlin and George Maris.
So where are rest of the players now and what became of them after the left Stags? Here we have all the answers.
5. Mal Benning
Benning left Stags on 27 April 2021, having made 251 appearances in a six-year stay at the club. He was the 18th highest appearance maker in the club's history at the time of his departure. Benning agreed a one-year contract with Port Vale later that summer, before joining Shrewbury Town in August 2023 after finding his game time limited at Vale Park. Photo: Getty Images
6. Jordan Bowery
Jordan Bowery has played a key part in Mansfield Town's rise over the last four seasons, with his versatility to play all over the park proving to be highly valuable. He played 44 times in Stags' promotion-winning campaign last season. Photo: Getty Images
7. George Maris
George Maris remains an important part of Mansfield Town's squad and is currently working his way back from a pre-sesaon injury. He is closing in on 150 appearances for Stags. Photo: Getty Images
8. Harry Charsley
Harry Charsley played 43 times for Stags in the 2020/21 season, but he left for Port Vale in the 2022 January transfer window in search of regular football. He moved on to Newport County a year later, again in search of regular football. Charlsey joined Oldham Athetic in July 2024. Photo: Getty Images