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.
9. George Lapslie
George Lapslie left Stags in the 2023 January transfer window to join promotion-chasing Gillingham after making 86 appearances for Mansfield. Photo: Getty Images
10. Stephen McLaughlin
Stephen McLaughlin remains an important first-team player this season and has risen well to the challenges of League One. Photo: Getty Images
11. Nicky Maynard
Maynard joined Newport County on loan in February 2021 for the remainder of the season. Maynard played for Newport in the League Two playoff final at Wembley Stadium on 31 May 2021 which Newport lost to Morecambe. He was released by Mansfield at the end of the 2020/21 season at the end of his contract. He went on to join Tranmere and is currently at Macclesfield. Photo: Getty Images