On this special day at this festive time of the year, AFC Mansfield would like to extend the warmest of Christmas wishes to its supporters, players, staff and volunteers.
2019 has been a rollercoaster year of many ups accompanied by many downs for AFC. A superb end to the 2018/19 season saw the Bulls comfortably avoid the bottom two of the Northern Premier League East Division with Mark Ward at the helm, but unfortunate circumstances regarding ground grading requirements meant the club had to be relegated.
With the club back int he NCEL Premier Division, the summer then saw the management change hands. We welcomed new Bulls boss Matt Chatfield, his assistant John Stancliffe, coaches Andy Morris and Spencer Fearn, and an almost entirely new and youthful squad.
Chatfield and his new arrivals instilled a fresh and exciting atmosphere at the Forest Town Arena, and a bright start saw the Bulls score 13 goals in their first four games in all competitions, including a 7-0 FA Cup thrashing of Sleaford Town.
Unfortunately for AFC, they have struggled for consistent form ever since August with no league win since the opening month of the season. But with over half of the season remaining, all at the club intend to remain nothing but positive.
Off the pitch, we have also welcomed new staff and volunteers this year. Non-league football would not be what it is without the tireless work of volunteers who give up their time to put local football on the map, all for the love of the beautiful game.
All involved with the club would like to thank the staff and players for their efforts on the pitch so far, our supporters for following us through the good and bad, and above all the club's volunteers who have worked to the bone to make AFC Mansfield the club that it is.
We hope everyone enjoys a well-earned rest at Christmas time, before we look onto a visit to Barton Town this Saturday.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, from all at AFC Mansfield.