Matt Chatfield made his first new signing of the summer as winger Lynton Karkach returns to the Forest Town Arena.
The 23-year-old wide player signs a one-year deal with the Bulls, with an option for the club to extend his stay by a further year.
Karkach made exactly 100 appearances in his first spell with AFC, scoring on 24 occasions over the space of two-and-a-half seasons in Forest Town.
After securing a second promotion from the NCEL in as many seasons, the latter with Worksop Town as league champions, the winger revealed his delight at returning to Mansfield.
"I'm obviously very happy," he said, "To me it's always best to get a deal organised early, so I can start planning and looking forward to getting going.
"The manager seems to have a clear picture of where we want to get to, so it all fell perfectly into place for me."
With Karkach's abilities well known to the club already, the forward was pleased to see the faith shown by the board and manager: "It's pleasing to have that confidence from them, I'm really grateful.
"I've just got to make sure I repay that confidence when we can get back onto the pitch."
With Karkach the first new arrival of the summer, the Bulls gaffer himself was pleased to begin business in a strong fashion.
"I'm absolutely delighted to have Lynton on board," he said, "he's someone we have been wanting for a while.
"I can't wait to start working with him once we can get back on the grass, and hopefully by then we will have a few more additions."