AFC Mansfield are delighted to announce the addition of nine new faces, and one old one, who join the Bulls squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
Joint-managers Spencer Fearn and John Stancliffe have welcomed several new faces to the club, including the retainment of a fan favourite.
A man that needs no introduction is AFC Mansfield legend Luke Walker, who has made 81 appearances for the Bulls and netted 16 goals since his first outing in 2019. It's great to have 'Walks' committing to the Bulls for next season.
Also adding more firepower to the frontline is Sam Ackroyd (20), who joins us from Sheffield FC. Sam spent his youth career at Sheffield United, where he was awarded a
scholarship at just 14 years of age. He moved on after his scholarship to Parkgate and 8 goals in 11 appearances, led to a move to Worksop Town, then Sheffield. A quick striker with an eye for a spectacular goal, Sam is another welcome addition to the squad.
Returning to the Bulls is goalkeeper Hugo Warhurst (21). Hugo
spent 10 years at Sheffield United and made his senior debut at just 17 years of age when he had a successful loan spell at Frickley Athletic. He then went on to represent Sheffield FC, Frickley for a second spell, here at AFC Mansfield and more recently Maltby Main. During his time with the Bulls, Warhurst made 43 appearances and kept 13 clean sheets.
Midfielder Jack Osborne (22) was previously a scholar at Rotherham United. After being
released, he travelled to the United States where he was on a scholarship at Robert Morris College in Pittsburgh.
Centre-back Brandon Murillo (20) was previously at Sheffield United as a teenager. He has played Club America Under 20's in Mexico, Glasshoughton Welfare and Sheffield FC.
Right-back/right wing-back Brad Mears (22) is next to join the Bulls. Brad's career has seen him play at Frickley Athletic, Bolsover and a short stint at AFC Mansfield a few years ago. After some time away from Saturday football, he returned to senior football with the NEFA last season.
Able to operate at right-back and cental midfield, Oliver
Lawrence (25) played 50 games for Maltby Main in the NCEL before moving to Retford United in 2018, where he
made 57 competitive appearances for the club.
Versatile Liam O'Brien (24) joins us from Maltby Main. His
previous clubs include Retford United, Kiveton Miners
Welfare and Wombwell.
Another face joining us from Maltby Main is Cal Clarke (18). Cal was with Sheffield Wednesday as an under 15 and 16 with the shadow squad, before joining Handsworth and playing with the reserves before making the move to Maltby Main. He is currently a student at Thomas Rotherham College.
The final player to be announced today is Khalid Suleiman, who plays as a defender or midfielder. An ex-NEFA student five years ago, he played for Parkgate and the NEFA whilst training with Northern Premier League club Sheffield FC last season.
And last, but certainly not least, we welcome Jennifer Irving, who is our new physio. Jen has worked at Maltby Main for the last four seasons, and previously at Rotherham Titans, Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos. She has a BSc (Hons) in Sports Therapy and Level 3 in Personal Training.
Joint manager John Stancliffe stated: "We are delighted that Luke has committed for a further year, as he is a big part of the club. It's also great to see all the new additions, some who are familiar faces get over the line and we welcome them all. We are still in talks with a few more players and will of course be welcoming most of the existing squad back for pre-season as we look to have healthy competition for places next season."