Lifelong Stags Fan Celebrates 80th Birthday with Special Visit to RH Academy

Lifelong Mansfield Town supporter Stuart enjoyed a memorable 80th birthday when his family surprised him with a special visit to the RH Academy yesterday. Stuart met manager Nigel Clough, the players and staff, and watched the first-team squad in training.

Stuart attended his first game in 1955 at 10 years old, sitting in the old Bishop Street Stand with his dad. Over the years, Stuart has witnessed many memorable moments, including the 9-2 FA Cup victory over Hounslow, the 3-0 win against West Ham in 1969, and the Freight Rover Trophy triumph at Wembley in 1987.

Stuart has been a season ticket holder for more than 30 years, and his family proudly have two commemorative bricks in the West Stand, a lasting symbol of their support through the generations. He also fondly recalls the first time that the club’s floodlights were officially switched on.

A goalkeeper in his youth for the Brunts Grammar School under-14s team, Stuart remembers his toughest outing, a 10-1 defeat at Ambergate “in a field littered with cow pats,” he laughs, “the opposition looked much older than us!” He continued playing five-a-side football until the age of 65 and even celebrated his 70th birthday at the One Call Stadium.

During his visit, Stuart enjoyed quizzing the players on the club’s history and taking a tour of the RH Academy’s excellent facilities.

Everyone at Mansfield Town would like to thank Stuart and his family for visiting and extend a special thank you to Nigel Clough and the players for taking time to make it a day to remember for a dedicated lifelong fan.