32-year-old left-back Steve McLaughlin has put pen-to-paper on a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2024. McLaughlin hit a remarkable eight goals and 10 assists last season as Mansfield reached the League Two playoffs.

McLaughlin earned last year's fan's player of the season award through his performances, mightily impressing Stags' fans with his energy and quality. Speaking to the club's official website, manager Nigel Clough labelled McLaughlin as "instrumental" to how Mansfield played last year, offering an excellent attacking threat down the left.

Despite his age, McLaughlin is the definition of a modern full-back, constantly providing an overlapping option and progressing the ball superbly. The Irishman produced stand-out stats for the Stags last year, finishing with the highest amount of expected assists of any L2 left-back (7.66), whilst also producing the most key passes and the third most crosses.

Having tied down one of the best full-backs in the division, Clough expressed his delight: "We’re very pleased that Macca has committed to the club for another two years. He has enjoyed an exceptional 18 months, reflected in the numerous personal awards won at the end of last season."

McLaughlin will be one of the first names on the teamsheet for Mansfield this term, in a season that kicks off on the 30th July against Salford. Mansfield will once again be amongst the strongest teams in the division, looking to go one step further than last year's playoff final defeat to Port Vale.

The Verdict

Mansfield have done fantastically well to keep hold of a player very capable of playing at least one division higher. As mentioned by Clough, Mclaughlin is vital to the Stags' style and success. Losing the Irishman would have been a massive blow to any promotion hopes Mansfield may have this season

The only question mark over this deal is the contract length, with the two-year meaning McLaughlin will be 34 by the time it expires. Providing the ex-Nottingham Forest man doesn't experience an extremely sharp drop-off over the next two years, however, Stephen McLaughlin will remain an excellent asset to Nigel Clough and his Mansfield side.