Stags do for ex-Wigan Athletic supremo!

Former Wigan Athletic chairman David Sharpe is the new director of football of League Two outfit Mansfield Town.
David SharpeDavid Sharpe
David Sharpe

The 29-year-old - who succeeded his grandad Dave Whelan as Latics chief in March 2015, before standing down in November 2018 following the takeover by IEC - will work closely with manager Graham Coughlan, alongside owners John and Carolyn Radford.

Sharpe has recently been working as an advisor to the board of 366 Group, a media and sports management company.

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"First and foremost I would like to thank the chairman and Carolyn for the opportunity to become the first director of football in Mansfield Town Football Club’s history," he said.

“Since I stepped away from Wigan Athletic 18 months ago, I’ve always had a burning ambition to be involved with a football club again.

"And although various opportunities have presented themselves, this is the only club that felt the right fit.

"I’m immensely proud and honoured to now be the director of football at Mansfield Town.

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“It is a club which I have followed from afar over the last few years, and I am excited to support the chairman and Carolyn in helping them to fulfil their ambitions for the club and the town.

“They have provided a fantastic platform for the future of the football club, and continue to commit a significant level of investment.

"I hope, in my role, to add to the solid foundations and infrastructure already in place from the academy up to the first team.

“I look forward to working closely with Graham Coughlan and all the staff at the football club.

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"And I have no doubt that, once Graham has the opportunity to put his stamp on the squad this summer, our supporters will have a Stags’ team they can be proud of next season.

John and Carolyn Radford added: “We are greatly looking forward to working with David, whose credentials and achievements within football and business are there for all to see.

“At Wigan Athletic, he worked closely with the likes of Roberto Martinez, Uwe Rosler and Paul Cook, amongst others, in masterminding the success which they delivered to the Latics, while developing a network of contacts within football and business.

“This expertise and experience, as a director and chairman of Wigan, will now be of real benefit to Mansfield Town as we endeavour to build on the strong foundations which have been made at One Call Stadium.

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“David has an infectious passion for football and business, a notable track record within the industry, and the contacts and skills to help the club grow and prosper.

“David will oversee the football structure and will work to implement his recommendations to support both the football operation and the board of directors during this uncertain period for the game and beyond.”