Mansfield Town have agreed a permanent deal for Gillingham striker Tom Nichols until the summer of 2025.
The 30-year-old starred under Neil Harris after joining from Crawley last January, registering eight goals as Gillingham steered themselves towards survival in the second half of the 2022-23 season. However, Nichols’ output has not quite met the same standards this season, with the striker finding the net on only one occasion.
However, the strike has made a move further up the League Two table with Nichols set to join Mansfield Town following a deal being agreed between the two fourth tier clubs.
Nigel Clough’s side are in need of additions up front; with their attacking statistics not often matching their goal output, the need for a more clinical presence in the box could prove a huge boost to the Stags’ promotion credentials.
With the most draws in the league, the lack of ability to truly kill games has been a regular downfall in an otherwise extremely positive season for Nigel Clough’s side.
Nichols has plenty of experience at League Two level, proving himself potent in the division with Exeter City, Crawley Town and current club Gillingham during his spells in the fourth tier.
However, in recent months the forward has found regular game time difficult to come by, being mostly limited to substitute apperances under Stephen Clemence. The Gills are currently just outside of the play-off positions and will be looking to strengthen their squad today in order to put down a challenge.
The forward will be joining a Mansfield side that currently sit third in the division after suffering the least defeats in the league while well-in the competition with Stockport County, Wrexham, Barrow and Crewe Alexandra for the automatic promotion positions.
Writer’s View
Mansfield have been in dire need of a more clinical front-man to truly bolster their chances of achieving automatic promotion. Nichols is proven as both a talisman and has creative output at this level that would improve many sides in the division.
This could be a great signing for Mansfield, if Nichols is able to contribute to more than five goals then this could go a long way in such a tight race for the top three spots in the fourth tier.
