Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough has insisted that social media criticism will not influence his selection decisions after Lucas Akins started for the Stags just hours after pleading guilty to causing the death of a cyclist.
The 36-year-old admitted to causing the death of Adrian Daniel by careless or inconsiderate driving at a hearing at Leeds Crown Court last Tuesday. That evening, he played in Mansfield’s goalless draw with Wigan Athletic at One Call Stadium, sparking backlash on social media.
However, Clough dismissed any suggestion that external pressure would dictate his team selection.
“I don’t see social media so haven’t heard or seen one thing. If I start picking the team based on what is said on social media then that will be going away from our main principles.”
Akins’ ongoing availability
Akins was a Mansfield player when the incident occurred in March 2022, and he has remained available for selection throughout the legal proceedings.
Mr Daniel, 33, died 10 days after being struck by Akins’ Mercedes in Huddersfield. The forward is scheduled to return to Leeds Crown Court for sentencing on 24 April.
While he played against Wigan on the same day as his guilty plea, Akins lasted only 45 minutes before being forced off with a hamstring injury. He was not included in the squad for Mansfield’s 1-1 draw with Stevenage the following weekend.
Clough acknowledged the emotional toll of the situation on both the player and the club ahead of Tuesday’s League One fixture against Exeter City.
“It’s incredibly difficult, but he has been dealing with it for the last two or three years and all we can do is give him every bit of support we can.”
Akins’ future at Mansfield
The Grenada international, who has played for eight different clubs in a near 18-year professional career, is in the final four months of the contract extension he signed with Mansfield last summer.
Akins began his career at Huddersfield Town before spells at Hamilton Academical, Partick Thistle, Tranmere Rovers, Stevenage, and Burton Albion, where he became the club’s record appearance maker and goalscorer in the English Football League. He joined Mansfield in January 2022.
His future at the club beyond this season remains uncertain, with Clough yet to confirm whether he will be offered a new deal.
Writer’s view
Mansfield’s decision to play Akins so soon after his guilty plea was always going to provoke strong reactions. While Clough has every right to select his players as he sees fit, the optics of the situation have undoubtedly fuelled debate.
With Akins set to be sentenced in April, the club will need to carefully navigate the situation both on and off the pitch. How Mansfield handles this controversy in the coming weeks could define their season both competitively and reputationally.
