Mansfield Town have re-signed central defender Ryan Sweeney on a two-year deal, as per the club’s official website. The towering centre-half returns to the Stags after making 127 appearances for them between 2018 and 2021 and rejecting a new contract with Burton Albion.
Sweeney Since Leaving Mansfield
Sweeney enjoyed three excellent seasons with the Stags in his first spell in the East Midlands before leaving to join Dundee FC.
He played 35 league games in his first season in Scotland, scoring three goals and winning the Players’ Player of the Season Award. But, he could not save his side from relegation despite winning more duels and aerial duels than any other defender in the Scottish top flight.
But, his second season at Dundee was much more successful. The defender was made club captain at the start of the season and he scored six times in 32 league games to help his side instantly bounce back to the Scottish Premiership. Sweeney was also named in the Scottish PFA’s Scottish Championship Team of the Year and in the SPFL Championship Team of the Season.
Following two successful years abroad, the former Republic of Ireland under-21 international returned to England with Burton in the summer of 2023.
The centre-back has been an ever-present for the Brewers over the past two seasons, making 96 appearances and scoring five goals.
He was key to the team’s last-ditch escape from the relegation zone this season, winning more duels than 96% of defenders and making the joint second-most blocks per 90 of any central defender in the third tier.
Defender ‘Absolutely Buzzing’ To Be Back
Speaking to club media upon his return, Sweeney emphasised his love for the club:
“It’s a club that I’ve got a huge amount of love and respect for. We’ve got some fantastic people here and even going back to the training ground; I almost forgot how good the facilities are.”
He also believes that Stags fans will see an even better version of him than before, saying:
“I think I’m coming back a more well-rounded player. I joined here [originally] in my early 20s and you’re still trying to find your feet in the game. I’ve gone away and experienced some incredible things.
I’m excited to get back here and play because I know what this stadium is like when it’s packed out and rocking so I’m absolutely buzzing.”
Writer’s View
This is nothing short of an incredible signing for Mansfield. Sweeney won Players’ Player of the Year in both his seasons at Burton and also won Fans’ Player of the Year this season.
He is a defender who has been consistently excellent for half a decade and it is a sign of Mansfield’s ambition that they have been able to recruit the former Stoke City man.
Returning to the Stags gives him the opportunity to link up with his former manager Nigel Clough, who has found someone to replace the departing trio of Aden Flint, George Williams and Alfie Kilgour.
