Sport

Mansfield Town still ‘considering’ future of jailed striker after retained list announced

By Henry Green

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The future of jailed Mansfield Town forward Lucas Akins is still unclear after the club announced their retained list.

The 36-year-old was sentenced to prison in April after pleading guilty to causing the death of a cyclist by careless or inconsiderate driving, with the club being tight-lipped on the situation since.

On Wednesday’s (May 8) publication of the club’s retained list – the players they intend to keep next season –  Mansfield Town said the club is “continuing to consider its position with regards to Lucas Akins and will be making no further comment at this stage,” despite the forward being out of contract in the summer. As of May 8, He remains listed as a forward on the club’s website.

Akins had continued to play for the club since the incident in March 2022, until he was jailed for 14 months on April 24. Cyclist Adrian Daniel, 33, died in hospital 10 days after he was hit by a Mercedes driven by Akins near Huddersfield.

Just hours after pleading guilty in an earlier hearing on March 4 at Leeds Crown Court, the Stags veteran started their home league match against Wigan.

Experienced goalkeeper Christy Pym and experienced defender Aden Flint have been released with contract discussions underway for forwards Jordan Bowery, Lee Gregory, Dom Dwyer, midfielder Stephen McLaughlin and goalkeeper Scott Flinders.

In a statement following Akins sentencing last month, Mansfield Town said: “Mansfield Town Football Club offers its sincere and deepest condolences to the family condolences to the family of Adrian Daniel at this difficult time.

“The club is considering its position with regards to Lucas and will be making no further comment at this stage.”

The veteran joined the club from fellow League One side Burton Albion in 2022 and has played more than 140 games for the Stags.