Forward Jordan Bowery keen to end season by playing in goal for Mansfield Town

The veteran frontman has played all over the pitch for Stags during a gruelling campaign as injuries bit through the squad.

And he now wants to top the season off by putting on the goalkeeper’s jersey on the final day of the season.

“I have played everywhere this season,” he said. “I am going to ask the manager if I can play in goal at Barrow because that's the only place I haven't played. I have been everywhere.

“We are up. I doubt he will let me but I am going to ask the question. I want ten minutes at least to top it off.”

And delighted Bowery, who is Stags’ longest-serving player having signed for the club in August 2020, admits he has now ticked off a massive goal.

“When I signed my last contract I had unfinished business here and we’ve finally done it,” he said.

“This is what I came here for. It’s a great bunch of lads, staff and fans and I’ve loved everything about being here, long may it continue.

“The squad depth was there this year. We had numbers and quality, we had players who can grind it out and play in different positions, we had everything.

“The gaffer and staff have got it perfect all year.

“I can't be any happier for the lads, they have all put in an absolute shift.”

Midfielder George Maris described promotion as the best moment of his career.”

“It's what we have all wanted for all these years and we have done it,” he added.

“We have been so strong this year. We have been growing for four years, it's been a long four years and I'm delighted for everyone in the town.

“It's the best moment in my career by a mile, it’s all I wanted when I signed. It took four years longer than I wanted but it’s happened.

“We carry on next season now and see what we can do.”

Forward Lucas Akins said the long-awaited promotion was a dream come true.

“It's been a great effort,” he said. “It's be a long time in the making but everyone has got what they deserve.

“We have to enjoy the moment, it's a great feeling, it really is.

“If you look around it’s been a team effort, there have been a lot of people working towards this even before I joined the club.

“I am delighted for the chairman, the chairwoman, the directors - they have all hoped for a day like today and I'm so glad collectively that we could make it happen.

“It's been a squad effort and it’s a great feeling that we have to take in.

“Football, like life has many ups and downs, and when the ups come you have to relish it.”