Mansfield determined to keep Evans amid reported Swindon interest

(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)

Mansfield Town have dispelled rumours of manager Steve Evans joining Swindon, telling the Advertiser there has been no approach for his services and that they’re determined to keep hold of him.

The 54-year-old Scotsman has only been in charge of the Stags since November, but did an excellent job, steering the side from 18th to the brink of the League Two play-offs, and has been installed as a favourite to replace Luke Williams at the County Ground.

It was a highly impressive six-month spell for Evans, but it has been reported the former Rotherham and Crawley boss is unsure of his future and wants financial assurances from chairman John Radford as he plans for next season.

And despite reportedly saying in a press conference that he was “not a League Two manager”, Mansfield are confident of keeping Evans and told the Swindon Advertiser: “The manager signed a two-and-a-half-year contract in November last year and therefore continues to be under contract at One Call Stadium.

“The manager has met with our chairman John Radford and chief executive Carolyn Radford as we begin our work towards our primary goal of promotion in 2017-18.

“Our chairman issued a powerful address to our supporters on Sunday night in an end-of-season awards ceremony at One Call Stadium.

“In the address, the chairman stated unequivocally that the manager will have his full backing heading into next season and we will leave no stone unturned in our endeavours to fulfil the dreams of a town and its people.

“Our club is in its healthiest state in recent memory, and whilst we are fully respectful of our opponents in Sky Bet League Two and the division in which we will compete, we will not allow for any distractions as our work now begins in mounting a serious promotion challenge next season.”