Clucas out, Bingham in for Stags on deadline day

Clucas finally joined Chesterfield for an undisclosed fee after the Spireites improved last week’s initial bid for the player, who made it clear during discussions that he wasn’t going to sign a new contract when his current deal expired at the end of the season and wished to further his career.

It ended a 15-month stay for the former Hereford man, who was named in last season’s Sky Bet League Two Team of the Year and would have been a free agent next summer.

Manager Paul Cox then moved quickly to sign Bingham, a player that has impressed on trial at the club in recent weeks, fighting off interest from several other clubs.

The 20-year-old could now make his debut in tomorrow night’s JPT clash with local rivals Notts County.

Born in London, Bingham joined Wigan’s U18s in 2010 after impressing while playing college football in East London.

Held in high regard by the then Latics boss Roberto Martinez, the youngster made his reserve team debut in April 2011 and signed his first professional contract at the end of the 2011/12 season.

After being unable to break into the Latics’ first team in 2012/13 – a campaign which saw Wigan dramatically win the FA Cup, Bingham spent a portion of last term on loan at Falkirk in the Scottish Championship.

He was described by Martinez’s successor, Owen Coyle as having fantastic potential.

After leaving Wigan this summer, the youngster spent pre-season on trial at AFC Bournemouth and travelled with the Cherries on their tour of Austria/Switzerland.

“It’s a little bit nervy to be signing on transfer deadline day,” Bingham told club web site mansfieldtown.net.

“I’m used to being at home watching it on TV and it’s the first time I’ve been involved in it, so it’s exciting.

“I’m a striker, so scoring goals is what I hope to do. That’s my plan. I’m ‘over the moon’ to be signing for the Stags,” he added.