Stags sign midfield ace Ravenhill

Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray today made his second signing of the transfer window by capturing the signature of experienced midfielder Ricky Ravenhill, subject to Football League/Football Association clearance.

The 33-year-old has penned a deal until the end of the season.
A combative and creative player, Ravenhill started out in the academy ranks at Barnsley before moving to hometown club Doncaster Rovers, where he made 159 appearances – helping the club achieve back-to-back promotions and beat Manchester City and Aston Villa en route to the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.

After a short spell on loan at Chester City, he joined Grimsby Town in September 2006 and spent four months at Blundell Park prior to moving to Darlington in a loan switch which later became permanent.

The midfielder featured 99 times for Darlington in all competitions and eventually joined Notts County, where he missed just six games as the Magpies cruised to the League Two title in 2009/10.

Having helped County cement their status at a higher level, the Yorkshireman spent two years at Bradford City and was part of their squad that reached the Capital One Cup Final in 2012/13, before returning to Wembley Stadium just a few months later to beat Northampton Town and win promotion.

Ironically, Ravenhill joined Northampton last season in a loan deal which soon became a permanent arrangement and helped the Cobblers to defy the odds and retain their status in the Football League.

In total, the experienced midfielder has made 488 career appearances, scoring 23 goals and gaining four promotions.

Manager Adam Murray said: “Ricky is somebody who will add a wealth of experience and knowledge to our squad.

“He is someone who has achieved success in League Two previously and is a leader and organiser; specific qualities which I think we needed.

“In Ricky, we have an excellent all-round professional, who will raise the standards.”