Rhys Oates reveals reason behind Mansfield Town switch as attacker signs two-year deal and leaves Hartlepool United

The attacker played a vital part in Pools’ season and netted the winner as Dave Challinor’s men secured their place in the National League play-off final with a 1-0 victory over Stockport.

Oates, who scored 18 goals over the course of the season, also started the game against Torquay United at Ashton Gate as Hartlepool secured their return to League Two on penalties.

The player was also named the club’s Players’ Player and Fans’ Player of the Year after a memorable season at The Vic.

But the 26-year-old will play his football with Hartelpool’s fourth-tier rivals after the club teased the signing before announcing it on social media shortly afterward.

The former Barnsley youth teamer has now signed a two-year deal with the Stags after his contract in the North East expired which left him free to move for nothing.

Speaking to Mansfield’s website, Oates said: “I met the manager [Nigel Clough] and went to the training ground [The RH Academy] on Saturday.

“The way the gaffer spoke and where he thinks the club can go, along with the setup where I’ll be training week-in, week-out, I thought it was a perfect fit for me.

“It [The RH Academy] is a great setup, where I know as a team, we’ll get on together well.

“With any club you go to, you have to come in and prove yourself. I’ll work as hard as I can in pre-season.”

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