Mansfield Town chairman John Radford issued a statement to the club’s “loyal supporters” to explain the sale of star wingman Sam Clucas to local rivals Chesterfield on transfer deadline day.

Clucas, who would have been out of contract at the end of the season, had been expected to stay after the Stags rejected a bid last week.

However, he was transferred on Monday for an undisclosed fee. An hour later former Wigan Athletic striker Rakish Bingham was brought in.

Radford said: “I thought it would be useful for me to provide an update to you on the reasons for eventually selling Sam Clucas.

“The last offer from Chesterfield, which concluded the deal for Sam’s transfer ,was good business for the club.

“Sam made it clear that he wanted to move and was unlikely to accept a new contract with us when his deal was up at the end of the season. The club would have effectively ended up with nothing.

“Upon greater reflection at the weekend, and in the best interests of the club, it was therefore right to sell Sam at this point.

“We have a solid, tight-knit squad here at the Stags, now boosted by the signing of striker Rakish Bingham.

“Our club is still developing and growing after three progressive seasons. Sometimes really tough decisions have to be made, not always popular ones either. But those decisions are always made with the best interests of Mansfield Town Football Club in mind.”