Mansfield Town included jailed footballer Lucas Akins in their squad list, signaling his potential return upon release. Akins is serving a 14-month sentence for causing a cyclist’s death but could be back before Christmas. The club’s decision has sparked debate about second chances and the impact on victims.
In a surprising turn of events, Mansfield Town has included jailed footballer Lucas Akins in their squad list for the current season. This move signals that the club intends to welcome Akins back into the fold once he is released from prison. The 36-year-old is currently serving a 14-month sentence after pleading guilty to causing the death of a cyclist by careless driving in March 2022.
Akins' sentencing occurred in April, casting doubt on his future with the club. However, recent developments suggest that he could be available to play for the League Two side before Christmas. According to reports, Akins is expected to be released after serving half of his sentence, with the remaining seven months to be served on license. This means he could potentially return to the pitch much sooner than initially anticipated.
The decision to include Akins in the squad list is a clear indication of Mansfield Town's faith in the player. Despite the serious nature of his crime and the resulting prison sentence, the club seems willing to give him a second chance. This decision is likely to be met with mixed reactions, as some fans may feel that Akins should not be allowed to represent the club after causing the death of another person. Others may argue that he has served his time and deserves an opportunity to rebuild his life and career.
Mansfield Town's initial response to the situation was cautious. In May, when confirming its retained list, the club stated that it was "continuing to consider its position" regarding Akins. His contract was thought to have expired at the end of last season, adding further uncertainty to his future. However, the publication of the squad lists on the English Football League website has now confirmed that Akins is indeed under contract and registered with the club.
When questioned about the squad list, Mansfield Town issued a brief statement, saying: "The club will review Lucas' position as and when he is released from custody and will make no further comment at this time." This statement suggests that the club is waiting to see how Akins progresses during his time in prison before making a final decision on his future role within the team.
The tragic incident that led to Akins' imprisonment occurred more than three years ago. Adrian Daniel, 33, died 10 days after being struck by a Mercedes G350 driven by Akins near Huddersfield. The trial that followed was a difficult and emotional process for all involved. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Akins continued to play for Mansfield Town until he was eventually jailed.
In a controversial move, Akins even started a League Two match hours after pleading guilty at Leeds Crown Court on March 4. This decision drew criticism from some quarters, with many questioning whether it was appropriate for him to be playing football while facing such serious charges.
Following Akins' sentencing, Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough described the jail term as an "unbelievable shock" to the club. Clough has a long-standing relationship with Akins, having previously managed him at Burton Albion. Akins has made over 150 appearances for Mansfield Town since joining the club in January 2022, becoming a key player in the team's attack.
The inclusion of Lucas Akins in Mansfield Town's squad list raises many questions about the club's values and priorities. While it is important to give people a second chance, it is also crucial to consider the impact of such decisions on the victims of crime and their families. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold, but one thing is clear: the return of Lucas Akins to Mansfield Town is set to be a controversial and closely watched event.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Akins was a Mansfield player when the fatal crash occurred. This means that the club has a responsibility to consider the feelings of the victim's family and the wider community. It is possible that some fans may choose to boycott the club if Akins is allowed to play again.
Ultimately, the decision to include Akins in the squad list is a gamble for Mansfield Town. It could pay off if he returns to the team and helps them achieve success on the pitch. However, it could also backfire if it alienates fans and damages the club's reputation.
Only time will tell whether Mansfield Town's decision to stand by Lucas Akins is the right one. In the meantime, the club will continue to prepare for the upcoming season, hoping that Akins will be able to rejoin the team sooner rather than later. The situation is a reminder of the complex and often difficult choices that football clubs have to make when dealing with players who have committed serious crimes.