Mansfield Town have formally registered striker Lucas Akins for the 2025–26 season, despite the 36-year-old currently serving a 14 month prison sentence for causing the death of a cyclist by careless driving. The move keeps him eligible to return to competitive football once released, potentially later this year, but the club has stressed that no playing commitments have been made.
The club’s retained list, submitted to the English Football League, confirms Akins as an active member of Mansfield’s senior squad. Under standard custodial terms, release at the halfway point is possible, which may allow him to resume training and matches before the end of the calendar year. For now, his inclusion is viewed as an administrative decision, not a guarantee of playing time. Any future involvement depends on his release schedule, fitness, and managerial selection.
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Although Mansfield had signalled in May that it was reviewing Akins’ situation, his official registration means the club has kept contractual options open. Whether he returns to the pitch will hinge on post release evaluations, with staff expected to weigh both sporting needs and broader community considerations.
Court records reveal that Akins’ Mercedes struck 33 year old cyclist Adrian Daniel near Huddersfield in March 2022. Daniel died ten days later from his injuries. In April 2025, Akins received a 14 month prison sentence and a driving ban. The judge noted his late guilty plea contributed to the distress of Daniel’s family.
Akins continued playing for Mansfield during the lengthy proceedings. In March 2025, he appeared in a League One fixture only hours after entering his guilty plea in court. His sentence requires part of the term to be served in custody while the remainder is spent on licence, aligning with the projected release at around the seven month mark.
Mansfield manager Nigel Clough described the sentencing as an unbelievable shock and made clear that the club would avoid decisions made in haste. Following the verdict, Mansfield confirmed it would wait until more details of Akins’ release were known before determining his long term role.
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Now, by listing him among the first team squad, Mansfield has effectively postponed a final judgment until after Akins has served his time. The next stages will include medical assessments, fitness checks, and training considerations should he return. Club officials have declined further comment beyond the confirmation of his registration.
