Stags sign ex-Northampton Town midfielder John-Joe O’Toole on a short-term deal

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Mansfield Town have announced the signing of experienced defender/midfielder John-Joe O’Toole.

The 33-year-old started his career at Watford back in 2007 as he made 66 appearances for the Hornets in all competitions before his departure in 2010.

During his three-year spell as a professional for the then Championship club, O’Toole went out on loan to Wealdstone, Sheffield United and Colchester United.

He signed for the Essex-based side after he left the Hornets and spent another three years there before his Bristol Rovers loan and permanent move to the Gas in 2013.

After one year with the Pirates, the midfielder signed for Northampton Town in June 2014. He would spend an illustrious five seasons with the Cobblers making close to 200 appearances for the club before his departure in 2019.

O’Toole made the step back up into League One in 2019 as he signed for Burton Albion, who, at the time, were managed by now Stags boss Nigel Clough.

After two seasons with the Brewers, the midfielder was one of 12 players that were released in the summer of 2021 and he’s been without a club since his departure from Burton.

With over 400 appearances under his belt, O’Toole seems like a smart short-term signing by Nigel Clough following the injuries to two more senior defenders.

The Stags boss also mentioned how crucial he could be due to the injury crisis that the amber and blues are facing at the moment.

“John-Joe is a player we know well from our time at Burton.

“He is experienced and can play in different positions.

“He is competitive, aggressive at times, and good in the air, which is something we also need.

“With us currently being low on playing personnel through injuries, it’s ideal for both us and him to joins us till January and see how it goes.”

With games coming thick and fast and with Mansfield still unable to pick up a victory, an experienced head like O’Toole could be the right solution.

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