Mansfield Town have confirmed that veteran striker Lucas Akins has returned to the first-team squad after being released from prison, halfway through a 14-month sentence.
Akins, 36, was jailed in April after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving in a tragic accident that claimed the life of cyclist Adrian Daniel in March 2022. Daniel, 33, suffered catastrophic head injuries after Akins’ Mercedes struck him at a T-junction in Huddersfield. He tragically passed away ten days later.
In a statement on Thursday, Mansfield Town expressed condolences to Daniel’s family while emphasizing support for Akins’ reintegration. “The club wishes to extend its sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mr Daniel. Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this tragedy,” the statement read.
Highlighting principles of rehabilitation, the club added that Akins, having served part of his custodial sentence, “should be afforded the opportunity to resume his professional career.” The striker has reportedly expressed deep remorse and fully acknowledges the impact of the incident on Daniel’s family.
Akins, who has a two-year driving ban, had been named in Mansfield’s 2025-26 squad, though it remained unclear when he would return to playing. He previously featured in matches for the Stags throughout his trial, including a start against Wigan Athletic shortly after making his initial guilty plea.
The accident drew attention to the personal circumstances at the time, as Akins had his seven-month-old and seven-year-old children in the car. Daniel’s widow, Savannah, criticized the timing of Akins’ guilty plea but urged compassion for his family, stating in court, “His wife and children shouldn’t have to live the life we have since that day.”
Akins’ career has spanned nearly two decades, beginning at Huddersfield’s academy in 2007. He has since played for Northwich Victoria, Hamilton Academical, Partick Thistle, Tranmere Rovers, Stevenage, Burton Albion, and Mansfield.
Currently, Mansfield Town sit 12th in League One, having won four, drawn three, and lost four of their opening 11 matches. Akins’ return adds experience to Nigel Clough’s squad, though the timeline for his first appearance back remains uncertain.
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