League Two strugglers Mansfield Town have signed defender Joe Riley from Plymouth Argyle. The defender arrives on a free transfer and becomes the Stags’ first January signing.
Mansfield Sign Defender Joe Riley on a Free Transfer
The Deal
Mansfield announced via their website they had signed the full-back. Riley arrives on a free transfer signing a deal an initial deal until the end of the season.
Riley is Mansfield’s first January signing and the first since Graham Coughlan took over as manager. The Stags are enduring a disappointing season and Coughlan is looking to rebuild and mould a squad he is happy with.
The vastly experienced defender arrives after leaving Plymouth Argyle. Riley began his career with Bolton Wanderers before spells at Oxford United, Bury and Shrewsbury Town. He joined Plymouth in 2018.
He had made 18 appearances for the Pilgrims this season, but the player and club decided to mutually part ways. Riley arrives at Mansfield aiming to steady a rocky defence. The Stags are struggling for goals, wins and confidence this season. Their usually reliable defence has been less than assured this season.
Riley made his Mansfield debut in their comprehensive victory over Bradford City in which they scored three goals and kept a clean sheet.
Plymouth Confirm His Departure
In a statement on the Plymouth website, the Pilgrims confirm Riley’s departure.
“The club has agreed to release Joe from his contract after 18 months as a Pilgrim, subject to the usual EFL formalities, allowing him to pursue his career elsewhere. We would like to place on record our thanks to Joe for his efforts while at Home Park.”
Plymouth manager Ryan Lowe added: “We would like to thank Joe for all his work; he’s a terrific lad and a terrific player.”
“He was a friend before I came here and a big influence on me taking the job, in terms of the discussions I had with him.
“But he’s found himself out of the team, probably through no fault of his own.
“It was only fair that I let him move on and get a contract somewhere else because his contract was up. Me, the staff and the players would like to thank Joe for everything he has done.”
Joe Riley Delighted to Join Mansfield
Speaking to the Mansfield website about his move, Riley said: “I’m delighted to be here.
“I’m really excited about this new challenge.
“I’m ready to go. I can play a number of positions, predominantly at right-back and I’m looking forward to showing the Stags’ fans what I’m all about.”
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