Matthew Hamshaw joined our club from Stockport County in June 2006 on a free transfer. He was brought in initially by ex-stags manager Peter Shirtliff and immediately signed a 2 year deal lasting until the end of the 07/08 season.

Rotherham-born Hamshaw began his career at local, then premiership side Sheffield Wednesday as a 16-year-old youngster in 1998. He was very successful in the early days of his career gaining caps for the England under 20 international side.

He made his debut as an 18 year old for Sheffield Wednesday in 2000, going on to start 35 times and come on as a sub 39 times for the south yorkshire side.At the end of the 04/05 Season Hamshaw was released by Wednesday and went on to sign for Stockport County.

He had a very successful season at Edgeley Park becoming Stockport’s captain making 39 appearances for the side, contributing with 5 goals along the way. When Hamshaw signed for the Stags it was ultimately a shock as he had higher profile clubs interested in him such as Huddersfield Town and Doncaster Rovers. He chose to come to Mansfield and his form ever since has been hit and miss.

He has mostly been played in the right midfield position by both managers he has played under, Peter Shirtliff and the now manager Billy Dearden. Matthew has been through a difficult personal time at the moment but seems to have come out a better player for it.

Stags fans will have fond memories of Matty scoring in our win away at Brighton. The following week, he scored another well-worked goal to grab a vital 1-0 win away at Chester City.