FORMER Oxford United defender John Dempster has taken over as Mansfield Town manager.

The 36-year-old, who spent 12 months with the U's from January 2006, has been working in the Stags' academy for five years.

John Radford, Mansfield's chairman, told the club's website: “In John, we have a man who is considered to be one of the brightest and most innovative young coaches in football.

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“His success with the youth team over the past few seasons has been remarkable and he now deserves the opportunity to manage the first team."

He takes over after David Flitcroft was sacked following the club's Sky Bet League Two play-off semi-final defeat to Newport County.

Among his backroom team to also depart was ex-U's loanee Ben Futcher.