Mansfield name Exeter’s Olejnik as 12th summer signing

(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)

Mansfield have continued their summer transfer spree with the arrival of former Exeter goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik.

The 30-year-old shot-stopper was released by the Grecians after they admitted they couldn’t warrant having three goalkeepers on their wage bill, and becomes the 12th player to join Steve Evans’ side since the end of the season.

With Conrad Logan signed earlier in the transfer window, the Stags have real strength in depth between the sticks, and are building a squad that looks capable of taking League Two by storm.

Evans is clearly overjoyed with the club’s latest bit of business, telling Mansfield’s official website: “I am delighted that Bobby has joined us, considering he had a few options in League One to consider.

“The lad is an experienced goalkeeper who has a real burning desire to again play Championship football and for sure he is very capable.

“Bobby readily accepts he has a real fight to claim a starting spot, given we have already Conrad Logan signed.

“Both of these lads are ambitious and will want to be playing and for me, competition for the shirt is the best way to inspire the best performances.”

Olejnik has a vast amount of experience in English football, having come through the youth ranks at Aston Villa before impressing at Torquay and establishing himself at Peterborough.

Players with quality such as that possessed by the Austrian ‘keeper will be vital next season, as Evans plots a promotion that narrowly evaded his players in the last campaign.

“Our squad for the new season continues to take shape. We have a talented group, versatile in the systems of play which we can adopt and there is a beautiful balance too. It is coming together nicely.” said the former Rotherham boss.

“League Two next season is going to be so tough. I really respect the work going on at a host of clubs.

“Exeter, Luton, Carlisle, Coventry, Cambridge and Crewe Alexandra all stand out to me as having significantly strengthened plus we have Swindon, a super football club who are at least two leagues lower than they should be, so we have lots of work to do in the weeks ahead.”