Sweeney leaves Burton for Mansfield return

Ryan Sweeney made 92 appearances for Burton Albion over two seasons

Mansfield Town have re-signed Ryan Sweeney on a two-year deal after the defender turned down the offer of a new contract at Burton Albion.

The 28-year-old captained the Brewers in their latest League One relegation escape act, and was described by Burton boss Gary Bowyer as "a warrior with a capital W" for a goal-saving effort that saw him taken to hospital after a decisive victory against Leyton Orient in early April.

Sweeney was among a number of players who were negotiating new deals to remain at the Pirelli Stadium beyond the summer.

He has, however, opted to leave the east Staffordshire side, after two seasons in which they battled to avoid the drop, and re-join Mansfield for a third spell.

Sweeney first moved to the One Call Stadium on loan from Bristol Rovers in the summer of 2018 before making his move permanent in January 2019.

He made more than 120 appearances for Mansfield before joining Dundee, a side he helped to promotion to the Scottish Premiership before returning to English football with Burton in 2023.

"I think I'm coming back a more well-rounded player," Sweeney told Mansfield's website.

"I joined here [originally] in my early 20s and you're still trying to find your feet in the game. I've gone away and experienced some incredible things."