It has now been confirmed that Rhys Oates has joinedMansfield Town after rejecting a new deal at the club.
Rhys played a huge part in our 2020/21 promotion-winning side with 17 goals including the winner against Stockport County in our play-off semi-final.
This was Oates' second spell at the club having previously
made 99 appearances between 2015-2018. The forward then spent two seasons with
Morecambe before re-signing for Dave Challinor's side.We spoke to Dave Challinor regarding Rhys Oates' departure:
Unfortunately, Rhys will be moving on to pastures new. He was offered a very very good deal by the club but he wasn't willing to back himself and has decided his future lies elsewhere.
Everyone has decisions to make that suit themselves and their circumstances which we all completely understand. The only slight disappointment from our side of things is the fact Rhys has had no communication with any staff to let us know his thoughts and decision and that leaves a bit of a sour taste. We've had other players move on who have done so in what I would say is the right way.
Everyone at the club would like to thank Rhys for all hisefforts during his time at Hartlepool United.