Mansfield keeper is set on bouncing back from turmoil

Liam Roberts made the switch from Millwall to Mansfield Town in the summer after a sour end to his tenure at the Lions. 

During an FA Cup fixture against Crystal Palace in March, Roberts was involved in a horrific coming together with Palace forward Jean-Phillipe Mateta. Liam Roberts kicked Mateta in the head when he rushed out to retrieve the ball. 

Roberts makes a save in the League Cup vs Everton – Getty Images (Paul Ellis) 

Roberts received his punishment; he was banned for six matches. However, this was not the end of the drama for him. The goalkeeper was hounded by fans of the opposition and beyond. He received abuse and even death threats from some. 

Fast-forward to now, Roberts is settling into life at his new home in the East Midlands. His manager Nigel Clough commented on the 30-year-olds situation to BBC Sport and said: “He brought it up and said how tough a period it was for him but, having come through it, it made him stronger”. 

For Roberts, it was about getting away from London, away from all the noise. And he has done that with his move to Mansfield Town, and he certainly hasn't looked back. He has become the number one choice for the team after the departure of Christy Pym at the end of last season. 

Nigel Clough celebrates with Mansfield Town supporters – Getty Images (Mike Hewitt) 

Even though he is a goalkeeper, Roberts managed to grab an assist against Stevenage at the weekend. He has impressed his boss since his move and has proved to people that he can bounce back from the events of the previous season.