Pilkington and Poku leave Luton for Mansfield

Pilkington, 30, who made 172 appearances for Luton, scoring 12 times, was a regular at the hear of the defence was a regular at the heart, during his time at Kenilworth Road after signing on a free transfer from Port Vale.

The former Everton trainee said: “It’s a great opportunity for me to come to a club who finished strongly in the league last season and were unfortunate not to go all the way (and gain promotion).

“After speaking to the manager (Paul Cox) it felt like I had known him for years and I believed in everything which he had to say.

“I believe this is a club which is going places. There will be a number of clubs up there challenging next season, including us, I’m sure.”

Stags boss Paul Cox said: “Pilks’ signing is a major coup for the club.

“He has been one of the better centre halves in the conference/League Two in the past few seasons and will add experience, leadership and a strong presence to our defence.”

Poku, 21, spent a large part of last season on loan at Southport where he earned rave reviews, but couldn’t break into the Hatters side on his return,

Mansfield are still in negotiations with Town regarding a fee for the player as Cox added: “I was impressed by Poku on every occasion which I saw him play for Southport last season. He will add strength and physicality to our midfield.

“I believe he will play in the Football League in the future.”

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