There was an impressive turnout at the RM Stadium last night (Thursday 8 December) as Hucknall Town's brand new ground was officially opened.

Around 400 residents attended as the club showed off its new facilities on Aerial Way.

Current Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough was the guest of honour who declared the ground open before addressing supporters and engaging in a Q&A session.

The doors opened at 7 and attendees were firstly invited to wander around the complex to look at the new changing rooms and most importantly the pitch which looked immaculate illuminated by the floodlights.

People were encouraged to take to their seats at around 7:30 but it was over a quarter of an hour later before Nigel Clough was welcomed into the clubhouse to a rapturous applause.

Paul Burley, Media Manager at the football club began the evening with a short welcome, praising the 'fantastic turnout'.

He added: "After Many years of anticipation and waiting, it finally becomes a reality." He thought it was fitting that the club could 'celebrate with the best, the most loyal and definitely most patient fans.'

The move, which has been in the pipeline for around 15 years, was described as a 'new era' for the club by Mr Burley before he handed over to the chairman, Bob Scotney.

Mr Scotney was clearly emotional labelling the journey the club has been on to move grounds as 'a rollercoaster.'

The pitch at The RM Stadium. Photo Credit: Tom Surgay.

Mr Burley then introduced Mr Clough who talked about his time as a non-league manager during his first stint in charge of Burton Albion which began 24 years ago. He commented: 'People (on the outside) have no idea what it takes to keep a club like this going.'

There was then a ceremonial unveiling of a new plaque on the clubhouse wall which received a warm round of applause.

The floor was then opened up for questions from audience members young and old.

When asked who the best player he'd ever played with was, Mr Clough picked out former Liverpool striker John Barnes calling him 'an exceptional talent' and 'brilliant player.'

He later spoke of the enjoyment he gets out of watching PSG and Argentina's 'truly incredible' star Lionel Messi play.

There was also support for England manager Gareth Southgate who he feels gives the national team 'humility' and is 'doing incredibly well' in the role. In his opinion England and France are the best two sides left in the World Cup, making the winner of Saturday's quarter final hot favourite to lift the trophy.

Away from the World Cup, Mr Clough was asked about Mansfield's season so far which sees them occupying the final play-off place at the moment in what is an incredibly congested League Two table. He praised the support of the club's fans following 'a rough few weeks' in terms of results.

Afterwards, a long queue formed for people to have photographs with Nigel and for him to sign memorabilia.

When this considerable queue eased, Mr Clough spoke to Hucknall Nub News about his impression of the RM Stadium.

The plaque unveiled by Nigel Clough. Photo Credit: Tom Surgay.

Asked what he made of the facilities, he said: "Absolutely beautiful. I remember the old ground from 20 odd years ago when we played there with Burton. New grounds are special, I think they get extra support come in because they come and see the facilities, they like it, it's very important to have the bar as well as the beautiful stadium. It can be a good platform to build on for success, we know that from being at Burton."

On whether non-league has changed in recent years, he added: "I don't think non-league changes. I think the honesty of the people and the dedication of them doesn't change and that hasn't changed in 50/100 years.

"People say football at the top level is all about money and it is, it's not about it at this level because there isn't any. So people do it for the love of the club, for the love of football and they do it out the goodness of their hearts and that's what makes it special.

"You'd be amazed how many times when we're at Mansfield, because I'm still with the same staff, Andy Garner and Gary Crosby, we talk about our non-league days, and in so many ways they were the happiest days. We used to get on a bus at 8 o'clock in the morning and go to Dorchester or Weymouth, get back at 3 o'clock in the morning from those sorts of places, and the lads would go to work the next day, that's the essence of non-league."

He also confirmed during his interaction with the Hucknall fans that he would bring a Mansfield side to the ground at a later date to play in a friendly, which was well received by the Yellows' faithful.

Hucknall Town's first team play their opening fixture at The RM Stadium tomorrow (Saturday 10 December), when they take on Lincolnshire based side Blackstones in an Uhlsport United Counties Division One clash.

The exterior of The RM Stadium. Photo Credit: Tom Surgay.