Van Heusden joins Stags

By Pete Oliver BBC Sport Online

Mansfield Town have completed the signing of former Exeter City goalkeeper Arjan van Heusden.

The struggling Stags are currently bottom of Division Two and have conceded 32 goals in their opening 10 games.

Current number one Kevin Pilkington faces eight weeks out of action with a fractured wrist, so Stags boss Stuart Watkiss has recruited the Dutchman on a short-term deal.

"Arjan had two very good games against us last season, but has just been paid up by Exeter, so the move suits both parties," Watkiss told the Nottingham Evening Post.

"We did look at one or two younger keepers. But in our current position, we felt a bit of experience was required."

The 29-year-old Dutchman was the first-choice at St James's Park for most of the last two seasons following his arrival from Cambridge United and kept six clean sheets in a row at one stage last season.

However, the former Port Vale keeper has lost his place in the Grecians' side to Kevin Miller this season.