Holland's proposed budget and team building plans are all on hold until a club takeover is completed or otherwise.

Holland is continuing to operate as manager, even though he does not know his future, and he said today: "This is a very hard position to be in and, to be honest, if we don't hear anything by the end of this week, it looks like I will lose one of the players I wanted.

"He is very keen to come here. But I understand he can't hold on much longer and if I can't offer him something by the weekend, or assure him it will be by Monday at the latest, then he will be looking elsewhere.

"I can understand his point of view. Things need sorting out quickly. Maybe we can afford to lose one player I want to bring in, but we can't afford to lose four or five if I am to build a squad to get us out of this division."

One name being linked with Stags is Nottingham-born former Derby, West Brom and Lincoln defender Matt Carbon, who has most recently played for MK Dons.

"I know Matt from the time he spent here training 18 months ago, but I have not spoken to him since the end of the season," said Holland.

"I need to know what it happening with Jake Buxton and Alex John-Baptiste before I start signing an experienced centre half.

"But we do need strengthening in all areas and, to do that, I need to know my budget."

Chad understands that takeover talks are still progressing with owner Keith Haslam, chief executive Stephen Booth and at least four different, interested parties - including Glapwell chairman Colin Hancock, former York City owner John Batchelor and two groups of businessmen.

But the club declined to comment on the takeover situation when asked by Chad this week - and has made no official comment since Booth told the club's website on Friday 9th May that he 'anticipated a formal response within the next 72 hours' to a sale proposal put forward that morning.

Many fans expect some sort of statement from the club on the takeover position ahead of Monday's public meeting for supporters, organised by new group Stags Fans United - a merger of the four main supporters groups - where fans will start to raise money for 'suitable new owners'.

• Mayor to attend fans public meeting

The club also declined to comment on rumours that one of Haslam's takeover options would be to close the club.

However, closure would seem to be an unlikely option - particularly as the club is solvent.

For the Articles of Association of Mansfield Town Football Club Ltd state that any profit in the club at closure, after returning capital to the shareholders, has to be paid over to the FA Benevolent Fund or another local club or charity in Nottinghamshire as decided by the members.

In theory Haslam could apply to the Football Association to amend the articles - or just first take all the assets out of the club - but with four parties interested in buying the Stags this would seem unlikely.

A spokesman for the FA admitted to Chad it could do nothing to stop the club being shut down by the owner.

He said: "It would be desperately sad for any club to cease to exist - not just for the employees, but more importantly for the fans and for the role a club has within the community.

"A club is central to the lives of fans and I am not aware of a solvent club being shut down."

Mayor Tony Egginton, also chairman at the Stags, has agreed to attend the public meeting. Mansfield MP Alan Meale has also been invited.

On Thursday the mayor dismissed the closure rumours, saying: "Financially it would not be a good thing for him. I am sure he has not even contemplated it. I can't contemplate it."

• Mansfield Town secretary resigns

Chad also asked the Stags this week:

• When an announcement would be made on season ticket for sales next season.


• If the club welcomed the news that the SFU meeting would be urging fans to financially support any new owners


• If a replacement was being sought for club secretary/finance manager Sharon Roberts who left the club earlier this month?

Chief executive Stephen Booth declined to comment.