James Perch agrees to stay at Mansfield Town for another  season

And manager Nigel Clough said the 35-year-old former Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United defender/midfielder was a model professional for the younger players at the club to look up to.

Mansfield-born Perch has turned in consistent displays at both full back and centre half this season and, after sorting contracts for his young stars of the future, Clough was very happy to offer Perch another season.

“It was good to get the youngsters tied down at the club for the immediate future,” said Clough

“But James Perch is 35 and he is certainly still playing like a youngster at the moment.

“I think he has been outstanding in the last few months.

“Over the extra year I don't think he will change physically.

“I still think he will be the player he has been this season and we're delighted that he's going to be with us again and part of what we're trying to do.”

Clough spoke of the example Perch sets, saying: “He is a brilliant influence.

“We talk about the importance of senior players. But you need good senior players who can set a good example on and off the pitch – and he is an absolutely perfect example of that.

“All the young players should be looking up to him and Stephen Quinn, and Jake Wright, who's been with us the last few months.

“That is how to be a professional footballer. That is why they have played at the highest level. It's no surprise.”

Perch has also had long spells at Wigan, QPR and Scunthorpe in a career that has taken in over 500 EFL games