Andrew released as Stags target Harewood and McGinty

Mansfield Town have released striker Calvin Andrew, but central defender Ryan Tafazolli has signed a new two-year deal and Stags are also hoping to reach agreement with Sheffield United to keep Darryl Westlake on loan for the rest of the season.

With the transfer window open, Stags are also hard at work trying to bring in new faces before Saturday’s home clash with League Two leaders Scunthorpe United, Murray confirming that former Forest and Villa striker Marlon Harewood and talented Sheffield United teenage defender Sean McGinty are on their hit list.

Andrew only scored one goal for the club, though that was the winner in the big local derby at Chesterfield (pictured), and assistant manager Adam Murray said: “Calvin’s contract was up and he will be moving on as the gaffer has decided not to renew it.

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“He has done great for us and scored a really important goal against our neighbours. But we are looking at freshening things up and bringing someone into the group and we thank Calvin for his input.”

Tafazolli has impressed since returning to the defence and Murray said: “Ryan has more than deserved his contract extension.

“Everyone can see the potential he has got and over the last few months he has matured as a person and as a player.”

Stags have been heavily linked with former Forest and Villa striker Marlon Harewood and Murray added: “A lot of names have been banded around, but it’s January so you expect that.

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“There have been talks between the two parties and we are in discussions at the minute, but there are a lot of other clubs interested in Marlon Harewood that he is talking to as well.

“The gaffer is dealing with some high profile players as we look to add a bit of quality to the squad. But we have a tight-knit group of players with fantastic team spirit and we have to make sure that whoever comes in will fit into what we are about and won’t disrupt the group too much.

“We have to make sure they would bring something to the group, not just on the park but also to the dynamics of the group as well.

“Sean McGinty is a good young player and a name we are looking at. Look at how Darryl Westlake has come in and made a big difference to us.”

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Murray would not be drawn into confirming further rumours that another former Forest striker, Marlon King, was also on the list.

“We are looking at a lot of players on our list,” he said. “But it’s now how many we bring in, it’s about the quality of the player. There is no point in bringing in three or four bodies for the sake of it.”

Injured pair Martin Riley and Jamie McGuire will be assessed today with an outside hope of being fit for the weekend, though Murray thought they would both be more likely to be another seven to 10 days.

Picture by John Rowley.