No Stags contract talks until end of season

Mansfield Town will not open any player contract negotiations until their 2013-14 fate has been decided.The deals of the vast majority of the Stags squad run out in the summer.Although a clear-out by boss Paul Cox seems likely, there are sure to be some he wished to retain.However, the precarious 20th position in League Two Mansfield find themselves in means early talks are unlikely.Just like last season - when the Stags were fighting for promotion the Conference - the club first need to be 100 per cent clear on what division they will be playing in.”We have to sort out where we are going to be before we can sit down and work out what budget we are going to have to play with,” said Cox.“That, in turn means, it’s too early to look at deciding the future of players too.“We never seem to do things the easy way one way or another. Last season we didn’t have the luxury with players’ contracts either because we were fighting for promotion.“But the fact is we have to respect all the teams around us and give the run-in our full attention with no distractions.”Meanwhile, Cox admitted he is unsure if Jake Speight will be able to figure again this season.The striker has encountered persistent knee problems at a time when Mansfield have been crying out for firepower up front.He said: “It all depends on the player. Sometimes we can get two days out of Jake, but can’t get a third. It’s been frustrating because we have needed a natural goalscorer - and he is one.“It’s been a frustrating season, not just for Jake but for ourselves.”