Stags grant Taylor a move to Tranmere

The 29-year-old, who made 21 appearances since joining the Stags from Port Vale last summer on a free transfer, expressed a desire to leave the club and has been granted a move.

Stags’ manager Adam Murray said: “Rob came to us last week and expressed a desire to move on to another football club. There were certain circumstances which played a factor in that; one was regarding the travelling time it was taking Rob to get in to the club. 
“He wanted to be closer to home and his wife has just gone on maternity leave. Tranmere have offered him next year and a better financial package. 
“Once I knew that Rob’s head had been turned and he had his eyes on somewhere else, it was a decision we had to come to with Tranmere.”
The manager added: “When a player isn’t 100 per cent focussed on our football club, we won’t get 110 per cent commitment out there on the grass and this transfer was best for all parties. It was a no-brainer.

“It was disappointing to be honest. Since we took over we’ve seen a different Rob Taylor and he’s been good for us. But, at the end of the day, when you go into battle you need 11 minds focused on giving Mansfield Town 200 per cent.

“We are moving quickly. We had our eye on a couple of targets we’d like to bring in. With this happening it just slots into place.”
Speaking at this morning’s news conference, Murray revealed that he has a replacement for Taylor lined up already and expects the transfer to be completed shortly with Fleetwood’s Matty Blair hotly tipped to be the man.

Rovers host Accrington Stanley at Prenton Park in Sky Bet League Two this weekend.