Nigel Clough believes the future is bright at Mansfield Town

Six of Mansfield's starting eleven against Morecambe were aged 24 and under. Picture: Andrew Roe/AHPIX LTD

Stags field six players aged 24 or under in the starting line-up for the 1-0 weekend win over Morecambe.

And the Mansfield manager feels it will stand his team in good stead for an improved campaign next season.

“The Morecambe starting line-up bodes well for the start of next season and beyond,” he said.

“We have got a brilliant academy. Richard Cooper and his staff are working very hard.

“There is no point in them doing that if we can't give them an opportunity.

“We are trying to filter them in and give them exposure and experience when we can.

“Jason law is a bit of an exception as has been around for a while and out on various loans

“It's a great policy when you hang on to someone who shows they might have something.

“Even if it took three years he has played for the first team so it has been worth hanging on to him.

“We are hoping Jason can play a big part next season and any games he can get now will help him do that.”

With 15 games of the current season left, Clough admits he already has one eye on the 2021/22 campaign.

“We need to make sure we don’t get dragged near the bottom two again,” he said.

“We are still learning about the players and, as much as we are trying to win games now and get into the top half, a lot of what we do has one eye on next season.

“We have got plenty of games left to get points and build up our confidence. The games are coming fast and we have to keep winning games.

“There are hardly any midweek gaps now. It has been a relentless season with a lot of games coming fast.”

Visit www.chad.co.uk for full match report and post game reaction from Bradford v Stags on Tuesday night.