Nigel Clough has given this update on contract negotiations with two key Mansfield Town stars
Mansfield Town are already working on agreeing contracts with two fan favourites ahead of the summer.
Following Stags’ thrilling 5-4 win over Cardiff City, Nigel Clough confirmed the club are already in talks with players who they are looking to tie down for next season.
Key players including Deji Oshilaja, Louis Reed and Frazer Blake-Tracy have all penned new deals this year and now Mansfield Town are focusing on others they want to stay at the One Call Stadium.
As already mentioned by the manager this season, the club are looking to strengthen Stags’ attacking line over the summer. After a busy 12 months on the recruitment front, Clough now feels Mansfield Town have a strong foundation to build on so they can kick on next season.
“It backs up what we’ve been saying recently that we don’t need massive changes or a big overhaul of this squad,” Clough said of his side’s win over Cardiff after the match. “That was done 12 months ago.
"A lot of them are just settling in and you’re seeing the benefit of that in the last few weeks. There’ll be three or four changes maybe and hopefully we’ll see the majority of these lads back out there again.”
When asked about the momentum of new contract talks with current Stags players, Clough said: “They’re early days but they’re going well, we’ll announce this week who’s staying and who’s going. There won’t be too many departures.” The boss also stressed the importance of keeping Mansfield Town’s core group of players who have been instrumental to their impressive season in tact moving beyond the summer. “It’s very important and two vital parts of it are Jon Russell and Tyler Roberts. Negotiations have already started with them. So if we can secure those two, it would be a good start. I think we’re closer with one more than the other at the moment but we’ll keep trying for both and then we’ve identified two or three targets on top of that. I think it’s the top end of the pitch more than anything – to give us a few options – rather than at the back. I think we’re okay defensively.”
Supporters have been impressed with Russell and Roberts this season and have called for Mansfield to enter fresh contract negotiations with them. Roberts signed for Stags on a permanent contract in February, during his initial loan spell from Birmingham City.
Russell is on loan from League One rivals Barnsley but both the club and fans are eager to see him sign full-time with Mansfield Town.