Out-of-favour Mansfield Town players urged to find football elsewhere before Friday’s deadline

Midfielder Jacob Mellis is the only one mentioned by name so far, by Coughlan said there were others aware their futures lay elsewhere and he he warned them football is a short career and they should want to be playing.

“Ideally some may go out by Friday,” he said. “If you're a professional footballer and you are not in the squad, not playing and not part of the group, you'd want to move on.

“That's up to the players themselves. You should have enough about you to want to play football week in, week out.

“They are far better off playing as a football career is short. I would want to be playing and I just hope they share the same desire and passion for the game as me.

“There will be one or two that will have suitors out there looking to take them.”

He added: “If they're not in the squad then by all means come along, have a chat with us, and we'll help the players as best we can.

“As of yet none of them have been banging on my door telling me they want to move. But there are one or two available.

“It has been quiet but the last week is normally hectic and my phone should be ringing off the hook.”

Coughlan has already signed three players – Ex-Everton midfielder Harry Charsley, former Plymouth right back Joe Riley and young Newcastle United centre half Kell Watts – while letting Conrad Logan go out on loan.

The manager said he may bring in another signing by the deadline but would be happy to go with what he's got if nothing transpires.

The versatility of Riley and Watts will allow him cover across the back and midfield and his strikers have been scoring goals regularly in recent weeks.

The transfer window slams shut at 11pm on Friday.