But it was not a wasted season with Stags using that pain, and the foundations laid, to go on and lift the Conference Premier title the following year.
Here we take a look at the squad that got Mansfield ticking once again and find out what happened to them when they departed the One Call Stadium.
Exodus Geohaghon was renowned for his long throws during his two spells with Stags. After leaving Mansfield he never settled and developed a clubs joined list as long as your arm. They include appearances for Worcester City, Braintree Town, Solihull Moors, Nuneaton Town, Whitehawk, Torquay United and Barwell. Photo: Daniel Martino
Loanee Kieron Freeman played 9 games for Stags during this season before going on to play for 111 times for Sheffield United over five seasons. He is currently at Portsmouth and has been capped once by Wales, in a friendly in 2018 against Albania. Photo: Richard Parkes
Martin Riley currently plays for Southern League Premier Division Central side Hednesford Town. He played 28 times for Stags during the 2011/12 season as Stags lost at the play-off semi-final stage to York. Photo: Daniel Martino
John Thompson announced his retirement from football on 30 April 2013 due to the mental scars left from the serious facial injury he received during a pre-season friendly against Ilkeston in August 2011. He became a regular presenter on Notts TV's "The Boot Room" and now works as a sports physiotherapist for the National Health Service. Photo: Anne Shelley