This is what Jon Russell had to say about his Mansfield Town future after yesterday's brilliant brace against Luton Town

The on-loan midfielder bagged a brilliant brace in the 2-2 draw with Luton at the weekend as Stags officially secured their place in League One for another season.

And Russell, who joined Mansfield during the January transfer window, believes that improving Stags have even more room to grow in the 2026/27 campaign.

“The players are happy that we are safe but we are just a bit disappointed that we didn’t get to the play-offs after how we were doing before,” he said.

“Mansfield were eighth and then had a lot of injuries and that’s in our heads. We know we could have done even better and so we know we can do better next year.

“There is determination in the dressing room. We have lots of confidence in ourselves and know what we can do. We know what we have done this season in difficult situations in games. We will learn from that and next year is going to be big for us.”

And Russell, who is out of contract with Barnsley in the summer, admits he would be more than happy to be a part of the Stags squad next time around.

“I want to be effective and help the team as much as I can. I want to enjoy my football and I am enjoying my football here,” added Russell.

“Coming back here next season is certainly an option I will look at. I have had an amazing time here and grown as a person and as a footballer.

“I would never ignore this club and it’s definitely an option. Professionally, a lot of it is down to us and how we control ourselves. The gaffer doesn’t put too many rules in place, you just need to individually be professional. The way he manages and coaches players, I have learned a lot from him.”

The battling point with Luton saw Stags move on to 55 points and beat last season’s points tally in the process.