Speaking to the BBC this week, Nigel Clough shared progress on his contract negotiations, and his hopes for the Stags’ success in next year’s campaign. His contract is up for renewal this summer, after joining the Stags in November 2020. Last season he took Mansfield to the League Two playoffs final at Wembley, where they lost 3-0 to Port Vale, and this season they look to finish just outside playoffs, in eighth position.
As we go into League Two Final day on Monday, with all games kicking off at 12.30pm, there are five teams in contention for four playoff spots. Bradford’s defeat at Crewe on Wednesday did Mansfield a massive favour, and although still a clear outsider, seventh place is still within their grasp. If Bradford City lose 1-0 to champions Leyton Orient, and Mansfield beat an on-form Colchester by more than two goals they’ll be level on points and goal difference. With nothing else to separate them, it goes to goals scored, which Mansfield are comfortably ahead in.
Mansfield “need a miracle” to make playoffs
Clough has already said that Mansfield are unlikely to make playoffs this season, which is why his attention has already turned to pre-season plans, despite his contract discussions still ongoing: “If we can stay clear of injuries there is no reason why we can’t take that forward next season. I hope we get the opportunity.” Mansfield’s season has been crippled by injuries, with the latest victim defender Elliott Hewitt whose ACL injury will see him miss the next ten months. Clough is encouraged by the team’s performance in spite of such setbacks, suggesting “without the injuries we’d certainly be in the top seven and maybe closer to the top three.”
Who else could take over at Mansfield?
Should Mansfield not renew Clough’s contract, Darrell Clarke, who recently departed Port Vale could be an option. He grew up in the area and has said that he would like the opportunity to return if the time was right. But given that Mansfield haven’t been ruled out of playoffs yet, and arguably their performances given the injury situation cant be directly attributed to Clough, Clarke’s services might not be required anyway. Clough’s certainly optimistic about getting a deal done.
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