With Mansfield Town safe from relegation, manager Nigel Clough has confirmed that the immediate focus is on his squad’s future, rather than his own contract situation.
The Stags ended a six-match winless streak in emphatic fashion on Wednesday night, defeating Peterborough United 4-2 at One Call Stadium in front of a relieved home crowd.
Although Clough began discussions about extending his stay in April, he revealed those talks have taken a back seat while the club turns its attention to the shape of next season’s squad in League One.
Planning the future — but players come first
Speaking after the win, Clough acknowledged that his long-term status at the club is not the top priority.
“I had a very good meeting with the chairman and we sorted a good few things out, so give us a bit of time,” Clough told BBC Radio Nottingham. “It’s not actually the priority at the moment – the players are the priority and a few other things and getting that sorted. We have plenty of time in the next week or two to get it done.”
The 59-year-old has been in charge at Mansfield since November 2020, guiding the club from a precarious position in League Two to promotion last season. He triggered a one-year extension upon securing that success, and now appears poised to continue into 2025–26.
After a promising start that saw the Stags sitting third in October, a dismal run of form saw them win just three of their following 21 games. That stretch left the club hovering near the relegation zone before Wednesday’s crucial win, though safety had already been mathematically secured before kick-off.
Freedom from pressure fuels emphatic performance
Clough believes that the removal of relegation fears allowed his team to express themselves more freely against Peterborough. The match saw the hosts play with attacking abandon, netting four goals and pleasing the home faithful in a way that’s been rare in recent months.
“Everybody was relaxed tonight,” Clough said. “It could have ended 8-6 and if we had won 8-6 it wouldn’t have been an unfair reflection on the game. It’s lovely to score some goals, lovely to get the three points and to send the supporters home with a smile on their faces.”
Mansfield now have one final fixture this season, at home to Exeter City, and Clough hopes his players can sign off with back-to-back wins to restore belief going into the summer.
Writer’s View
Clough’s commitment to putting his players first reflects a selfless approach that has been a hallmark of his Mansfield tenure. His steady leadership pulled the club up from League Two’s lower reaches to stability in the third tier, and despite a turbulent campaign, he’s set a solid foundation for next season, whether he stays or not.
Finalising contract renewals and making calculated signings this summer will be key — and if the relaxed, attacking football seen against Peterborough can be replicated, Mansfield fans may have much more to cheer next year.
