Holland Waiting On Takeover News

Mansfield Town manager Paul Holland and his players remain in limbo as the club takeover saga drags on.

Holland wants to know his own future and also announce his retained list as he tries to prepare the relegated club for a crucial season ahead in the Blue Square Premier League.

But, with proposed bidders supposedly close to sorting out a deal to rake over the club, he has been told he must wait.

"I have been told that it is likely something may happen this week regarding the takeover," Holland told Chad.

"I presented them with my budget for next season last week which I think they were fairly pleased with. But they said they had to keep their options open until after the weekend with the proposed takeover in the early part of the week."

"I can appreciate why they are having to wait but things need sorting out really quickly now. Other teams are already sorting out their players for next season and we still haven't sorted out our players from last season."

"Players want to know what is happening. But I can't tell them. If someone takes over then budgets may change and the retained list could change."

"Obviously players whose contracts are about to expire are entitled to speak to people and I have just asked them to keep me informed. There is nothing more I can do. We just have to be honest with each other."

"I know Lee Bell would love to stay here for instance. But he has told me he has already had interest from two or three other clubs he has told me of. It is not an ideal situation but it's the only way right now."

Holland added: "I have spoken to six of seven players who are very interested in coming here. They are all experienced Football League players and have all played four or five hundred games. I think that's the way for us to go. All I can tell them is I will get back to them when I know something."

Holland has budgeted for a reserve team next season which he maintains is very important and the league have confirmed they are holding a place for the Stags until the club can confirm they want to compete.

Mansfield Mayor and Stags chairman Tony Egginton said this morning that an announcement on the takeover saga was expected today.

Courtesy of and with thanks to The Chad.