By Dan Palmer & Peter FearnMANSFIELD TOWN boss Paul Holland could not hide his disappointment after the Stags’ 77 year stay in the Football League came to an end.
Chester City’s goalless draw with Stockport last night confirmed the club’s relegation to the Conference, as they now lie four points adrift of third bottom Dagenham & Redbridge with just one game remaining.
Holland’s own playing career was cut short when he damaged his cruciate ligament and the 34-year-old says that seeing his side go down is on a par with that.
“I’m very disappointed after we’d given ourselves every chance of going into the Rotherham game with something to play for,” he said.
“Over the course of the season we got what we deserved.
“Life in the Conference will be hard but we’ve got to be positive and say we are going to bounce straight back, following the example of other teams like Doncaster, Chester and Hereford.”
The club may also have to deal with a drop in attendances next year, with some supporters choosing not to watch non-league football.
“The real Mansfield Town fans will keep coming. We’ve got to stick together and I’m sure the real fans will be behind us,” said Holland.
“As a team we need to be 100 per cent better on the field and 100 per cent better off the field.
“I hope that things are sorted out on and off the pitch. We’ve got to stop feeling sorry for ourselves,” he added.
Holland also conceded that some of the playing squad would probably leave the club over the summer.
“There are big decisions to be made regarding players and staff. I’m sure some players will move on to football league clubs.
“I’ll have to decide if some deserve another chance here or if I should send them elsewhere.
“At the moment the dressing room is not a nice place to be.”
Holland took over at Mansfield from sacked manager Billy Dearden and is keen to remain in the job.
Holland took over at Mansfield from sacked manager Billy Dearden and is keen to remain in the job.
“I only took over eight games ago and it was just too big an ask to save the club from relegation.
“Hopefully I’ll be manager of Mansfield next season and win promotion back to the football league.”
