Mansfield out of Football League

Holland hopes to lead Mansfield back up next year

Mansfield's 77-year stay in the Football League is over after Chester's draw with Stockport on Tuesday sent the Stags down to the Blue Square Premier.

The Stags are now four points behind third-bottom Dagenham & Redbridge with just one League Two game remaining.

Boss Paul Holland told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I am distraught but we've not been good enough over the season.

"But now is not the time to mope around. We have to make sure we come back up at the first attempt."

Interview: Mansfield Town manager Paul Holland

606: DEBATE It's a painful feeling. Those responsible for ruining our club should hang their heads in shame. Hopefully we'll be back stronger than ever. Stag_In_Ireland

Holland said that the writing was on the wall following last week's home defeat against Rotherham and Dagenham & Redbridge's stunning comeback victory at Darlington.

"We knew that was pretty much it after last Saturday, but you always hope it is possible," he said.

"It is a massive blow to the club and the town and I am as disappointed as anybody.

"But sometimes you have to take a step back to take two forward and we hope we can do that here.

"We need to get things right on and off the field and look at how other clubs have bounced back."