Anthony Howell happy to stay at Mansfield Town

Howell has picked up the plaudits from boss Paul Cox for a number of solid performances at the heart of the Stags midfield this season.

And his tireless work-rate has not gone unnoticed with a number of other club’s rumoured to be interested in snatching the former Alfreton Town player from the One Call Stadium.

Howell said: “I have heard that other teams are looking at me and that is nice, it shows I am doing something right for Mansfield.

“I am happy at Mansfield though, I live in the area and am settled here with my family.

“Paul Cox has shown a lot of faith in me and I want to repay that loyalty. Mansfield Town is the place I want to be.”

Howell knows he will have a key role in Stags’ battle to beat the drop and is targeting a maximum six point hall when Mansfield face Newport County on Saturday and York City on Tuesday night.

“We need to get six points from these two games so we can climb the table,” he added.

“Newport County have a similar style to us and we will have to roll our sleeves up. It will not be easy but we have got the talent to win.

“York City have not done too bad either. I remember when they beat us in the play-offs and went up, they are a good side.

“It is important that we keep our points tally ticking over, we want to keep picking up the points and moving towards safety.”

Stags go into the game on the back of a home win against Fleetwood Town and a 0-0 draw against Dagenham.

They are currently six points above Northampton Town in the last relegation place and travel to face the Cobblers on 15th March.