Could Howell yet stay with Stags?

Howell had turned down a new deal with the club but is now back training with them and speaking to manager Paul Cox directly instead of through Howell’s agent.

Cox, operating under a reduced budget and having to bring down wages accordingly, still believes he may have been able to persuade Lindon Meikle to stay had he dealt with him directly before he left for York City.

Cox said: “I have worked with Linden since he was 16 so to see him move on did tug at the heartstrings

“The problem in my opinion with both these boys is to do with their representation. Through the summer I have been dealing with Anthony’s agent, but now I am speaking to the boy personally.

“There is a lot for us to talk about and I am in no rush to jump in while I am looking for other players and he is getting himself fit. We continue to talk on a day to day basis.

“Anthony asked if he could come in and train to keep himself ticking along and I have never closed the door on anyone. He has been a great servant to this football club. But we have to cut our cloth accordingly.”