Taylor signs as final part of Stags’ jigsaw

The 29-year-old former Port vale left winger had done well on trial over pre-season but it seemed wages were going to be the sticking point with cash-strapped Stags unable to get anywhere near his Port Vale pay packet.

However, further talks bore fruit on Monday and manager Paul Cox said: “We are excited at getting him on board. Rob is a good player who has experience of getting promoted from this league.

“He has been patient. Rob has come in and worked with us throughout pre-season and done well in the games. Now we have got to the point where we have agreed a deal and I am happy with that. It is good news for the player and good news for the club.

“We were miles apart initially. He has come from League One last year where he was earning half-decent money. We have had to cut our cloth accordingly here this year and there are stipulations what we can pay out.

“But we have managed to came to a compromise with Rob and we have got the lad signed.”

Taylor’s arrival brings Cox’s squad to 21, but he may add a keeper as cover for Sascha Studer before Saturday.

He did have a young keeper already at the club earmarked as cover in Adam Bishop, but the 17-year-old is now injured.

“The boy Bishop has really shone in pre-season and we have high hopes for him, but this week he has taken a nasty bang to the head,” said Cox.

“We saw him as possible cover for Sascha, but it may be we now have to quickly bring in someone as adequate cover before the weekend, even on a non-contract basis.”