Stags wait on duo

Baptiste and Boulding look to the future

Last updated: 14th May 2008

Stags wait on duo

Boulding could move on

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Mansfield could be set to lose star striker Michael Boulding and highly-rated defender Alex John-Baptiste.

Defender Baptiste handed in a transfer request earlier this month and he has now explained his decision.

"It was a big decision to hand in my transfer request after many happy years with Mansfield," he told the club's official website.

"I've really enjoyed my time here and it will be an upheaval to leave but I feel I must do it in order to further my career. I would like the fans to regard me as an honest player who has given his best for Mansfield Town in every game."

The 22-year-old, who came through the youth ranks with the Stags, signed a three-year contract with the club last summer but formally requested a move away from Paul Holland's relegated side on Wednesday.

Boulding

Boulding too is thinking over his future at Field Mill.

The 32-year-old is likely to attract the attentions of league clubs after he scored 25 goals in a struggling side last season.

League Two trio Bradford, Lincoln and Grimsby - one of his former clubs - have already been linked with a move for the striker, but he feels he is capable of playing at a higher level.

"Personally I want to do as well as I can for myself and it is a big drop down. To play in the non-league would be a big blow" Boulding told the Grimsby Telegraph.

"I think I could play a lot higher than I have been doing this season. I have played at Championship level before and I think I am a better player now than I was then."