Roberts deal 'important', Russell wanted next - Clough
Tyler Roberts has been capped 20 times by Wales
- Published
Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough says keeping forward Tyler Roberts is a "big boost" for a Stags side that hopes to follow up with a deal to sign Jamaica international Jon Russell.
Roberts, 27, this week signed a new one-year contract to remain at Mansfield, a club he initially joined on loan last summer before making his move from Birmingham City a permanent one in February with a short-term agreement.
The Wales international, who was playing in the Premier League for Leeds United just four years ago, scored four goals and provided two assists in 19 League One appearances of an injury interrupted campaign at the One Call Stadium.
"He sets the bar now for the sort of player that we are trying to bring in," Clough told BBC Radio Nottingham.
"A couple of year ago if you said you will sign an ex-Premier League player like Tyler Roberts, he is not 35 or 36, he is just a very good player at a good age.
"It's a very important signing. By his own admission, he wasn't on the pitch as much as we would have liked but when he did get on the pitch he had a huge influence.
"Tyler is a big boost straight away and if we can get Jon, that will be another one."
When midfielder Russell, 25, moved to Mansfield on loan from Barnsley in January, he did so with just months remaining on his Tykes deal.
The former Chelsea youth team player, who scored five goals in 21 league appearance for the Stags, is now a free agent that Clough is keen to get back.
"We are doing everything we can to secure Jon, and will continue to do that," Clough said.
"We are getting down the line with it and we are not far away now, which is good."
