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Stags boss Peter Shirtliff has been unable to sign a highly promising teenage footballer - because he has to finish his GCSE exams first. The club are still hoping to land the talented 16-year-old, who is not local, and then sign him on a professional contract once he turns 17 later this year.
But they have to wait until the youngster completes his studies next month to clinch a deal for the player.
It was a similar situation with Alex John-Baptiste, who is now a first team regular with the Stags.
Shirtliff thinks he will have pulled off a real coup if the player signs and believes it is a sign that the Stags put faith in their youngsters.
"This boy has got a good future and hopefully he will sign soon after his exams," said Shirtliff.
"When we have spoken to his parents. They have made that as one of the key issues - that he gets a chance to play.
"The facts are that we have had seven or eight players in the team under 21 last season and people are starting to realise that youth is given a chance at Mansfield. We are a good young side with prospects and that can make us an attractive proposition for someone trying to make their way in the game."
Shirtliff has admitted talking to former Rotherham player Andy Monkhouse, who was released by the Millmoor club at the end of last season.
He was linked with the Stags and Colchester earlier this month but the Stags manager said it would be unlikely the Leeds-born player would come to Field Mill.
He said: "I have inquired about Andy but at the moment he is speaking to other clubs."
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