MATT Green says Mansfield Town's early January newcomers have brought a renewed sense of belief the club can clinch a play-off place.

The Stags have gone six games unbeaten since the arrival of Gary Roberts and Ben Hutchinson on January 1.

Green has been impressed by what he has seen from the talented duo, who have both played at a higher level.

He feels, too, that the team is hitting form at just the right time. Should they beat Darlington at Field Mill tomorrow they will go at least seventh in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

"There is definitely more belief in the team, particularly since the new signings have been brought in," said Green.

"Gary Roberts is a great player, having come up through the Crewe youth system. With the passes he plays, I think we are going to link up really well.

"He has helped to take the strain off Muzza (Adam Murray) because there is someone else who can knock it around.

"Ben has also come in and looked sharp and I'm sure he'll get better with more games.

"With the pedigree those two have and the mentality the gaffer instills, we are doing well at the moment.

"When you are all thinking the same way it makes it so much easier, as you could say with the way we were clinical in the (3-0) win at Ebbsfleet."

Meanwhile, boss Paul Cox has confirmed Joe Kendrick was told he has no future at Mansfield ahead of his loan move to Blyth Spartans.

And he is keen to move for John Dempster in the summer – even though the defender will return to Crawley after his loan finishes on February 22.

Cox said: "Sometimes you have to give lads the heads up as they have families to feed.

"We tried every way we could to get him for the rest of the season, but we will be looking to get him in for next."