MICHAEL Boulding has left Mansfield Town to put himself in the running to join Barnsley.

The 34-year-old had impressed for the Stags in two pre-season games after joining on trial.

But after scoring in the second of those, a 3-0 win over the Tykes in a behind-closed-doors fixture yesterday, the Championship club want to have a second look.

The news comes as a disappointment to boss David Holdsworth, who was keen on bringing in Boulding for a third spell at Field Mill.

"He played very well against Barnsley, so you can see why Mark Robins wants to have a look at him," said Holdsworth.

"He wants to play at the highest level he can and I respect that.

"We have to try to attract the right players – and that is what I was trying to do here.

"Of course I'm disappointed, but that's the way it goes sometimes."