League Two strugglers Mansfield have appointed former midfielder Paul Holland as manager at Field Mill until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old, who played for the Stags between 1991 and 1995, had been caretaker manager for the four matches since Billy Dearden's departure. Dearden was sacked following the 4-0 home defeat to Rochdale on March 8.

Mansfield chief executive Stephen Booth said: "We have had three good performances out of four matches under Paul's reign, and I have thought long and hard about this decision.

"I am confident in Paul's abilities and hope that everyone associated with the club can get behind him."

Mansfield are second bottom of League Two and seven points adrift of safety with eight matches remaining.

TeamTalk / Eurosport