Curle was appointed Stags boss in December 2002

Curle has been told to stay away from Field Mill pending an inquiry over allegations he bullied a trainee into doing a weightlifting circuit.

Palmer will take charge of the Stags' FA Cup first-round tie with Colchester at Field Mill on Saturday.

"The inquiry should end by Monday and exonerate Keith Curle so he can report back to duty," said a club statement.

Curle has consulted the League Managers' Association and taken legal advice and is determined to clear his name.

He said: "Once I am in receipt of the allegations in writing I will refute to clear my name. I am professional and honourable man and will continue to conduct myself in that manner."

The Mansfield statement confirmed that assistant boss John Gannon has not been suspended but is taking a couple of days' leave on full pay whilst the enquiry is going ahead.

A spokesman added: "The chairman would like to thank Carlton Palmer who, despite having other commitments with the BBC's Grandstand programme, has kindly agreed to fill the temporary void by conducting the daily training sessions in preparation for our big game against Colchester United on Saturday."

Palmer said: "I am a friend of Keith Haslam's and I am doing this as a favour. I am looking after the team until Monday while the situation is resolved."