Archived News from June 2014
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MURRAY ON FIXTURES AND KEEPER SEARCH
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Murray excited for new season after viewing fixtures
mansfieldtown.net, 18th June 2014 Assistant manager/captain Adam Murray told mansfieldtown.net this afternoon of his excitement for the new season, after viewing Mansfield Town's fixture list for 2014-15. Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/murray-excited-for-new-season-after-viewing-fixtures-1649436.aspx#c3CMktYWjRykgj9u.99 We're optimistic, but at the same time realistic and know that we're in for a real fight next year. We'll be giving it everything we've got." Adam Murray Earlier today, it was revealed that our team would travel to Sixfields for the opening game of the season. Murray, who is set for his 17th season in professional football, said:"We're always excited the day the fixtures come out. We're always looking at the next challenge and the first few games are the ones you look forward to and the ones you build towards in pre-season. "I'm like a caged animal at the minute and am looking forward to another season of getting my teeth into things. We're in for a challenge next season but at this football club, both the manager and myself are used to winning things. Luckily for us, we have had a career of being successful and we want to do that again. "We're optimistic, but at the same time realistic and know that we're in for a real fight next year. We'll be giving it everything we've got. The 32-year-old believes our opponents on opening day, Northampton Town, will be amongst the favourites for promotion. "Chris [Wilder, Northampton's manager] went in there last season and did a great job," said Murray. "Obviously I've worked under Chris so I know what he's about, I know what he brings 'to the table' and I think they'll be up there next season. They've made some shrewd signings since he's been there." In other news, we reported yesterday that long-serving goalkeeper Alan Marriott had left the club after being unable to agree terms on a new contract. Unsurprisingly, Murray told http://www.mansfieldtown.net that the search for a new goalkeeper is on the list of priorities this close season. "We know we need to bring in someone who's capable of doing a very good job for us. We have a few names on the list and are making sure that the person who comes is not only someone who has the right technical skills, but has the character which fits in to what we're about, with a desire to do well for Mansfield Town." The management staff are still keeping tabs on Lewis Price, the experienced shot stopper who joined us on loan from Crystal Palace last season, Murray confirmed. "I know the gaffer has been in contact with Lewis, his club and his representatives. I know there's a few [clubs] 'fishing' for Lewis so it's an ongoing process. We may be in a pecking order of clubs that are looking at bringing him in. We'll look to get something done on either front because we want to build the unity and togetherness that we'll need next season." View the full interview with Adam Murray only on Stags Player: http://www.player.mansfieldtown.net/latest-news/article/3914748/date/20140618155800/page/0/name/video--murray-can-t-wait-to--get-his-teeth-into-new-season -------------------- Mansfield Town skipper Adam Murray 'optimistic but realistic' ahead of new season By Nottingham Post, June 19, 2014 ADAM Murray will approach Mansfield Town's new season with a mixture of 'optimism and realism'. Read more: http://www.nottinghampost.com/Mansfield-Town-skipper-Adam-Murray-optimistic/story-21261273-detail/story.html#ixzz354kguY5d The Stags assistant manager says he is 'like a caged animal' as the build-up to the 2014/15 campaign continues with the release of the fixtures. Building on last term's 11th place finish is the aim, after Mansfield saw a late play-off push peter out in their first year back in League Two. And though Murray knows it will be a tough ask, with the likes of relegated Carlisle United and Tranmere Rovers joining the bottom tier, he is relishing the challenge. "If I didn't have that enthusiasm, I wouldn't do it," said the 32-year-old midfielder. "I've always said, that if I don't think I can bring something to the table, especially for the boys out there, then I wouldn't do it. "I want the boys to know that if I'm in the team and I'm playing next to them, they know they can rely on me. "I want them to know that I'm not just giving 110 per cent, but I can be effective with it - that's important. "I'm ready to go. I'm like a caged animal at the minute. "I'm looking forward to another season of getting my teeth into things. "We're in for a challenge next season, but at this football club now, the manager (Paul Cox) and myself, we're used to winning things. "Luckily for us, we've had a career of being successful, and we want to do that again. "We're optimistic but at the same time, realistic. "We know we're in for a real fight next year and will come up against some monsters of football clubs; we're going to have to give it everything we've got and I'm ready for the challenge." That challenge begins at Northampton Town on August 9. The Cobblers spent large parts of last term in a relegation battle, but the arrival of Chris Wilder as manager in January helped them avoid the drop and they are expected to compete at the opposite end of the table this time around. "Chris went in there last season and did a great job," said Murray. "I've worked under Chris, so I know what he's about and what he brings to the table. I think they'll be up there next season. "They've made some shrewd signings already since he's been there and I think they're going to be one of the big-hitters next season. "I'm not really too fussed about being away on the opening day. "For the fans, it's always nice to be at home for the first game of the season. "It's normally baking hot and everybody comes out; it's normally a showcase day, which I'm not really too fond of. "So for me, an away game sometimes takes a little bit of pressure off the boys and allows them to settle into the rhythm of the season." And whilst supporters might pore over the fixtures, looking at who they are playing when, Murray will refrain from analysing the schedule too much. "I think we're all excited for the day the fixtures come out," he said. "We're always looking at the next challenge. "The first few games are always ones you look forward to and what you're building to through pre-season. "It's a feeling of excitement, and now we know what we've got to plan for. "But as the years go on, you can overlook the fixtures. At the end of the day, you've got to play everybody twice. "You can look at it that people don't really know their selves as teams yet - there's going to be a lot of fresh faces and a lot of energy. "If you read too much into it, it can confuse you. "As long as we're right and we're prepared - and we'll do our homework in pre-season for the first four or five fixtures - then I think we will be okay." -------------------- |
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