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Archived News from August 2014

NORTHAMPTON PREVIEWS
15th August 2014 15:32


Boss calls on players to fulfil their potential
mansfieldtown.net, 7th August 2014

Cox hopeful ahead of Saturday’s curtain-raiser at Northampton Town.

As a team I know we have a lot of potential and I’m quite excited by that as well, but at the minute it’s potential and that’s all."
Paul Cox

Manager Paul Cox wants our young players to fulfil their potential ahead of the new Sky Bet League Two campaign, which starts with a trip to Northampton Town on Saturday.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/boss-calls-on-players-to-fulfil-their-potential-1810401.aspx#sxsB4jkcBKEy4qcI.99

Our team have impressed many during an impressive pre-season campaign which saw us win four out of six games, losing just once to Premier League club Aston Villa.

Nevertheless, our boss isn’t reading anything into the pre-season results and is fully-focussed on making a positive start to the new season.

“I’ve been round the block a few times and pre-seasons can lull you one way or another,” said Cox.

“You can have a bad one and start the season well or have an excellent one and have a horrendous start, so I don’t read too much into them.

“We tweaked it a little bit this year and stayed at home and tried to do everything here. We had some really tough games, but there have been some encouraging performances.”

Our boss continued: “It’s probably going to be the toughest season since I’ve been here, but it’s one that I’m looking forward to and looking to embrace.

“We have a lot of young players that are going to be starting the season that excite me, but they might take a bit of time to adjust to League Two.

“As a team I know we have a lot of potential and I’m quite excited by that as well, but at the minute it’s potential and that’s all it is.

“I’m aware that a lot of clubs have thrown a lot of resources at strengthening their squads and it was a very tough league last year, so I’m not reading much into pre-season.”

Earlier this week, our team came from 3-0 down at half-time to win 4-3 in a behind-closed-doors game at Derby County, in our final pre-season warm-up ahead of the new campaign.

Reflecting on the match, Cox said: “I thought it was going to be a cricket score in the first half because we never turned up, but it was [a good match] good for us.

“It got one or two players that have either been out through injury or needed sharpening up, 90 minutes, and it gives me a real headache for Saturday, because there were some excellent performances - especially in the second half.”

When asked what both his and the team’s aims are for the new season, Cox replied: “The target is to finish as high as possible and win as many football matches as possible.

“In the dressing room I’ve privately set targets with the players and that’s something that will always be kept in the dressing room. I’m not going to come out signing and dancing to the world about what we intend to do.”

He added: “Anybody that knows me will know that I won’t come into a season without wanting to win and wanting to progress, because that’s what it’s all about for me.

“I don’t want to stand still and I don’t want a group of players that want to stand still, either individually or collectively. I’ll raise the bar with the players again this year, but we have to be realistic in that money does talk.

“Ultimately, at the end of the season, it’s usually the teams with the most money that usually get success, but we’re in a good place at the minute and we’ve got a squad packed full of potential.

“If that potential materialises in a very quick manner, we could be a surprise.”

A full interview with Paul Cox will be available on Stags Player later today. To subscribe, click here.

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Cox may sign new ‘keeper before Saturday
mansfieldtown.net, 7th August 2014

Boss looking to sign a shot-stopper on non-contract terms to strengthen goalkeeping options.

I’m looking to bring a ‘keeper in on a non-contract basis and he’s somebody with league experience. "
Paul Cox

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/cox-may-sign-new-keeper-before-saturday-1810128.aspx#Mg8WBL5fZfR3Dhzo.99

Manager Paul Cox has hinted that he could sign a goalkeeper on non-contract terms before Saturday’s opening day fixture at Northampton Town.

At present, Sascha Studer is our only shot-stopper, having put pen-to-paper on a deal last month.

Youngster Adam Bishop has been training with the first team in recent weeks, but the 16-year-old is currently sidelined for around two weeks due to an injury he suffered during a recent session.

Our boss said: “We’re trying to cure [not having a back-up ‘keeper]. I’m looking to bring a ‘keeper in on a non-contract basis and he’s somebody with league experience.

“We don’t want to put ourselves in the position of Sascha breaking down in a warm-up on Saturday, and as a result we have to put an outfield player in goal.”

On Studer, who kept three clean-sheets in four pre-season matches, Cox said: “I think, especially when you’re dealing with continental ‘keepers, they tend to have a different mindset and it’s something that excited me about Sascha.

“He’s a little bit ‘off the cuff’ sometimes, but his potential in him is frightening.

“When we brought him in, we had a look at him in training for a week without seeing him in a game and his handling, mindset, strength of character, everything about him - as well as being a good goalkeeper, was immense.”

He added: “For a lad of 22, he shows great promise. He’s a good lad, an excellent ‘keeper and I think he’s going to be a major player for us this season.”

You can hear Paul Cox’s interview this morning on Stags Player later today. To subscribe, click here.

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The Big Kick-Off: Mansfield Town on the hunt for back-up goalkeeper
chad.co.uk, by Stephen Thirkill, stephen.thirkill@chad.co.uk, 07 August 2014

Mansfield Town boss Paul Cox is hunting a new goalkeeper on a non-contract basis to provide cover for Sascha Studer.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/the-big-kick-off-mansfield-town-on-the-hunt-for-back-up-goalkeeper-1-6773800

Cox had hoped to use youth team goalkeeper Adam Bishop as understudy for the Swiss shot-stopper.

But the promising 16 year-old, who was once on the books of Derby County, has been ruled out for up to two weeks after picking up a knock.

Said Cox: “We are currently looking at getting in a goalkeeper on a non-contract basis who has league experience.

“We do not want to risk Sascha breaking down in the warm-up on Saturday and having to put an outfield player in goal.

“This is an area we are currently working hard to sort out.

“We have got some promising young goalkeepers at this club, but it is about bringing them through at the right time and at the right place so that we do not damage them.”

Mansfield Town kick off their league campaign away at Northampton on Saturday in what is likely to be a tough opening fixture.

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Hitman has feel-good factor ahead of new season
mansfieldtown.net, 7th August 2014

Striker can’t wait for curtain-raiser at Northampton Town following solid pre-season.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/hitman-has-feel-good-factor-ahead-of-new-season-1810858.aspx#TLFPPL0hVIgjgPQ7.99

Striker Liam Hearn is relishing the opportunity to make his Football League debut at Northampton Town on Saturday, following a pre-season which he says has gone ‘better than expected’.

In his first appearance in Stags’ colours, Hearn came off the bench and fired us to a 2-0 home victory over Leeds United, before he also struck twice in a 3-1 success over Lincoln City.

With the new season just two days away, the hitman is raring to go.

“I’m very excited,” said Hearn. “Coming through pre-season, getting over my injury and getting games as I have done [has been great]. I’ve chipped in with a couple of goals, the lads are raring to go and I can’t wait for it.

“I think [pre-season] has gone better than we could have hoped.

“We’ve had a few set-backs which are always good and it’s important that you have set-backs because they help you realise what you’re going wrong.

“It’s not always the best when everything goes swimmingly, because when you come across something bad in the season, you don’t necessarily know how to react, whereas I think we know where we’re at now, we can progress and take that into the season.”

The 28-year-old completed a full 90 minutes in a behind-closed-doors match at Derby County in midweek, scoring twice as our team came from 3-0 down at the break to secure a remarkable 4-3 victory.

“The gaffer wanted to bring me off after about 60 minutes, but I felt really good,” continued Hearn. “We were getting back into the game and I asked him to persevere with me to see how I went and I managed to get through the full 90 minutes.”

Asked if he still worries about his injury troubles over the last two years, he added: “I’m quite strong-minded so I keep pushing myself and I know that if there is discomfort I can get through, but obviously if there’s pain then I can’t.

“It’s about finding that balance. Fortunately I’ve done that now after two bad injuries, so hopefully I’ll just ‘kick on’ now.”

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The Big Kick off: John Dempster delighted with Mansfield Town’s preparations for Northampton Town opener
chad.co.uk, by Stephen Thirkill, stephen.thirkill@chad.co.uk, 07 August 2014

John Dempster believes Mansfield Town have given themselves the perfect chance of enjoying a flying starting to the season.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/the-big-kick-off-john-dempster-delighted-with-mansfield-town-s-preparations-for-northampton-town-opener-1-6773057

Stags have enjoyed a solid pre-season campaign, which ended with just one defeat against Aston Villa, and have kept clean sheets in their last three outings.

And the experienced Mansfield centre-back believes it has given Stags the perfect foundations to build on as they look to kick off their League Two campaign in style at Northampton.

“We have had an excellent pre-season and have given ourselves the ideal chance of starting well,” said Dempster.

“The squad may be smaller this season, but the quality is there. We have seen it in pre-season and I see it every day in training.

“Players come and go, that is part and parcel of football. What is important is that Mansfield Town move on and bring in good new signings and that is what we have done.

“We now have a more tight-knit squad and the new lads have fitted in well, both on and off the pitch.

“Sometimes having a smaller squad can help because you don’t have the problem of players who are sitting in the stands every week and who are not happy.

“There is excellent competition for places in the defensive areas and we will be working together as a unit to get the best for Mansfield Town.

“Every player in the squad is going to play their part this season. Whoever doesn’t start against Northampton will have to be professional and be ready to come in and take their chance when it comes.”

Chris Wilder’s men escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth last year following a final day win at home to Oxford after appearing to be doomed all season.

But, despite the Cobblers poor showing last time out, Dempster knows Mansfield will be in for a tough time against fast-improving Northampton.

“Northampton Town will be one of the teams right up there this season,” added Dempster.

“It will be a tough game for us, but our preparations have been spot on and we are ready for the game.

“Few people will give us a chance, but we are confident we can go there and get a result.”

Mansfield have not won away on the opening day of the season since 1990.

Stags will be without the suspended Matt Rhead and the injured Luke Jones.

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The Big Kick-Off: League Two will be more competitive than ever says Mansfield Town and Northampton Town bosses
chad.co.uk, by Stephen Thirkill, stephen.thirkill@chad.co.uk, 07 August 2014

Rival managers Chris Wilder and Paul Cox believe League Two will be even more competitive this time around.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/the-big-kick-off-league-two-will-be-more-competitive-than-ever-says-mansfield-town-and-northampton-town-bosses-1-6773314

The bosses will lock horns on Saturday when their Northampton Town and Mansfield Town sides kick-off their season at Sixfields.

Just 12 points divided eighth-placed Oxford United and relegated Bristol Rovers in the final table last season.

And with big-spending Luton Town returning to the Football League and Tranmere, Carlisle and Stevenage entering via the League One trapdoor, the competition is set to be even more intense.

Stags boss Paul Cox said: “League Two was a tough league last year and a lot of teams have added well to their squad so it is going to be even tougher this time.

“We will have to fight, scratch and bite to get the points this year.”

And his views were echoed by Northampton boss Chris Wilder, who said he expected the new season to be a tough battle.

“There are some quality sides in League Two who have done a lot of business this summer and they will be strong,” said Wilder.

“Bury have recruited well, so have Portsmouth and the teams who came come down will fancy their chances, as will Luton and Cambridge who have come up.

“It is tough, but who knows what will happen, League Two is very hard to predict.”

Portsmouth and Bury have been installed as joint favourites to lift the League Two crown at 7/1 with Paddy Power.

Northampton are priced at 18/1, while Mansfield are 33/1 to repeat Chesterfield’s title-winning success.

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The Big Kick-Off: Northampton Town boss Chris Wilder believes last season’s momentum will be key
chad.co.uk, by Stephen Thirkill, 07 August 2014

Boss Chris Wilder believes his Northampton Town side can use last season’s momentum to hit the ground running.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/the-big-kick-off-northampton-town-boss-chris-wilder-believes-last-season-s-momentum-will-be-key-1-6773682

The Cobblers seemed doomed to certain relegation last season until a change of manager and a run of five wins and four draws in their last 12 matches secured a great escape.

Faltering Northampton had entered the drop zone on 21st September following a 3-0 reversal at Mansfield and remained in the bottom two until they beat Dagenham 3-0 on 26th April to dramatically pull themselves to safety.

But Wilder, who took over at Sixfields on 26th January, believes the club has made the signings necessary to avoid a repeat of last season’s disappointment.

“We can take the momentum from the end of last season into this season and that should give us confidence,” said Wilder.

“Everyone is positive and with the signings we have made we feel we should be.

“We have made some good signings, we tied up those who we wanted to stay early and we are ready for a long season.

“We are all refreshed after the summer and we are ready to go.

“We are all looking forward to the start of the season. It has been a tough pre-season for the players, but we have worked hard and we want to be successful.

“We are confident we have prepared as well as we could have, but the real test comes at 3pm on Saturday.”

Win, lose or draw on Saturday, the former Alfreton Town boss has also vowed that Northampton will keep their feet on the ground and focus on the bigger picture.

“We won’t get carried away if we win on Saturday and we won’t get down in the dumps if we lose,” Wilder added.

“It is a tough 46 game competition and you need to be strong enough, mentally and physically, to last the pace. We will be judged in May, not on one or two games.

“We are pleased to start at home and everyone is keen to start well but it is a long season. We will stay grounded whatever happens this weekend and look ahead.”

And he is expecting a tough test against Paul Cox’s hardworking side

Said Wilder: “Mansfield did well last season and they are a tough side to play against. They are a competitive side and they were not far away from the play offs last season.

“They will fancy their chances this time in an open league and they are one of the strong teams to look out for.

“Each team we play through the season will have different strengths and weaknesses and we have to try and overcome whatever challenge we face each week.

“We will be positive on Saturday and we will try and reward the fans for their support. You need a solid home record to be successful and that is what we will be aiming for.

“We have got through pre-season without too many injuries - we only really have Kelvin Lnagmead out - everyone else is fit and raring to go and it is up to me to pick the side that we feel gives us the best chance of a good result on Saturday.”

Mansfield, who will be without suspended Matt Rhead and the injured Luke Jones, will be looking for their first opening day away win since they beat Wigan in 1990.

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Don’t read too much in to Mansfield Town’s pre-seaon form warns boss Paul Cox
chad.co.uk, by Stephen Thirkill, 07 August 2014

Mansfield Town fans should not read too much in to the club’s encouraging pre-season form.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/don-t-read-too-much-in-to-mansfield-town-s-pre-seaon-form-warns-boss-paul-cox-1-6772082

That is the warning of boss Paul Cox as he gets his ready side to kick off their League Two campaign at Northampton on Saturday.

Stags have been in fine form in pre-season with their only defeat being at the hands of Premier League Aston Villa.

The run, which has also included wins over Leeds United and Notts County, has transformed the mood around the One Call Stadium and calmed fears that a decreased budget and squad would hit Stags hard.

“It has been a good pre-season results-wise, but it’s a fallacy to read too much into it,” said Cox.

“As long as the lads are fit and ready and have a bit of structure and organisation about them I am happy.

“It’s all about Saturday onwards. But the results we have had pre-season will have given the boys a bit of confidence,”

“We know how tough it will be on Saturday. I thought Northampton were a tough proposition last season. Obviously Chris (manager Wilder) has gone in there and taken a bit of time to implement his ideas.

“They have a lot of resources at the club and have brought in some very good players.

“We are going to have to cope and show resolve and mental toughness to come away with anything.”

During pre-season Stags won four matches and have also shown plenty of signs that they can improve on last season disappointing goal tally of just 49 league goals.

Mansfield finished in 10th spot last season following a late end-of-season surge away from the League Two trapdoor.

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The Big Kick-Off: Paul Cox begins his ‘biggest season’ since becoming Mansfield Town boss
chad.co.uk, by Stephen Thirkill, stephen.thirkill@chad.co.uk, 07 August 2014

Paul Cox believes he is about to begin his most challenging season since becoming Mansfield Town boss.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/the-big-kick-off-paul-cox-begins-his-biggest-season-since-becoming-mansfield-town-boss-1-6774975

Cox goes into the new League Two campaign against Northampton Town with just 21 first-team players to select from following a major cut in the club’s wage budget.

But, despite the challenging financial constraints and smaller squad, Cox appears to have improved the quality of players at his disposal and found the answer to their goal-scoring troubles in Liam Hearn.

“In some ways this has been my biggest pre-season challenge,” said Cox. “This will be the biggest season since I have been at the club, but I’m looking forward to enjoying it.

“The players are looking forward to the task ahead, it is going to be an enjoyable challenge for us all.

“We have had a good pre-season, but I have been around the block enough to know that pre-season can give you a false sense of security. You cannot read too much into them, it is just pre-season.

“The fans are excited about how things have gone and it is great seeing that level of excitement around the place.

“But we cannot get carried away and have got to keep our feet on the ground.

“It is my job to keep the players focused and on the right path.”

During his three seasons in the hot-seat Cox has improved Mansfield’s fortunes year on year having taken the club from play-off semi-final defeat to the Conference League title and then a credible 11th place finish in League Two.

But if that trend is to repeat itself, Cox knows he will need lady luck to be smiling on the One Call Stadium.

“We have only got a squad of 21 players and we are going to need some luck with injuries and suspensions,” said Cox.

“We have been given a wage budget and it is what it is. We have had to look far and wide for players and myself and my staff have worked very hard to bring new players in.

“I do not think they are gambles, the new players all have excellent potential.

“We have also got some good young players in the squad, but they might take some time to adjust to League Two.

“We have a lot of potential, but at the moment potential is all it is. If we can realise some of that potential then we will not be bad.

“Players like Ryan Tafazolli have been touted by higher clubs and I am looking for Ryan and Sam Clucas to push on and improve further.

“Some of our younger players have got the potential to be excellent players, they could go on to become another Sam Clucas.”

Mansfield Town will be looking to change history by picking up their first opening day away win for 24 years.

Northampton Town, who avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, ended their 2013/14 with five wins out of their final 12 matches.

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The Big Kick-Off: The future is bright for Mansfield Town
chad.co.uk, by Stephen Thirkill, stephen.thirkill@chad.co.uk, 07 August 2014

The future is bright for Mansfield Town, according to boss Paul Cox.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/the-big-kick-off-the-future-is-bright-for-mansfield-town-1-6775221

Cox says he is encouraged by the quality of youth players currently on the club’s books and believes they may be on the verge of uncovering another hidden gem.

Tough-tackling midfielder Jack Thomas (18) has been added to the first-team squad after making his debut as a substitute in last season‘s 3-0 win over Rochdale.

Young full-back Liam Marsden has also become an established member of the first-team set-up after making his debut in the 3-1 defeat to Torquay United in April.

And Cox believes the talented duo could very well be the tip of the iceberg.

“There are some good young players here and I’m excited for the future,” said Cox.

“Liam Marsden has come on leaps and bounds, Chris Spencer has featured in pre-season and we have got two good young goalkeepers at the club.

“I feel for Jack Thomas. We had to look at central midfield players and that has limited his chances during pre-season.

“I have spoken to Jack about things, he will have a good future here.

“We have to be patient with the youngsters, it is my job to bring them through at the right time and at the right place so we do not damage them.

“They will make mistakes, but it is important the fans are understanding of them and supportive.

“I am confident that some of these players will be excellent players in a few months time, they will make people take notice.

“Some of our younger players have got the potential to be excellent players, they could go on to become another Sam Clucas.”

Paul Cox has previously spoken of the importance of developing players from within the club this season following the cut in playing budget.

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The Big Kick-Off: Boss Paul Cox vows to raise the bar at Mansfield Town
chad.co.uk, by Stephen Thirkill, stephen.thirkill@chad.co.uk, 07 August 2014

Mansfield Town boss Paul Cox has vowed to raise the bar even further with his players.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/the-big-kick-off-boss-paul-cox-vows-to-raise-the-bar-at-mansfield-town-1-6775760

Stags gained 60 points to finish in a credible 11th place on their Football League return last season.

And Cox, who is beginning his fourth season at the helm, is determined to raise standards even further and continue the club’s season by season improvement.

Just 12 points divided eighth-placed Oxford United and relegated Bristol Rovers in the final table last season.

And with big-spending Luton returning to the Football League alongside Bury, Portsmouth and relegated Tranmere, Carlisle and Stevenage, the competition is set to be even more intense.

“We are in a good place right now and our target is to finish as high as possible and win as many games as possible,” said Cox.

“We have set targets in the dressing room, but that is something that will stay private amongst the team.

“I want to win and I want us to progress. I will raise the bar with the players this season.

“Our next phase at this club is to develop the young players and get them in to the first team and to take this club forward.

“We have to be realistic though, money talks and brings success and there are a lot of teams with more money than us this season.

“League Two was a tough league last year and a lot of teams have added well to their squad so it is going to be even tougher this time.

“We will have to fight, scratch and bite to get the points this year.”

And Cox, who goes into the season-opener at Northampton missing only the injured Luke Jones and suspended Matt Rhead, knows his players need the fans right behind them every step of the way.

Added Cox: “We need the fans to get behind us this season, they are going to have a massive part to play in where we finish.

“The fans were brilliant last season and we need them to back us from the first minute until the last minute.

“There will be times when we have a dip in form and times when we will disappoint the fans, but we need them to stick with us.

“It is going to be a long season, but whatever happens we are going to work very hard as a team.”

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The Big Kick-Off: Liam Hearn pleased to have got full game under his belt
chad.co.uk, by Stephen Thirkill, stephen.thirkill@chad.co.uk, 07 August 2014

Mansfield Town striker Liam Hearn says he is delighted to have got his first 90 minutes of pre-season under his belt.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/the-big-kick-off-liam-hearn-pleased-to-have-got-full-game-under-his-belt-1-6774796

Hearn played the full match during a behind closed doors friendly against Derby County on Tuesday, which Mansfield won 4-3 after initially trailing 3-0.

The run-out will significantly boost Hearn’s fitness levels as he battles for a place in the starting eleven against Northampton on Saturday.

Said Hearn: “I was very pleased to have played the full 90 minutes. The boss was going to take me off after an hour but I asked him to stick with me and see how I went and I got through the first 90.

“I know whether something is just uncomfortable and I can play on or whether there is pain and I should not push it.

“I am over my injuries now and can’t wait to get going. It is all about playing as many games as I can and enjoying myself this season.

“Being at Mansfield is ideal for me as it is on my doorstep. I can drop my daughter off at nursery before training and can be with my family afterwards.

“My friends and family can come and watch me play and that is perfect. I am very relaxed at Mansfield.

“I have got a good team behind me with the boss and physio and I am ready to go, but it is important not to get ahead of myself,

“Pre-season has gone as well as we could have hoped for and I am going to relish making my Football League debut when that happens. I can’t wait for the season to start.”

The former Eastwood Town star signed for Mansfield in June in a bid to solve the goalscoring problems which plagued Stags’ last season.

Hearn has already become an instant hit with the Field Mill faithful after bagging a memorable brace on his debut against Leeds United.

Hearn hit a superb 29 goals for Grimsby during the 2011/12 campaign,

But the former Alfreton Town striker had his Grimsby contract cancelled by mutual consent after he asked to leave the club following a series of injuries that meant he made only 15 appearances during the 2013/14 season.

Mansfield Town scored just 49 goals in League Two last season and will be looking for a big improvement this time around.

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Dempster: Everyone will play their part
mansfieldtown.net

Experienced centre-back says small close-knit squad means everyone has a role to play.

Defender John Dempster believes everyone in our squad has a key part to play this term ahead of our Sky Bet League Two curtain-raiser at Northampton Town.

Our players make the 75-mile trip to the Sixfields Stadium on the back of an eye-catching pre-season campaign, which has seen us play well and win four out of six matches.

Nevertheless, tomorrow’s opponents will be determined to ‘kick on’ this time around, having only escaped relegation following victory over Oxford United on a nail-biting final day last season.

“It’ll be a tough game for us, but our preparations have been spot on and we’re ready for the game,” said the 31-year-old, who featured on 40 occasions in 2013/14.

“Few people will give us a chance, but we’re confident that we can go there and get a result.”

Dempster continued: “We’ve had an excellent pre-season and have given ourselves the ideal chance of starting well. The squad may be smaller, but the quality is there. We’ve seen it in pre-season and I see it every day in training.

“Players come and go and that’s part and parcel of football. What’s important is that Mansfield Town move on and bring in good new signings and that’s what we’ve done.

“We now have a more tight-knit squad and the new lads have fitted in well, both on and off the pitch.

“There is excellent competition for places in the defensive areas and we’ll all be working together as a unit to get the best for Mansfield Town.

“This season, every player in the squad is going to play their part. Whoever doesn’t start against Northampton will have to be professional and be ready to come in and take their chance when it comes.”

You can hear a full interview with John Dempster on Stags Player. To subscribe, click here.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/dempster-everyone-will-play-their-part-1813086.aspx#ASLJcAqkSGlvTsOZ.99

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Jefferson Lake’s Cobblers v Mansfield Town preview
http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/jefferson-lake-s-cobblers-v-mansfield-town-preview-1-6228957

Chris Wilder’s Northampton side open their Sky Bet League Two season against Mansfield at Sixfields on Saturday. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s first match...

Fixture: Northampton Town v Mansfield Town

Date/kick-off time: Saturday August 9, 3pm

Venue: Sixfields Stadium

Team news: Cobblers: Kelvin Langmead (Achilles), Lewis Hornby (back). Mansfield: none

Betting: Cobblers 6/5, draw 12/5, Mansfield 13/5

Form guide: Cobblers WWLDWW, Mansfield WLLDWW

Likely line-ups: Cobblers (4-4-1-1): Duke; Alfei, Collins, Diamond, Horwood; Hackett, Carter, Ravenhill, Mohamed; O’Toole; Richards.

Mansfield (4-4-2): Studer; Marsden, Tafazoli, Dempster, Sutton; Murray, McGuire, Clements, Clucas; Hearn, Fisher

Last time out: Cobblers: beat Oxford United 3-1 (Marquis, Toney, Doumbe). Mansfield: beat Bristol Rovers 1-0 (Daniel)

Most recent meeting: March 15, 2014 - Cobblers 1 (Carter pen) Mansfield 1 (Palmer)

Cobblers connection: Derek Asamoah was an enigmatic and underused forward for both clubs, being used as an impact substitute at both Sixfields and Field Mill. Asamoah scored just five goals for the Stags in the 2004-05 season, one of which was a rare header, against the Cobblers in a 4-1 win.

Jefferson Lake’s preview: The Cobblers go into their opening-day game against Mansfield at Sixfields on the back of a low-key pre-season campaign in which goals, both for and against, have been in short supply.

Northampton played seven games, unofficially split into four for the first-choice batch of players and three for anyone outside of the main group or needing extra minutes to recover from injuries.

The four games were divided into two at home (both against league one opposition) and two away, against Scottish Championship side Alloa Athletic and Conference outfit Eastleigh, and these are the games that perhaps provide the most information about Chris Wilder’s first selection of the season.

The team’s record across those fixtures is of a win, two draws and a defeat, with three goals scored and three against.

Such statistics suggest caution will be Wilder’s watchword against the Stags, who themselves won four of their six warm-up games, the eye-catching result being a 2-0 win over an admittedly troubled Leeds United side.

Results in pre-season games, however, rarely have any bearing on how a team performs when the serious stuff starts but they are a decent barometer of the way a manager is thinking, and Wilder has had the rare luxury of a full summer in which to put his tactical ideas into the squad.

There are plenty of options at his disposal too but he will surely look to maximise the attacking potential of the two players signed in the summer to correct what he felt was the team’s main deficiency last season - a lack of goals.

Therefore, John-Joe O’Toole and Marc Richards are almost certain to start, most likely as split strikers and in central roles where they can do the most damage.

The rest of the side is a fairly straightforward selection, at least at this stage, and the absence through injury of Kelvin Langmead eliminates a layer of complication in defence.

Prediction: Cobblers 1 Mansfield 1

How do you think the Cobblers will line up in their first game of the 2014/15 season? And do you think they can get off to a winning start? Let us know using the commenting facility below.

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WILDER EXPECTING TOUGH OPENING TEST
ntfc.co.uk, 7th August 2014
by Gareth Willsher
Cobblers boss ahead of Northampton Town v Mansfield Town

We are confident we have prepared as well as we could have, but the real test comes at 3pm on Saturday."
Chris Wilder

Read more at http://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/article/wilder-premansfield201415-1809747.aspx#z2d4ogDJxrhwGPIO.99

Chris Wilder says he is expecting a tough opening fixture for his side as Mansfield Town visit Sixfields in Sky Bet League 2 on Saturday.

"Mansfield did well last season and they are a tough side to play against. They are a competitive side and they were not far away from the play offs last season," he sadi.

"They will fancy their chances this time in an open league and they are one of the strong teams to look out for. Each team we play through the season will have different strengths and weaknesses and we have to try and overcome whatever challenge we face each week.

"We are all refreshed after the summer and we are ready to go. We are all looking forward to the start of the season. It has been a tough pre-season for the players, but we have worked hard and we want to be successful.

"All managers feel a sense of excitement at the start of a new season. We are confident we have prepared as well as we could have, but the real test comes at 3pm on Saturday.

"Everyone is positive and with the signings we have made we feel we should be. We can take the momentum from the end of last season into this season and that should give us confidence.

"There are some quality sides in League 2 who have done a lot of business this summer and they will be strong. Bury have recruited well, so have Portsmouth and the teams who came come down will fancy their chances, as will Luton and Cambridge who have come up. It is tough, but who knows what will happen, League 2 is very hard to predict."

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Latest | August 2014