{ the news }
 
An independent supporters' website dedicated to Mansfield Town FC
Archived News from August 2014

DAGENHAM PREVIEWS
25th August 2014 18:15


Don’t underestimate Dagenham - Murray
mansfieldtown.net, 21st August 2014

Player/assistant manager speaks to the press ahead of trip south to face Daggers.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/dont-underestimate-dagenham-murray-1850612.aspx#2hCmlijm6bZQqpj4.99

Player/assistant boss Adam Murray believes we are in for a tough challenge when we make the long journey to East London to face Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.

The Daggers, who Murray insists will be a very different proposition to that of Newport County, registered their first points of the campaign in midweek when they beat Hartlepool United.

“It’ll be a different challenge,” said Murray. “I think Dagenham had the thought process under John Still where they were quite physical and direct, but under this gaffer [Wayne Burnett] they do try and play a little bit.

“They’ve got some technical players that we need to be aware of, but we’ve done our homework. We’ll work on them today and prepare for the journey down there.”

Meanwhile, our player/assistant manager says our squad are fully behind frontman Liam Hearn, who had surgery on his knee cartilage injury yesterday.

“The physio [Chris Bowman] went down to see him yesterday and considering the injury he seems to be in good spirits. He’s a real strong character, a strong lad, and we’re all backing him,” continued Murray.

“It shows his character [that he wants to come back stronger]. He’s one of these guys that looks at everything in a positive manner and when there is a challenge in front of him, he wants to have a go at it.

“The team-spirit is incredible at the minute and everyone in the changing room was gutted for him.

“Like everyone has said, we’ll stick by him, whatever he needs we’ll give him and he knows if he ever needs to fall back on any of us for support, he’s got it.”

With Hearn expected to be sidelined until Christmas and no players anticipated to join the club in the near future, Murray says that every player will have to give everything to the cause to make us successful.

“We know the challenge that we’re being faced with,” added the 32-year-old. “It’s part and parcel of football and we’ll do the best we can with what we’ve got.

“The message to the boys is ‘Keep doing what you’re doing’. They’re going to have to give us an extra yard at times, but we’ve got such a good group it’s not an issue.

“We’re going to stick together and get as many points on that board as we can.”

In team news, manager Paul Cox has no fresh injuries worries ahead of Saturday’s clash at the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Stadium.

Adam Murray's interview from this morning is available to view in full on Stags Player.

-----------------

Adam Murray praises Mansfield Town squad for team spirit and unity
chad.co.uk, by Stephen Thirkill, stephen.thirkill@jpress.co.uk

Adam Murray says team spirit and sticking together will be the key to Mansfield Town having a successful season.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/adam-murray-praises-mansfield-town-squad-for-team-spirit-and-unity-1-6799127

Stags have won two of their first three League Two fixtures after determined displays capped by fight and a fierce workrate were enough to defeat Oxford United and Newport County.

And Murray, who smacked home the winner against Oxford with just two minutes left, knows Stags will need to show that battling spirit throughout the entire season if their small squad is to upset the odds.

Said Murray: “We know the challenge we are facing and the players are up for it.

“We have got a great group of players who will keep fighting hard and will stick together.

“We have got no new players in and we will do the best with what we have got.

“It is a tough season and we are faced with challenges ahead. There will be highs and lows and it is important that we all stick together that is going to the key to the season.

“Getting three points against Newport was important as we wanted to build on our win against Oxford.

“The lads gave their all to get the three points and we can’t ask for any more from the boys. They are running that extra yard and digging deep.

“Newport was a real test. They have been putting in some good performances and not getting the results, they are in a position that we did not want to be in.

“It was not a pretty game, but we got the points we wanted.”

Mansfield’s smaller squad has already been hit with Luke Jones, Martin Riley and Liam Hearn already having spells on the treatment table.

Ninth-placed Stags will be hoping for more of the same when they travel to face a Dagenham side fresh from having beaten Hartlepool on Tuesday night.

“Dagenham will give us a different test to Newport,” said Murray. “They are playing a bit more football this season than they used to do and they have got some technical players that we need to be aware of.

“We have done our homework and will prepare for the game accordingly.

“It is good that we have a midweek break after Saturday’s game so that we can freshen up the lads and get the ones back who have knocks.”

--------------------

Mansfield Town’s Liam Hearn in positive mood as he starts his road to recovery
chad.co.uk, by Stephen Thirkill, stephen.thirkill@jpress.co.uk

Injured Mansfield Town striker Liam Hearn has had an operation to repair cartilage damage in his knee.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-s-liam-hearn-in-positive-mood-as-he-starts-his-road-to-recovery-1-6799818

Hearn, who had the operation earlier this week, suffered the injury during Mansfield’s 2-1 Capital One Cup defeat against Sheffield United.

He is no stranger to battling back from long-term injuries after twice overcoming major injury setbacks during his time at Grimsby Town.

And Stags’ assistant manager Adam Murray is backing the former Alfreton Town hotshot to come back strong.

“Liam has had his operation and is doing well. He is in a positive mood and has got great character,” said Murray

“He is a strong lad and is determined to come back fitter and stronger than before. He is seeing it as a challenge and one that he will win.

“We are all backing him in his recovery and will be on hand if he needs any support from us.”

Murray has also shown his support to striker Ollie Palmer, who has come in for criticism from sections of the crowd due to his lack of goals.

Palmer has scored four goals during 38 appearances for Mansfield and was guilty of missing a sitter in the dying stages of the 1-0 win against Newport on Tuesday.

Said Murray: “Ollie just needs to get some luck. He needs a goal, whether it is off his backside or some other way, and to get a break.

“He has shown that he is a real handful when he has played, he is a player opponents do not like playing against.

“We have got some good options up front and he is one of those players.

“Ollie will not let misses bother him, he will just keep going and working hard.”

Hardworking Palmer was no stranger to goals during his time at Havant and Waterlooville, where he scored 37 goals in just 67 appearances.

-----------------

McGuire aims to maintain good start
mansfieldtown.net, 21st August 2014

Mansfield Town midfielder Jamie McGuire is confident we can build on our good start to the league campaign which has so far seen us pick up six points from a possible nine.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/mcguire-aims-to-maintain-good-start-1851259.aspx#qVU1cRYVrCUJyyWD.99

The next test for the Stags is away to Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday (3pm) and McGuire said that the team will aim to keep improving: “[We’ve got] six points on the board, two home games - a good start - especially at home.

“We were unlucky against Northampton in the first game but we got the six points from the two home games so going there [to Dagenham] and getting the three points would be great but at the end of the day if we pick up a point [it would be satisfactory] - the main thing is that we don’t lose the game and [that we] give a good account of ourselves.”

McGuire believes that Dagenham will pose a similar threat to Oxford United - who Stags' overcame at One Call Stadium last week. “They [Dagenham] like to play the ball out from the back. They know it’s going to be competitive, they know they’ve got to work hard [against us]. They’re doing okay but it’s all about us going down there and even if we pick up a point it’s not the end of the world.”

After Tuesday’s combative performance against Newport County, the midfielder has hailed the Stags’ grit and determination. He said: “We like to go all-out, we like to defend, we like to attack. We’re competitive and I think you do need that in League Two. When we played Sheffield United they let you have the ball but in League Two it’s more 'in to your face'. They’re right up against you, but I don’t mind to be honest as long as we’re winning games, that’s the main thing for us.”

The 30-year-old said that the competition for places in central midfield is rife, and he is enjoying playing with summer signing, Simon Heslop: “Hessy’s been there and done it. He knows League Two well, he knows League One well, and he’s been a breath of fresh air. We are vying for our places. Whoever the gaffer chooses on a Saturday or a Tuesday, everyone knows what to do and you’ve just got to keep hold of your place.”

The ex-Fleetwood Town man said that when he was thrown the captain’s armband for the Capital One Cup tie against Sheffield United, he had no qualms about taking it, he said: “I’d always take it and try and lead the troops and we did well.”

“I encourage the lads; keep them working hard because that’s what you’ve got to do in this league because it’s a competitive league. You’ve always got to be on your toes, you’ve always got to defend which you’ve seen as a team lately we’ve done really well. There’s a good vibe at the moment between everyone.”

--------------

Jamie McGuire challenges Mansfield Town to make One Call Stadium a fortress
chad.co.uk, 21/08/2014, by Stephen Thirkill, stephen.thirkill@jpress.co.uk

Midfielder Jamie McGuire wants Mansfield Town to make the One Call Stadium a fortress.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/jamie-mcguire-challenges-mansfield-town-to-make-one-call-stadium-a-fortress-1-6798049

Stags have won their first two home matches of the season against Oxford United and Newport County.

And the tough-tacking midfielder is now challenging his team-mates to repeat the form shown by the Conference title-winning side of two seasons ago.

“Doing well at home is a must,” said McGuire. “The team were fantastic at home when they won the Conference and went on a tremendous run after Christmas.

“Last season we struggled a bit at home and that is something we need to improve upon.

“We have had a good start so far winning our first two home games and we want to make this ground a fortress.

“This is a very competitive league and you always have to fight and battle for the points. Fighting and battling is what League Two is about.

“There is great competition in the midfield this year and that is important. Simon Heslop has been a great signing, he has been there and done it and knows what League Two is all about.

“We all have to be on our toes to keep our places, but there is an excellent vibe about the place.

“Whoever is picked needs to fight hard for their place in the team.”

Mansfield face their stiffest home test a week on Saturday when they entertain promotion-chasing Burton Albion.

But before then they face a long away day on Saturday as they head to Dagenham looking to make it three wins on the spin.

Added McGuire: “It is going to be a long journey down to Dagenham. They are doing well at the moment, but so are we.

“Dagenham like to play the ball out from the back and I think they will be a similar test to Oxford.

“We will prepare for this game and do our homework, but it is all about what we do.

“We have had a good start and the main thing is to keep that going on Saturday and to build on our confidence.

“We were unlucky against Northampton in the opening game and having nine points out of 12 would be a fantastic start.

“We are going there to get the three points, but if we get a point it wont be the end of the world. The main thing is not to lose.”

-------------------

Confident Sutton enjoying game-time
mansfieldtown.net, 21st August 2014

Defender happy to be a regular and looking forward to Saturday's match at Dagenham & Redbridge.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/confident-sutton-enjoying-game-time-1850685.aspx#jco86we3U0EXClmo.99

Defender Ritchie Sutton admits he's got the confidence to push on this season, following a solid year in Sky Bet League Two in 2013/14.

The 28-year-old was an almost ever-present for us last term, racking up 35 appearances in all competitions, and believes that has stood him in good stead for the current campaign.

He said: “It was good to get that good season under my belt last year. I played a lot of games and it was good that it was back in the league, so that’s given me the confidence to push on and hopefully achieve more this year.”

“Just because I’m a defender, it doesn’t mean that it’s not a confidence thing. With forwards and wingers you say ‘it’s a confidence thing’, but if you’re confident as a defender then that’s when you keep your clean-sheets and start to feel good about yourself."

Sutton also believes that a good pre-season where the games came thick and fast, has given our team a good platform to build from.

He continued: “I played a lot of games in pre-season and it feels like I've done a mini-league before it’s even started, so it’s nice to get them games early doors, but now the season is starting to pan out it’s nice to be able to recover properly and do my best for each game.”

With our team looking to continue their winning run at Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday, Sutton is expecting another tough game: “[We’re expecting] a solid unit. It was 0-0 last time, they’re hard to break down, so it’s going to be a tight game.

“We’ve travelled on the day to these occasions before so we'll have no excuses. I think we’ll be fine.”

The ex-Port Vale man is pleased with how we have defended so far this season, something which was was epitomised in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Newport County: “I think we looked solid all pre-season, obviously we’ve taken that in to the league now as well and it was good to get that first league clean-sheet, both on a personal note and as a team. If we keep clean-sheets then we’re going to win more games than not.”

“I think the way we play we’re a solid unit. I think a lot of games will be settled by one goal. Obviously [we were] on the other side of that against Northampton Town and Sheffield United but I think we played well especially in the Sheffield United game."

----------------

Solid defence can get Mansfield Town into the play-offs, says defender Ritchie Sutton
chad.co.uk, 21/08/2014, by Stephen Thirkill, stephen.thirkill@jpress.co.uk

Ritchie Sutton believes Mansfield Town’s rock-solid defence can turn their play-off dreams into reality.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/solid-defence-can-get-mansfield-town-into-the-play-offs-says-defender-ritchie-sutton-1-6797748

Mansfield have conceded just two goals in their first three League Two matches and have picked up six points in the process.

And with ninth-placed Stags still struggling for goals up front Sutton knows it is absolutely vital to keep it tight at the back.

“We are looking solid at the back and have taken our pre-season form into the season,” said Sutton.

“It was good to get our first clean sheet on Tuesday night and we are pleased with how things are progressing.

“We are looking for the play-offs as a minimum. We have all got high hopes.

“If we can keep clean sheets then we will win a lot of games.

“There will be a lot of 1-0 games because we are solid at the back and a lot of games won by a single goal as we have already seen.”

And Sutton, who has started all three league games, also believes that competition for places will help keep players on top form.

“We have got a strong unit at the back and any five players can slot into the three central defence positions available,” said Sutton.

“I played a lot of games last year and that has given me the confidence to push on this season and confidence is a big key.

“There is excellent competition for places at the back and that can only be good for the team.

“We have adopted a bit of a back-to-the-wall mentality, but that is something we have had to do.

“Inside the club there is great banter between the defenders. It is just part of that excellent team spirit that we have.

“We have a small squad, but we have really come together well as a unit.”

Mansfield make the long trip down to Dagenham on Saturday looking to make it three wins on the bounce after they beat Oxford 2-1 on Saturday and Newport 1-0 in midweek.

----------------

twitter 21st August 2014
Charlie Slater @CharlieSlater15
#stags manager Paul Cox says he's been told there's NO money to sign any more players despite losing Hearn to injury & Bell to Birmingham

-----------------

Burnett: “We Need The Home Fans Something To Cheer About”
daggers.co.uk, Fri 22 Aug 2014

Daggers boss Wayne Burnett previews the Daggers' next home game Against Mansfield Town and isn't expecting an easy match.

Read more at http://www.daggers.co.uk/news/article/interview-wayne-burnett-dagenham-and-redbridge-mansfield-town-1859801.aspx#5fZZUKzHoWWlcZdY.99

"I think it’s going to be a different game than Tuesday night, it’s going to be a very competitive and physical game.

"Mansfield have started well so it will be a very tough game. I thought we put in a very good professional performance against Hartlepool so we need to try and replicate that at home."

Home form is definitely something the Manager is looking to improve after some poor results and performances at the back end of last season and this season.

“We need to be better at home, it’s becoming quite obvious that teams are sitting off. We’re an attacking team and like to play with pace and intensity, we have to overcome that and break teams down better.”

The Daggers also announced that Jon Nouble and Sean Shields have moved out on loan to Welling and St Albans respectively for one month. A loan move that Burnett thinks will do the players well.

“I think it’s key for them to go out on loan, especially for Jon , he needs to go out on play and get some game time in a different environment.

"Sean has been injured for large parts of pre-season so he needs to go out and get some game time.”

Matt Partridge has started in the last three games for Dagenham following Damian Batt’s injury and the boss has a lot of praise for the right back.

“I think he has done excellently, he has competed very well, he’s very good with the ball. I think he has come into the squad and shown real maturity with and without the ball.

He’s still young and learning the game, he may make mistakes but he’s trying to do the right thing which is important."

The Manager made another addition to his squad last week with striker, Christian Doidge. He was featured on the bench in Tuesday's game, but he could face a late fitness test before the Mansfield match after picking up a knock in the warm up.

"He got injured in the warm up, it was an injury to his foot. We will have to see if he's ready for Saturday's game, he will have a fitness test to see if he can take part."

Daggers Player subscribers can watch the full interview by clicking here.

Not a subscriber? Get live match commentary from every game, exclusive interviews and extended match highlights for only £4.49 a month. Full details here.

-------------------

 

Latest | August 2014