Archived News from February 2015
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MURRAY: THERE'S CONFIDENCE IN THE CAMP
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Murray: There’s confidence in the camp
mansfieldtown.net, 29th January 2015 Gaffer says players are feeling positive ahead of long trip to the North-West. Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/murray-theres-confidence-in-the-camp-2234087.aspx#hvXMy25gOvrkqoI5.99 Having held league leaders Wycombe Wanderers to a draw at One Call Stadium last time out, manager Adam Murray says his players are in a positive frame of mind ahead of this Saturday’s trip to Carlisle United. Our squad will make the 175-mile journey to the North-West tomorrow and stay overnight ahead of Saturday’s meeting with a team who are just a point below us in the Sky Bet League Two table. Murray said: “It’s a game we go into with a lot of confidence after our recent performances. “Everyone is aware that we probably haven’t quite got the results that our performances have deserved over the past few games, but performance levels have been really high and we’ll go there prepared.” He continued: “There’s no hiding away from the fact that it’s a big game for all kinds of reasons, but we’re going there to set-up to win the game. We know that we’re going to be in for a battle and a scrap against a good team that’s in a transition period - just the same as ourselves. “Because of the situation that both teams are in, it probably puts a little bit more emphasis on the game, but after it there’s 57 points to play for and that’s a lot of points.” The 33-year-old also had complimentary words about Carlisle boss Keith Curle, whom he worked under as a player, here at One Call Stadium. “Keith is a quality manager,” added our boss. “I’ve worked under him and I know that he’s a good bloke who will have his team organised and up for the battle. He was successful here and he’s one of the good guys in football. “He’s got a lot of football intelligence and he does things the right way. It’ll be nice to come up against one of his teams and hopefully we can get the result that we want as a club.” Murray also had praise for frontman Ollie Palmer, who is currently out on a one-month loan at Grimsby Town which is due to expire in early February. Palmer has so far bagged two goals in three Vanarama Premier appearances for the Mariners - one on his debut against Barnet and one on Tuesday night in a win away at Eastleigh. “He’s done well, he’s scored goals and that was the whole point of him going out on loan,” added our gaffer. “We’re looking at the situation. What I won’t do is bring him back to just sit around. If I feel that he’ll effect the starting eleven, we’ll look at him, but he’s doing what we sent him out to do.” Adam Murray’s full interview from this morning’s press meeting will be available on Stags Player soon. To subscribe, click here. -------------- More ins and outs at Mansfield Town before transfer window closes? chad.co.uk, 29 January 2015 With the January transfer window set to slam shut on Monday evening, Mansfield Town boss Adam Murray said there may still be further ins and outs at the One Call Stadium. http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/more-ins-and-outs-at-mansfield-town-before-transfer-window-closes-1-7078769 As Murray prepared his players for the long and snowy journey up to Carlisle tomorrow, he said: “There may be something happening, there may not be. We will see how the next 24 hours pans out. “There might be a couple of things happening both ways. But I will keep them wrapped up for the time being. “The team spirit and atmosphere here now is the best I have been around. So I won’t bring someone in for the sake of it. They would have to buy into this group of boys and their work ethic otherwise it would be pointless. “Also there are a number of good kids here that I am bursting to get involved. I don’t want to put people in their pathway to block them.” Murray has had a busy window so far with eight players coming in full time, including extending loanees, and six going out. --------------- Murray to decide on Stags striker Palmer’s Grimsby loan extension chad.co.uk Stags striker Ollie Palmer is starting to blossom in his loan spell at Conference giants Grimsby Town, who now want to extend that loan after it ends on 7th February. http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/murray-to-decide-on-stags-striker-palmer-s-grimsby-loan-extension-1-7078901 Mansfield Town boss Adam Murray is monitoring his progress and this week has to make a big decision on letting Palmer stay there or bringing him back into the fold while he is full of confidence. “Ollie’s scored two in two games and is doing well. That was the whole point of getting him out on loan,” said Murray. “But I won’t bring him back to sit around, only if I feel he can affect our first XI. I will have a look at it and make a decision. “He is scoring goals so of course they will want to keep him. But we are in control of the situation. Our first consideration is what is right for Mansfield Town and for Ollie Palmer. “I do see him as an effective part of our plans at the present time. “He needs confidence. Ollie had a tricky time here. He’s not had a run of games for certain reasons, but he having that now.” ------------------ Stags manager Murray looking forward to showdown with former boss Curle in Carlisle six-pointer chad.co.uk, 29 January 2015 Rookie Stags manager Adam Murray is looking forward to pitting his wits against his former Mansfield boss Keith Curle for the first time this weekend in the big six-pointer at fellow strugglers Carlisle United this weekend. http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/stags-manager-murray-looking-forward-to-showdown-with-former-boss-curle-in-carlisle-six-pointer-1-7078802 Stags will make the long trip north tomorrow with one eye on the weather, which has seen a large amount of snow in Cumbria over the past two days. But if the game goes ahead as planned, former Carlisle star Murray is under no illusions about the quality of his opposite number at Brunton Park. He said: “Keith Curle is a quality manager. I have worked under him and he is a good bloke. He will have them organised and up for the battle. He was a success here and is one of the good guys. “He has a lot of football intelligence and does things the right way. It will be nice to come up against one of his teams and I hope we can get the result we want as a club. “It is a game we go into with a lot of confidence after our recent performances, even though we’ve not quite got the results we have deserved. “There is no hiding away that this is a big game for all kinds of reasons. We will set up to win it. But we know it will be a real battle and a real scrap. “It is frustrating at 3pm that I can’t get out there and get involved in the nitty-gritty of the battlefield as well. But I have brought people in that can represent that for me. “Because of the situation we are in, there is a bit more emphasis on this game. But, whatever the result, after that there are still 57 points to play for, which is a lot of points.” He added: “We have made loads of progress with our performance levels. But I am not naïve or stupid enough to think that’s good enough. We need to get better and quickly. “In the last three games I think we’ve had 48 shots and 11 cleared off the line. If we continue that kind of form, you’d like to think a few goals will start going in.” The weather remains the major worry for the game, let along the journey and Murray said: “Apparently it is snowing up there and it’s snowing a bit here. But we just have to prepare to go up there and handle the game. “Everyone is aware it is a long trip. It is part of the factors you have to deal with in that fixture. The boys will be prepared and we can’t wait to get cracking.” When the sides clashed at One Call Stadium in Curle’s first game in charge, Stags almost let a half-time 3-0 interval lead slip as they clung on at 3-2 for the win. “They were going through a strange period at that time and we got off to a great start,” said Murray. “Then they showed the players they’ve got to come back second half and put us under real pressure. “But there has been a lot of changes on both sides since so I don’t think that game will have any relevance on Saturday.” -------------------- Fortunes will alter, says defender mansfieldtown.net, 29th January 2015 Stags’ longest-serving player believes our luck will soon change for the better. Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/fortunes-will-alter-says-defender-2234845.aspx#yBdSBzBueMJfRDBs.99 Defender Ritchie Sutton believes our team’s luck will change in the coming weeks. Since the turn of the year, our team have had no fewer than 48 attempts on goal in just three matches, but they have just a solitary point to show for their efforts. Ahead of Saturday’s game at second-from-bottom Carlisle United, Sutton said: “I know when you look at the league table it’s a relegation battle, but we’ve played the teams ‘up there’ such as Burton and Wycombe, and we deserved to get something out of both games. “I think we’ll go into every game now, regardless of who we’re playing, looking for the three points.” The 28-year-old continued: “In games, we’ve been so tense. Ten games ago, we were going one-nil up and not being able to see things out. “I think if we go one or two goals up now, with the experience that we’ve got at the back we should be able to see things out. We’ve had enough learning points this season now that we’ve got to start ‘doing the business’ really.” Recalling our game with Carlisle at One Call Stadium earlier in the season, which we won 3-2, he continued: “I remember being 3-0 up at half-time, but we took our foot of the gas, they came at us and scored two goals, and that’s where we’ve got to learn again. “We’ve got to be professional and see games through like that, so we’ll hopefully go there [to Carlisle] and set up with a good plan.” Reflecting on last Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Wycombe Wanderers, Sutton said: “A clean-sheet was massive for us. We’ve defended well, in stages, for many games now, but have made silly errors that have cost us points at times. “So it was great to get a clean-sheet and it’s something that we’ve got to build on now. We were disappointed because we thought we deserved the three points, but it wasn’t to be.” Following Adam Murray’s appointment as manager, Sutton is now the longest-serving player at One Call Stadium, having joined the club way back in the summer of 2011. “Every year has been different,” added the centre-back. “Everyone has a different personality and there’s been a set of totally different lads during that time. “Playing-wise, there’s been a different style of player and we’ve got good wingers at the moment. I’ve always found it difficult to play against Matty Blair, so it’s good to have him on my team now. “We’re playing some good football and everyone can see that. We just need to start putting chances away and cut-out the mistakes at the back, because they need nullifying.” ------------------ Stags defender Sutton relieved to not be the villain chad.co.uk Stags defender Ritchie Sutton was a relieved man to see Wycombe sub Matt McClure fail to put away a late chance to win last Saturday’s game after Sutton had let him get clear. http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/stags-defender-sutton-relieved-to-not-be-the-villain-1-7078878 The goal would have been a travesty and against the run of play in the 0-0 draw, and, ahead of tomorrow’s big game at Carlisle, Sutton said: “The less said about that the better. It was a slight lapse in concentration. “At the time I thought he was closer than he was. I think he still had quite a bit to do. He did fluff it thankfully as, with 95 minutes gone, I wouldn’t have been the most popular person in the changing room. “Maybe it’s a turning point for us? Maybe things are starting to go our way? With the amount of chances we’ve had cleared off the line or great saves made, it’s ridiculous. “Getting a clean sheet was massive for us and hopefully we can now build on that. We have been defending well in stages for many games then made silly errors that are costing us points. “It was disappointing not win against Wycombe as we deserved the three points. But it wasn’t to be.” Sutton has had to be careful of nosebleeds in recent games after getting much further up the pitch than usual under boss Adam Murray’s new attacking system. And Sutton admitted he was enjoying adding new strings to his bow. “I have popped up up there and had a few chances,” he said. “I hope I can get a goal this season. “As a full back I am now being encouraged to get forward whereas in the past I barely got past the halfway line. “So I am now looking forward to learning something and improving my game. New challenges are coming up. “It’s something new for me and I am practising crosses in training. It’s something I’ve never done in the past and it’s exciting.” He added: “We now have a totally different set of lads from the time I’ve been here. It’s a different style of player. We have good wingers. “I have always found it difficult playing against Matty Blair so it’s good to have him on the same team as me. “We are playing good football, so if we can start putting chances away and cut out the mistakes at the back, we will be fine. “We have a lot of quality in the squad now. The style we are playing really suits the players. Now we need to put some wins on the board so we don’t end the season in a relegation scrap. “It’s been a massive transition but it is starting to come together now and we are playing some good stuff.” Sutton can remember Stags almost letting Carlisle off the hook earlier in the season at home when they had to cling on to win 3-2. “We were 3-0 up at half-time then let them back in it again as we took our foot off the gas and they came at us,” he said. “We have to be more professional in that situation. “One or two games we’ve been one or two-nil up and not seen it out. Now, if we do go ahead, we have the experience at the back and should be able to see it out. We have got to start doing the business.” ---------------- Leicester City loanee Callum Elder learning quickly at Mansfield Town Nottingham Post, by Sarah Clapson Callum Elder had been warned what was coming. But it still took him by surprise. Read more: http://www.nottinghampost.com/Leicester-City-loanee-Callum-Elder-learning/story-25950101-detail/story.html#ixzz3QKPgxuiu The young defender had never played a senior game of football before Mansfield Town’s trip to second-placed Burton Albion earlier this month. Thrown straight in at the deep end after arriving on loan from Leicester City, he admits it was something of an ‘eye-opener’. “More so the speed of the game was a surprise,” said Elder, who was 19 at the time. “I always knew it was going to be a physical encounter. “I think the speed of the game was a massive change. “A lot of boys in my dressing room back at Leicester who have been out on loan told me what to expect. “You can take as much information from them as you can, but unless you experience it yourself you don’t really fully know what it’s all about.” Prior to joining the Stags, the left-back had been making a name for himself in the Foxes’ development squad. Although a world away from League Two, Elder says it gave him a good grounding nevertheless. “You could say it’s not as competitive playing for Leicester in the Under-21s Premier League,” he said. “But in saying that, Leicester do take the Under-21 Premier League very seriously. We do treat it as if it’s a match day. “But playing 3 o’clock on a Saturday afternoon, it does change because you’re playing for three points and you’re playing for positions in the table. “It’s all part of the learning process for me, and I’m enjoying doing that. “It’s my first loan and I’m really enjoying it. “There’s nothing like playing at 3 o’clock on a Saturday in front of a crowd. “I think I’m growing as a player each game and adjusting to life in League Two.” Elder has learnt, and learnt quickly during his short time with Adam Murray’s squad. Composed and confident on the field, he has slotted in seamlessly, helped by having the experience from the likes of Michael Raynes and Ryan Tafazolli alongside him. “You come in here as an inexperienced player but at the same time, Mansfield are in a position where we need results every game,” said the Australian youth international. “I would like to say I’m a quick learner. “It’s good having the likes of those boys next to me, they’ve got the experience of League football. “They’ve been invaluable in helping me progress my game as quickly as I can in the Football League. “This is my first time playing in a first team on a competitive stage. “I just think that if I can consistently play at a high level performance wise, it will be great for Mansfield and for Leicester. “I can prove to both clubs that I’m able to slot into the first team at a young age and perform week in, week out.” Elder is part of the makeover project undertaken by boss Murray at the One Call Stadium this month. On the day he made his debut, five others did the same, including goalkeeper Adam Smith, who also made the move from Leicester. “There was such big change in the Mansfield team and we went in there not knowing how each other played,” Elder recalled of the 2-1 defeat at the Pirelli Stadium. “We were under the cosh for large periods of that first half. “But I think you could see when we came out in the second half, we grew as a team and we grew as players. “I think we’ve shown in the last three weeks, playing against first and second in the table (in Wycombe and Burton), what we’re all about as a team. We can take points off those teams. “Since I came in, a lot of other changes have happened in the team. “I’m enjoying playing in this team. “We are clicking on match days. “If we can just rectify the little things and move forward every week from what we’re doing, I think it will be a positive end to the season.” Elder’s loan is due to expire after tomorrow’s clash at Carlisle United, but he would be happy to stay longer. “I would be delighted to extend my loan,” he said. “I’ve been keeping in touch with the coaching staff at Leicester and they’re asking me how I’ve got on. “It’s been nothing but positive. “If we can get it done, I would like to stay and keep playing games for the club. “It’s what you live for as a footballer, playing on a match day and playing in front of fans, and winning games. “This is what I’ve come to do - experience life in a first team. I’m enjoying it so far.” ----------------- MANAGER: An opportunity to impose ourselves carlisleunited.co.uk, Fri 30 Jan 2015, Author: Andy Hall Keith Curle ahead of the visit of Mansfield Town Manager Keith Curle spoke to us ahead of the visit of Mansfield Town at the weekend. Read more at http://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/article/keith-curle-ahead-of-the-visit-of-mansfield-town-2235634.aspx#zWbWGlMSkfDFRmjA.99 “I think this is a game both teams will be looking forward to,” he said. “It’s one where there’s nothing to be scared of. It’s an opportunity for us to go out and impose ourselves on a team which has been heading in the wrong direction in the league. That’s something they know themselves. We’re going in the right direction, so hopefully things will continue on that path. “The only pressure I put on the players is to perform. I will look after the results so they have to make sure they are prepared mentally, physically, technically and tactically. I know they’re comfortable with that because we have a good group here. They haven’t been getting the rewards they deserve in my opinion, but that will come because the work ethic is good.” “With the amount of games left you could probably take the bottom ten or twelve teams in the division and, within two wins, everyone is covered under that umbrella,” he commented. “If anyone thinks they’re sat in tenth or eleventh and they’re comfortable - they’re not. “Likewise for us, if we win the next two games, does that mean our fight for survival in this division is over? No chance. There’s a lot of hard work still to do.” “Mansfield competed well against Wycombe last week but it can take a bit of time for new players to settle and gel,” he commented. “It’s exactly the same here; you can’t turn a squad into a team overnight. They’ve had good recruitment, and they’ve brought in players we also looked at - Oliver and Ravenhill - so they will come up here to give us a game, make no mistake about that. “I don’t think they’ll be here to play an open and expansive game. They’ll try to stay solid and they’ll focus on their strengths. They’ll get it forward early and get after it, and they’ll look for second balls to try and find openings. As we’ve found before, we’ve got to deal with it because, if we don’t, they’ll cause us problems. “We were three down in 20 minutes when we last played them so that shows they can hurt you. We finished that game on top by playing on the front foot, and that suited us. It’s a massive game for dealing with what they’ve got to offer, and then having a look at whether or not they can deal with us.” And on the talk of a possible demonstration at the ground on Saturday, he said: “My focus hasn’t changed from the moment this was brought to my attention. For me it’s about producing a performance the players and supporters can be proud of. “I want people to come here to enjoy the environment and understand that the focus for the players is on retaining league status. The supporters can have a direct impact on that if they come into the stadium with a positive feel-good factor. They can’t change how the team perform but they’ve got to help us. We need them as much as they need us.” “I’m not a fan of protests,” he told us. “I think other vehicles can be used for them to get their messages across. The club, as a club, is very open, honest and approachable and if there are factions who want to speak to representatives of the football club then I don’t see the door being shut.” On the injury to Danny Grainger, he said: “He didn’t train on Monday or Tuesday but he’s done work with Dolly. He was ready to train today [Thursday] but the weather got in the way of that, so he’s fit and available.” United Player subscribers can see a series of video interviews with Keith Curle now. Click HERE to go to the Player platform. Follow the same link for more information on United Player, and to subscribe. Click HERE to see a clip from this interview on our YouTube channel. Follow the same link for more FREE content right from the heart of the club. --------------- |
Latest | February 2015