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Archived News from August 2015

MURRAY, GREEN, MONIZ REACTION
20th August 2015 0:25


Murray: Tonight was one for our supporters
mansfieldtown.net, 15th August 2015

Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray said tonight was ‘one for the supporters’ after his side beat local rivals Notts County 2-0 at Meadow Lane.

Goals from Chris Clements and Ryan Tafazolli secured Mansfield’s first win of the season in front of over 10,000 fans in Nottingham.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/murray-tonight-was-one-for-the-supporters-2620629.aspx#wGP6d1XXZRptdSKc.99

Murray, who made just one change from the team that drew with Carlisle on the opening day said: “It’s a great one for the supporters, we wanted to give them something tonight, give them the bragging rights for a couple of weeks and then more importantly put points on the board.”

The Gaffer said the support from the away fans was ‘awesome,’ adding: “To back your team like that tonight, after about ten minutes of the game I wanted to put my boots on with my suit and just go and get stuck in.

“You want to do it for these people, I've got an affinity with this club and it does the mean the world to me so to give them something like this tonight, it’s a little bit emotional for me.”

Stags were in control of the game from the first whistle, and Murray was pleased with how his side dealt with the occasion following the over-confidence from some in the Notts County camp in the build-up to this game.

“They were definitely beating us apparently. We heard a bit of noise coming out from one of their players that they were definitely going to beat us tonight. Sometimes, this game’s a funny game but we’re over the moon.”

The Mansfield manager was a gracious winner whilst speaking to the press, and had some kind words for Notts County: “They’re a very good team and they’ll be up there at the end of the season, they’re obviously favourites to go up for a reason and at times they showed that.

“I think we came here with a lot of endeavour, a lot of focus on how we’ve been setting up over pre-season and what we’re about as a team.

“It was a good overall team performance. It had work rate, it had work ethic, it had great periods of possession and creative play but at the end of it all, it’s three points. We’ll savour the occasion tonight.”

Although the boss was keen to emphasise how well the Stags did as a team, he couldn’t help but single out Nathan Thomas and Ryan Tafazolli for individual praise.

Thomas saw a good chance saved brilliantly by Notts’ ‘keeper Roy Carroll in the opening few minutes but Murray says he was ‘over the moon’ with his performance. “We put him in a different role today, he’s one of those players who can win games for you, ability-wise he’s superb and we wanted to get the best out of him.

“The last couple of games we had him out wide and he’s hasn’t got a lot of the ball. Playing him in that position freed him up a bit, he had a lot of energy and desire to go and do the off the ball stuff which shone through tonight.”

Defender Ryan Tafazolli scored his second goal in two games tonight, and the big central defender has pleased Murray with his determination to cement a place in the team.

Murray said: “I think during pre season he had [it] in his head that he might not be starting this season, but he's come in and he’s took his shirt and when he plays like that he should be playing at a lot higher level.

“If he can do that consistently for 40-odd games then Ryan’s future is big but he has to keep that focus, he has to keep that focus of doing the basics right and his ability always shines through.

“So for him to get two goals I think that’s the small-piece, but if you look at his performances over the last three games, they’ve been top notch.”

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BBC Radio Nottingham interview with Adam Murray
https://soundcloud.com/bbcnottingham/im-so-proud-of-my-players-adam-murray-on-derby-win

BBC Radio Nottingham interview with Ricardo Moniz
https://soundcloud.com/bbcnottingham/i-hurt-a-lot-moniz-on-derby-defeat

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Notts County comments helped lift Mansfield Town to derby glory
chad.co.uk, by John Lomas

Stags boss Adam Murray said comments made through the dressing wall by an opponent tonight helped lift his side to a memorable 2-0 away local derby win at Notts County.

He said the win also helped silence the early season doubters after the Stags failed to win their first two games.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/notts-county-comments-helped-lift-mansfield-town-to-derby-glory-1-7411561?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

He said: “We came here with a game plan, but if I am being totally honest they (Notts) give us half the team talk. They were definitely beating us apparently. We could hear one of their players through the changing room wall. Sometimes this is a funny game.

“Also we wanted to show what a good team we are as we have been written off by a lot of people already. We will now savour the moment and then move on to Tuesday.

“I am over the moon with the players and the supporters. The players gave everything and the supporters gave everything. We have three points and a clean sheet.

“I thought the game was quite evenly balanced at times. They are a very good team and will be up there at the end of the season. They are favourites to go up for a reason and it shows at times.

“We showed a lot of endeavour and focus. It’s been a tough week. I thought we deserved more against Carlisle and, as a manager, I probably made a mistake not having a game before the season as we looked a game off it.”

He added: “But we came here with fresh legs, wanting to put Saturday right and we did that. What better place than in your local rivals’ back garden?

“You always want that first win as it settles everybody down. Sometimes people get sidetracked when you don’t see your efforts rewarded.

“It was a great occasion for our supporters and we have given them the bragging rights for a couple of weeks.”

Chris Clements put Mansfield ahead and Murray said: “He should get more. I encourage my midfielders to get in the box and I have been harping on to them about it.”

The game-clinching goal came near the end from central defender Ryan Tafazolli, his second goal in as many games this week, and Murray smiled: “I think I am going to play him up front - he’s not bad is he?

“During pre-season he wasn’t sure he’d be starting. But he’s got the shirt and if he plays like that he should be at a higher level. His future could be big if he shows that same focus, hunger and does the basics right, his ability will shine through. His performances have been top notch.

“It was a good overall team performance, the work rate, the work ethic, some great periods of possession and our creative play.

“But at the end of the day it’s just three points as you don’t get any more for playing well.”

Murray also had high praise for the 2,767 army of away supporters, saying: “The fans were awesome. To back your team like that tonight, after 10 minutes I wanted to put my boots on and give them something. I wanted to do it for those people.

“I have an affinity with this club. It definitely means something to me. So to give them something, it was a bit emotional for me.”

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Green buoyed on by superb Stags support
mansfieldtown.net, 15th August 2015
by Nick Lough

Mansfield Town striker Matt Green believes the supporters were crucial to the team’s performance at Meadow Lane on Friday night, with the forward thanking the fans for their terrific efforts.

A magnificent 2,767 away fans watched Chris Clements and Ryan Tafazolli notch the goals to secure a 2-0 win over Notts County, and Green thought that the high emotions in the game were also a key factor in the win.

“It was end-to-end stuff but I thought we started very well, we had a game-plan and we stuck to it,” said Green.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/green-buoyed-on-by-superb-stags-support-2620638.aspx#zk1s0wyhTzktxG8b.99

“It was a derby game so that sort of raises your game a couple of notches, and we did whatever it took to win the match.

“The fans played a massive part by turning out in their numbers; they were louder than the Notts County fans, I thought, which was great for us as we knew we’d need their help tonight.

“However it’s also a derby game and a great occasion, it hasn’t happened for eight years so all the stats come with it. We are just happy as a team to get the three points more than anything else.”

The former Birmingham City frontman played a pivotal part in the visitor’s opening goal, sliding in Clements before the midfielder coolly slotted past veteran ‘keeper Roy Carroll.

Despite not getting on the scoresheet himself, Green was ecstatic for his team-mates after the match, citing the importance of the team being successful over individuals.

He continued: “A derby game isn’t really the time to be selfish, and although I came off disappointed with myself that I didn’t get a goal, in general I’m very positive that the team can gain a lot of confidence from taking three points today.

“I’m a striker, I know I can score goals but in occasions like this it isn’t about having a selfish attitude towards it, the three points is all we came here for.

Although Green was unfortunate not to grab himself a goal, Ryan Tafazolli made it two in two for himself in front of goal following on from Tuesday’s header away at Sheffield Wednesday. Green was full of praise for the central defender, who he believes has come on leaps and bounds in the first few games of the season.

“We’ve been unfortunate losing Collo (Lee Collins), but Ryan has taking his opportunity and today he was the best defender on the park,” said Green.

“He was absolutely solid and he was a huge threat from set-pieces and he really played his part tonight. He was really sensible too as he got booked early on so he did well to keep his head for the rest of the game which shows he’s growing as a player.”

With the Meadow Lane victory marking the first win of the season for the Stags, Green had a final message to sign off with regarding the team’s imminent future.

Green shared: “Once the team gains confidence with more points on the table there is no doubt I’ll get my goals, and we’ll be a fantastic team to watch.”

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Matt Green hails goal hero Ryan Tafazolli as Mansfield Town win at Notts County
chad.co.uk, by John Lomas

Although disappointed not to score, Mansfield Town striker Matt Green was delighted to see Ryan Tafazolli bag his second in as many games as the Stags won 2-0 at Notts County in last night’s superb local derby at Meadow Lane.

“He has taken his opportunity and today he was the best defender on the park,” said Green.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/matt-green-hails-goal-hero-ryan-tafazolli-as-mansfield-town-win-at-notts-county-1-7411736

“He was absolutely solid. Yet again, what a threat from set pieces.

“Taff has really played his part tonight. He got booked early in the game and he kept his head which shows he is really growing as a player as well, so it’s great for us.”

On the game, he said: “It was end to end stuff, but I thought we started very well. We had a game plan and we stuck to it, but we it was a derby game so it raises your game a couple of notches.

“We did whatever it took to win the match.

“The fans played a massive part. They’ve turned out in their numbers tonight and were louder than the Notts County fans which was great for us as we knew we’d need their help tonight.

“But also it’s a derby game, it’s a great occasion, it’s not happened for eight years, so we are just happy as a team to get the three points more than anything.

“It’s a derby game so it’s not a game to be selfish, I came off frustrated I didn’t get a goal myself from a selfish point of view but in general I am very positive. The team will get a lot of confidence from getting three points today and we can kick on.”

He added: “On occasions like this, it’s not about a selfish attitude towards the game. It’s all about the three points tonight.

“This is about bragging rights. I know what it’s like to be on the outside looking in, I’ve done it for the last 18 months. I have respect for everyone that came to the game today. These are the sort of occasions you want to win. It can kick you on as a team.

“It’s a different standard of football now. It’s not as easy as lumping it up there and chasing after it. You’ve got to analyse the game as well as working hard as well.

“Once the team gets more and more confident with more and more points on the table, there’s no doubt I will get my goals and there’s no doubt we’ll keep being a fantastic team to watch.”

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Win at Notts County felt as good as clinching promotion, said Mansfield Town midfielder Adam Chapman
chad.co.uk, by John Lomas

Mansfield Town midfielder Adam Chapman said he had enjoyed last night’s 2-0 win at Notts County at least as much as the day Stags clinched promotion from the Conference.

Majestic Mansfield were full value for their 2-0 win at Meadow Lane and Chapman beamed: “That was very, very enjoyable, probably up there if not better than when we beat Wrexham to clinch the title, though for very, very different reasons.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/win-at-notts-county-felt-as-good-as-clinching-promotion-said-mansfield-town-midfielder-adam-chapman-1-7411738

“It was convincing really and should give everyone a real boost. They couldn’t handle us in the first half.

“Even when we had gone 2-0 up, everyone was saying keep a clean sheet. If we’d gone in and won 2-1 I think everyone would have been disappointed.

“We didn’t want to concede a goal and we looked really solid. People might not think we can do that disciplined job and work, but I thought we did and that was selfishly pleasing. We looked really solid, never looked like conceding, and there was only one winner I felt.”

Stags were backed by a noisy army of 2,767 fans and Chapman paid tribute to them, saying: “It gets mentioned constantly in football about the 12th man shout out and I am sure people don’t believe it, but they were louder than their fans throughout the game.

“They were unbelievable, there were about a thousand here while we were warming up. It was phenomenal. Maybe it shouldn’t take that bit extra to get you going, but it just naturally does and seems to suck the ball in.

“It gave Ryan Tafazolli that extra inch in his jump to go and power one into that bottom corner and it gives Greeny that extra yard. It gives me and Clem that extra yard. I don’t know why but it does.

“What they put Notts fans through I don’t know, but they were fighting among themselves. That was a symbol to how well we played and how well our fans did. They were unbelievable.”

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Brian Jensen @jensen_com
What a win ! A massive well done to all the lads today Fans were deffo our 12th man @mansfieldtownfc #stags #stilllifeintheolddog

Nathan Thomas @Naththomas19
What a game! What a result! Up the stags!!! #stags

Ryan Tafazolli @RyanTafazolli
Delighted with the result and performance & to get my 2nd goal. Our fans were out of this world! This is the start of a long journey! #MTFC

Reggie Lambe @ReggieNaldo
Buzzing!!! Great result. Can't describe how pleased I am with my team. #stags

Jack Thomas @JackThomas06
What a fucking result

Richard Cooper @coops0927
Hereford, Chesterfield. I think I will add Notts County to the list! #awaydays #stags

BBC Nottingham Sport @BBCRNS
Colin Slater: "Notts were slow out of the blocks. Mansfield built on that. There is no question that the better side won."

Mansfield Town @mansfieldtownfc
What were your best memories from last night's match?
Use the hashtag:
#NotMuchMatchesMansfield
Nick Lough @NDL95
Has to be @shawma1's momentous *air-punch* in the press box when Clem knocked in the first goal. #NotMuchMatchesMansfield

twitter BBC Nottingham Sport ?@BBCRNS
Only two clubs in the Football League, Leeds and Brighton, took more fans to an away game this weekend than #stags did on Friday to #notts.

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Mansfield Town defeat hurt Notts County boss Moniz
chad.co.uk, by John Lomas

New Notts County boss Moniz admitted last night’s local derby defeat to Mansfield Town hurt badly.

The Magpies were convincingly beaten 2-0 at home by Adam Murray’s men and the Dutchman said: “I hurt a lot. There is a lot of emotion there that you can’t repair at the moment. For the fans it’s emotional.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/mansfield-town-defeat-hurt-notts-county-boss-richard-moniz-1-7411734

“We were not able to create anything in the first half. We played at home but they played like they were at home.

“We made two individual mistakes for the first goal. We passed the ball back and somebody did not track their runner.

“But to be honest they were already more settled than us. We couldn’t create anything.

“In the first two games I was critical about that. In difficult games where it’s so close you need the escape.

“In the first half, Jenner, instead of shooting, he had to pull the ball back. In the second half we had the cross from Burkey but it’s not enough to be a favourite team when we are so limited upfront.

“This is not an offence to anyone, but you need that extra quality against a compact wall of defenders.”

Having made two changes at the break, Monez then lost Civard Sprockel three minutes later with injury and said: “He had an unbelievable kick. It almost breaks his leg, but he’s twisted his ankle.

“It’s the third defender we have lost so we finished with a totally new defence.”

On the changes at half-time, he added: “Jon (Stead) was too isolated. He needed support from Jimmy Spencer.

“Spencer was fresh. They have to create chances but they depend on the crosses and Mansfield were very organised at the back.

“We had the cross from Burke and two possibilities with Jenner. This is not enough. Blair Adams and Scott Bennett have to overlap so we can create more.”

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Latest | August 2015