CLOUGH REACTION TO RETFORD GAME
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Nigel Clough told iFollow Stags after the game at Retford:
“It was a good 45 minutes work out for most of the lads, especially in the heat. “We did pick up a couple of knocks in Curtis Davies, who got a whack on his ankle, and Kel, who unfortunately just rolled his ankle. "Hopefully Kel will be all right for Tuesday. Apart from that it's a clean bill of health from the game we hope. “Everywhere is rock hard at the moment - your garden, parks. They have been watering all week but such is the weather at the moment, we are going to have to get used to it for the next few weeks.” “I am not interested in the score - it's all about getting through the game and the next couple of weeks without any injuries. The formation in both halves was 3-5-2. After the game Nigel Clough said “We’re going to look at one or two things in the next few friendlies and see which one settles. "We think we’ve got the players to carry it out (3-5-2). I think we’ve got ideal wing-backs, I think the centre halves we’ve got can adapt to it, I think Oli Hawkins is perfect in the middle of a three, and it gets us two up top which is important as well. We’ll see how it goes.” “Nothing is set in stone and last season we changed formation three times in a half at times so players have to be adaptable and versatile. “It might have to change because of the opposition or us not being good enough at certain times. As always we will be pretty flexible.” “The lads are in good spirits after a few days in Scotland. Everything was good up there, especially the food. I think it was an ideal few days and we would go there again.” On Will Swan: “I think he did very well. It was his first time meeting everybody, turning up at quarter to two today! “I thought his movement was excellent and you could see straight away it was from a higher level “We just have to make sure we see those runs that he makes. I thought he looked unselfish and sharp at times and I am looking forward to working with him. “He is a little bit ahead of the other lads on fitness as he has already been back a couple of weeks and had 45 minutes with Forest. But he needs some games. “We have Lucas Akins and Rhys Oates that we class as our main strikers but he will reinforce that department - as we have seen already. after 10 days we have injuries. “So he will get opportunities this season. “The most important thing is that he feels comfortable. He went out to Port Vale on loan and the manager that signed him left soon afterwards, so he didn't get many opportunities. “I think he is about ready for some league football.” On other signings, Clough said: “We are making some progress, albeit it quite slow, on the goalkeeper and, hopefully, another striker. “We are still hoping to get the loan in as well but we'll see how it goes this week.” ------------------------ |
Latest | July 2022