Archived News from December 2013
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COX AND MURRAY BURY THE HATCHET
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video interview with Adam Murray and with Ollie Palmer, 5th December 2013 http://www.player.mansfieldtown.net/latest-news/article/3563510/date/20131205131000/page/0/name/Video:-Murray-on-Stags-return ----------- Murray glad to be back mansfieldtown.net, 5th December 2013 Midfielder Adam Murray insists he will be doing everything he can to help us climb the Sky Bet League Two table, following his return to One Call Stadium this week. Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/murray-glad-to-be-back-1217017.aspx?#cjwm2XGjPecWOy2g.99 The 32-year-old featured in our first three matches of the campaign, before he spent time on loan at Rainworth Miners Welfare and then Worksop Town. But having returned to the club ahead of this Saturday’s trip to Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup with Budweiser, Murray is looking firmly to the future. Reflecting on the past three months, he said: “It’s the industry we’re in. It’s football and it’s a strange business. “I’ve come to learn over the past 16 years that anything is possible. It’s been a strange time, but we move on and hopefully we move forward.” On his relationship with manager Paul Cox, the midfielder continued: “There were a couple of issues that we needed to iron out and we’ve done that. “We’ve had some really positive and productive meetings this week and we’re laughing and giggling again and ‘back on the same page’. “Over the last couple of years we’ve had a really close relationship and I don’t think anyone can argue with the fact that we’ve been successful. “We know that we can achieve things together and we’ve proved that, so the most important thing now is the football club, moving forward, and trying to get points on the board.” Murray, who has made 493 career appearances in all competitive competitions, is also in contention for a place in the squad for this weekend’s trip to Boundary Park. The midfielder has trained with our first team squad all week and, although he has had to ‘gauge’ his own fitness levels, isn’t phased by this level of football. “At the minute, I’m just happy to be back in the building,” said Murray. “I’ve had a really good week. It’s been tough seeing where I’m at personally in relation to the lads. “I’ve seen a few games, watched a few DVDs and I don’t think there is anything that will surprise me about the standard of football at this level. “So [it’s been a case of] gauging where I’m at, getting my head down, and doing as much as I can to help this group of players. “Hopefully, with my experience and the qualities that I feel I bring to the table, I’ll be able to help the boys and everything else will take care of itself in time and due course.” On our recent form, he added: “I think it’s been a tough period for the whole football club, because we’re not used to [losing] football matches and being at the wrong end of the table. “It’s something that we’ve been through before, but I think because we’re at a higher level, the period has lasted probably a little bit longer than usual. “But we know within the group and within ourselves, we’ve got enough to get out of it and move forward. “I’ve looked in detail at [the situation] especially in the last few weeks, and if I’m being totally honest, I’m not worried. “I do think that we’ll be in and around [the top end of the table] come the end of the season, because we’ve got enough in the camp.” Murray also had words of praise for Micky Moore, who returned to One Call Stadium in a coaching capacity, prior to last Saturday’s league match with Morecambe. “Having Micky back at the club is a big thing, and he’s got a lot of tools what can help the group,” added Murray. “He’s a big piece of the jigsaw [for us]. He’s excellent at what he does, he brings a lot to the table and he’s got a lot of knowledge, so it can only be a positive move.” A full interview with Adam Murray will be available on Stags Player later today. To subscribe, click here. --------------------- Cox seeks to spring cup surprise mansfieldtown.net, 5th December 2013 Manager Paul Cox is hoping that our side can use Saturday’s FA Cup with Budweiser Second Round tie at Oldham Athletic, as a springboard for a good run. Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/cox-seeks-to-spring-cup-surprise-1217737.aspx?#cql1S8tjG7iXtLKc.99 We go into the clash at Boundary Park as underdogs, having not won any of our last 10 matches in Sky Bet League Two. By contrast, the Latics, who dumped Liverpool out of the competition last term, are currently enjoying their best run of form for almost a decade. “They’re on a fabulous run and in the same vein [of form] that we were at the start of the season. I think they’ve had two defeats in 13, so it’s going to be a tough game,” said Cox. “But the FA Cup is a beautiful competition and I’ve had pleasure in getting to the latter stages, playing some big clubs and causing upsets.” He added: “It’ll be nice for a week to just get the league out of our system. On Saturday, the pressure is totally off us because Oldham are expected to win. “They’re a higher-placed club, playing at home, but the beauty of the FA Cup is that anything can happen. “We’ll be working extremely hard not just to win this game, but to put this little bad patch behind us and to look forward, focus, and come round the bend as strong as always.” Reflecting on our recent run of form in Sky Bet League Two, Cox continued: “We’ve had a bad month. “We lost two of our first 13 games and the last game in October and then we’ve had a bad November, but that’s all it has been. “When you look at November, I think we played two of the top three, four [teams] in the top seven and in some of those games, we were down to 10 men [in the early stages]. “That has an impact. All these little things have impacts, but it’s ultimately about how you come through them.” Meanwhile, our boss has revealed that midfielder Adam Murray could be in contention to feature in our FA Cup with Budweiser Second Round clash at Oldham Athletic on Saturday. “‘Muz’ has come in and I’ve had a good chat with him. He’s really positive, I’m really positive and the outcome, I hope, will be really positive,” said Cox. “Everyone knows what ‘Muz’ brings to the side. “He’s been doing a few extra sessions to see if he’s up to scratch in terms of his overall fitness, but [having] him and Micky (Moore) come in is a positive outcome at the end of a bad month. “He’s in contention [to play at Oldham], but like anyone else, I don’t want to throw him in there if he’s not right. “He’s trained with the lads all week and will do a bit more today, and we’ll both make a decision on how fit he is and whether he can add something to the 11.” ------------------- Cox and Murray bury the hatchet as Stags look forward chad.co.uk, 05 December 2013 A few days it seemed very unlikely that Mansfield Town manager Paul Cox would be sat at One Call Stadium with estranged assistant boss Adam Murray looking towards Saturday’s FA Cup second round tie at Oldham Athletic. http://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/sport/local-sport/cox-and-murray-bury-the-hatchet-as-stags-look-forward-1-6297817 But football can be a strange old game and suddenly the two men are reconciled and reunited and looking forward again. Murray has been Cox’s on-field skipper and general for two successful seasons before the pair fell out earlier this season. Since then Murray has been out on loan to Rainworth WM and Worksop Town before their latest attempts to iron out their differences finally paid dividends this week. Murray returns to the stadium in the same week as former assistant manager Micky Moore came back as first team coach as Cox tries to end a run of six straight defeats in League Two. “It has all happened very quickly, but they are two good additions that I am pleased with and hopefully will give us that little jolt we need at this moment,” said Cox. “I got a text off Muzza asking to come in and have a chat. We had a chat and the outcome was positive. “He is going to come in and wants to get his head down, work hard, get in the side and help us through this blip. “It is all about the bigger picture for Mansfield Town Football Club. No one is bigger than the football club -manager or player. “Whatever has gone on in the past, I have left it there. “I could probably do with 11 Adam Murrays out there at the moment! Joking apart, everyone knows what qualities he brings to the side. “We will monitor his form this week. He is doing a few extra sessions and we will see if he is up to scratch.” Cox said it was too early to talk about Murray’s previous positions as assistant manager and captain. He explained: “First and foremost Adam wants to come in and work hard as a player and get into the side. We can talk about armbands and roles in a few weeks when we have a few games under our belts. “He is in contention for Saturday like everyone else. But I don’t want to throw Adam back in if he’s not right, though. “We have worked together for two and a half years and he will be honest with me and tell me if he is not right to come in. “We will both make an honest decision on the state of affairs and if he can add something to the squad.” On their disagreements, Cox added: “Anyone who knows me and knows Adam knows we both wear our hearts on our sleeves and are both stubborn so and so’s. It has been an experience for both of us, that’s how I see it. I don’t bear grudges and I know he doesn’t. “If people want to come in here and work hard and do the job, that’s brilliant and I will work with them. What’s in the past is in the past.” Murray agreed: “The industry we are in is a strange business. I have come to learn over the last 15-16 years that anything is possible and it’s been a strange few months. But we move on and, hopefully, move forward. “Obviously a couple of issues needed to be ironed out. We have done that. “We have had some really positive meetings this week and we are now laughing and giggling again and we are back on the same page to move forward. The most important thing is the football club and getting points on the board. “We have had a really good relationship for the last couple of years and I don’t think anyone can argue we’ve been successful. The bottom line is we can achieve together, we have proved that.” Murray agreed it was too early to be defining roles and said he hadn’t missed out on any of Stags’ fortunes. “I am just happy to be back in the building at the moment,” he smiled. “I have been away, but I have seen a few games and watched a few DVDs so I don’t think there is anything that will surprise me. “I just need to gauge where I am, get my head down and see what I can do to help this group of players with my experience and qualities. “It has been a tough time and we are not used to losing football matches and being at the wrong end of the table. “But if I am honest, I am not worried about it as I know we have enough quality here to be back in and around at the end of the season. We have some very talented young lads here and I hope I can help them a bit and push their potential and focus in the right direction.” This is the third year on the trot that Stags have struggled at this time of season only to see it all come good in the end. He said: “It is like playing a video back of the last two seasons. But I know that when we are all pulling in the same direction here, as a football club we are a powerful force. “It is good to see Micky back, too. He has the tools to help the group. He is a big piece of the jigsaw. He is excellent at what he does. “I like to think I have always had a good relationship with the fans here. They know I give my heart and soul for them. I know I have had a fair bit of support recently so it is now up to me not to let them down when I come back into the fold. “I don’t know about Saturday yet. I have been doing double and triple sessions and I am feeling good and sharp. I feel like a caged animal. But I must make sure I am right for the club and myself. “It is important to know your inner self. I have always stood by my beliefs. I am a proud man. But I have kept my head and kept my focus. At the other clubs, I have met and worked with some good people and seen the other side of the game. But I am very happy to be back.” ------------------ Paul Cox and Adam Murray make up at Mansfield Town By Nottingham Post PAUL Cox and Adam Murray have buried the hatchet, and now they want to bury Oldham in the FA Cup and then get Mansfield Town back in the promotion race in League Two. Read more: http://www.nottinghampost.com/Paul-Cox-Adam-Murray-make-Mansfield-Town/story-20269455-detail/story.html#ixzz2mgbv5TCW Murray's career with the Stags looked all over after a fall out with boss Cox earlier this season. But, after being shipped out of the club on loan to Rainworth Miners Welfare and Worksop Town, he has made a shock return and could now play a landmark 100th game for the club since joining them permanently from Luton Town almost three years ago in the cup tomorrow (3pm). It's certainly a big boost for Mansfield to have their title-winning captain from last season in the Conference back and reconciled with Cox because they have hit a sticky patch in the league, losing their last six league games to slip out of the play-off places and down to 18th in the table. "It has been a strange few months, but we move on and hopefully we move forward," said Murray. "There was obviously a couple of issues that we needed to iron out and we've done that. "We've had some really productive meetings this week. "We've sat down and had some really positive chats and we're laughing and giggling again, we're back on the same page and we move forward and we both agree that the most important thing at the minute is the club and getting points on the board and trying to get back to where we used to be. "Over the last couple of years we have had a really close relationship and I don't think anyone can argue that we have been successful. "That's been the bottom line for us, we know we can achieve things together, we've proved that." It is unclear if Cox will give Murray the captain's armband back or if he will resume his role as his No.2. "I'm just happy to be back in the building at the minute," added Murray, who believes Mansfield can rediscover their early-season form and climb back up the table and into contention for promotion. "It's been a tough period because we're not used to it. "We're not used to losing matches and not being at the right end of the table. "But it's something we've been through before. "I think because we're at a higher level the period has lasted a little bit longer than normal, but we know within the group we have enough to move forward. "I'm not worried, I do think we will be in and around it come the end of the season. "I think we've got enough in the camp." Murray is also eager to repay fans who have supported him during his exile from the club. "I'd like to think I've always had a good relationship with the fans here," he said. "I think they know I will give my heart and soul for them. "I've had a fair bit of support, it's just me making sure I don't let them down when I do come back into the fold." That could be against the League One Latics in the second round of the cup at Boundary Park. "I'm taking every day as it comes, I've had double and triple sessions this week and I am feeling good and sharp," said Murray. "I'm like a caged animal at the minute." ----------------------- Don’t write us off in the FA Cup - Stags boss Cox chad.co.uk Few pundits will give Mansfield Town a prayer in their FA Cup second round tie away to in-form League One Oldham Athletic tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm). http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/don-t-write-us-off-in-the-fa-cup-stags-boss-cox-1-6297918 But, even though the Latics were unbeaten in six November games and have only lost two in 13, compared with Stags, who have lost six League games on the bounce, Mansfield manager Paul Cox warned people not to write his side off tomorrow. “Oldham are on a fabulous run, the same as the run we started the season with. So we know it will be a tough game,” he said. “But the FA Cup is a beautiful competition. I have had the pleasure of getting to the latter stages and playing some big clubs and causing some upsets. I enjoy it and I hope the lads enjoy it. “We have the chance to get the League out of our systems for a while. So we can go up there, give it our best shot, and see what happens. “The pressure is totally off us. Oldham are expected to win. They are the higher-placed club and they are at home. Their supporters will look at our November results and expect a home win. “But the beauty of the FA Cup is that anything can happen.” Cox added: “November has been a bad month. We only lost two of our first 13 games but recently we have played two of the top three sides, four of the top seven, and in three or four of those games we were playing with 10 men. “That has to have an impact. But, ultimately, it is all about how you come through it. “I know people feel down at times like this and everyone is losing their head. But I have to keep mine. “I have to make sure I am focused and can see beyond November. “I seem to go through this experience at the same time year after year and we have to make sure we go back to doing what we did in that first 13 matches.” Stags will welcome back Jamie McGuire into the squad from a three-game suspension and estranged skipper Adam Murray, back from his loan at Worksop. Key midfielder Chris Clements also looks to have recovered from a bang in the ribs last weekend. However, a scan has revealed a slight tear in the calf of Lee Stevenson and, although he could play strapped up, is looks like he will be rested up until the trip to AFC Wimbledon the weekend after. --------------------- Underdogs can win - Palmer mansfieldtown.net Frontman Ollie Palmer believes that despite being the underdogs, we can pull off a cup shock at Oldham Athletic on Saturday. Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/underdogs-can-win-palmer-1217757.aspx?#AMY8E0CrLLkRGQyf.99 Our team go into Saturday’s match at Boundary Park on a bad run of form, having not won in 10 attempts in Sky Bet League Two. However, the 21-year-old, who scored a fabulous solo goal in our 8-1 victory at St Albans City in the First Round, insists a win on Saturday would be a huge confidence boost. “It’s a good test for us,” said Palmer. “Oldham are in the league above and on a fine run of form, so we’ll have to have a lot of character to step up to the plate. “We’re probably the underdogs, but Oldham may take their foot off the pedal a little bit, whilst we’re raring to go and take advantage, so hopefully, we can nick a win.” He continued: “[The FA Cup] means a lot to me. [It’s a competition] what can make your dreams come true, so if we can get a win on Saturday, who knows who we may draw in the Third Round. “I missed out on a great experience last season when the boys got to play Liverpool, which is a fantastic game for anybody to play in. “At the end of the day, you may be the underdog and you may not be the favourite, but teams can always come out on top, so it’s a fantastic competition to try and stay in for as long as you can.” Reflecting on our recent league form, the former Havant & Waterlooville striker added: “We’re not trying to shy away from the form that we’re stuck in at the moment. “It was a long time ago [the start of the season], but it’s a long season and we’ve got to try and turn around our form and start winning games and picking up valuable points. “We’ve got to hit the situation head on and start picking up points, whether it’s through draws or wins, and if we win on Saturday, it’ll be a big morale boost for the boys.” -------------------- Tales of Liverpool whet Stags striker Palmer’s FA Cup appetite chad.co.uk Hearing stories of Mansfield Town’s mighty FA Cup battle with Liverpool last season has whetted the appetite of Stags striker Ollie Palmer to taste the magic of the competition this season. http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/tales-of-liverpool-whet-stags-striker-palmer-s-fa-cup-appetite-1-6298032 Ahead of tomorrow’s tough second round tie away to in-form League One Oldham Athletic, he said: “The FA Cup means a lot to me. “I missed a great experience last year when the boys here played Liverpool. It is a competition that can make your dreams come true. “At the end of the day if we can win on Saturday who know who we might draw? Southampton away would be a dream for me, it’s somewhere I have always wanted to play. But I wouldn’t be against playing Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal. “The FA Cup is a fantastic competition and you have to stay in it as long as you can. “It will be a good test at Oldham. They are on a good run of results, so we are going to have to have a lot of characters stepping up to the plate. “We are the underdogs, so maybe they might take their foot off the pedal while we are raring to go and we can go there and nick a win.” He added: “Last Saturday was disappointing. Now we’ve got to try to put it right. We made a few silly errors all over the pitch. Maybe we’ve slipped into a few bad habits. We have got to erase that, starting Saturday. “A win would be a big morale-booster for the boys. “Getting injured in the last round at St Albans was a bit disappointing, but I have managed to get back in straight away and I’ve now played three games on the bounce which is a positive for me. “I think I have done all right, though I was a bit disappointed with my performance last Saturday. I now hope I can get full match sharpness and get a few goals as well.” Palmer was the first Stags player to do ‘an audience with’ in front of supporters at the ground on Monday night and added: “I really enjoyed it. I got to meet some of the fans and a few people around the club and it was a great evening.” He has also recently stripped off for a charity calendar for a special school and said: “It probably wasn’t pleasing on the eye. But we want to raise as much money as possible and we sold a few on Monday night. “This is a dream job and I think it is important to give back to the community. I am happy to spend time doing that.” ------------------- Clucas is one to watch oldhamathletic.co.uk, Fri 06 Dec 2013 Lee Johnson has identified Sam Clucas as the player Latics will have to watch in tomorrow's FA Cup with Budweiser, second-round tie against Mansfield Town at Boundary Park. Read more at http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/article/20131206-mansfield-1218811.aspx?#GQ405wZIdBQpF4Kd.99 Latics' manager has been impressed with the 23-year-old midfield man (pictured) on his scouting missions to watch the Stags. Clucas was a schoolboy at Leicester City but arrived at Mansfield via Lincoln City, a spell at the Glenn Hoddle Academy in Spain and Hereford United. Johnson said: "Sam is a good player and a real threat. I can see how a lot of people are talking about him and he will be the one to watch. "He will probably get a move, if not in January then at the end of the season." Johnson believes Mansfield, who won back their Football League status in May, will be a threat, even though they have failed to win in their last 10 league matches. However, during that spell they won 8-1 at St Albans City where Clucas scored four goals in a 16-minute spell. He said: "Mansfield are a big, strong side and don't muck about. They get the ball forward quickly and have players who are a threat. "They have a good budget and tend to get the better and experienced players for League Two as they can pay good wages." Johnson will warn his side of the potential perils and banana skins awaiting them. He continued: "I don't see much difference between ourselves and Mansfield. "The gap between clubs in Leagues One and Two isn't great, certainly outside the top six in League One and bottom six in League Two. "And when you look at the finances and what Mansfield have spent on players, may be we are the underdogs." Johnson does not believe his players will underestimate Mansfield. He said: "Who would have thought that the mighty Oldham would beat Liverpool and draw with Everton. That's the beauty of football and you never know what will happen. "I don't believe our lads will be complacent because they are not in a position to be. "As a manager, all I can do is to prepare and send out the team to the maximum. "We try to be relentless in pursuit of excellence and do the right things day in, day out and leave no stone unturned. ----------------- |
Latest | December 2013