Boss Graham Coughlan knows Mansfield Town need squad revamp to challenge for promotion

Graham Coughlan knows he needs fresh blood if Stags are to challenge for promotion. Pic by Rachel Atkins.

Mansfield are currently 21st in the suspended League Two table following a season to forget.

And Coughlan, who replaced John Dempster as manager in mid-December, knows things need to change.

Speaking during a fans Q&A for the club’s official website, he said: “The squad needs a revamp to challenge next season.

Graham Coughlan feels carrying on with the season will not be possible.

“Where we sit in the league, the clean sheets we have and the points we have would suggest that.

Listen to part one of the club’s interview here

Listen to part two of the club’s interview here

“Everything points to a revamp, everything points to new signings.

“It has been a very disappointing season for the club, the players and the fans.

“We need freshness, we need new blood and we need lads who haven’t had scars from the pasts and hangovers from the past.”

And Coughlan feels pre-season and a positive mindset will be crucial to any hopes of success during the new campaign - an area he felt cost Stags dearly this season.

“I generally believe hard work is the key and the recipe for success and pre-season will be a key part of any success we will achieve,” he said.

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“I think pre-season was an issue at the club last season and it needs correcting this season.

“I think it is a major part of any success that you want to have.

“We have tried to make the players fitter and change the mentality so they believe in themselves more.

“There was a little bit of negativity in their own mindset and their own play and work ethics because of what has happened previously.

“That can only be changed on the training ground, as soon as they got fitter and shed a few pounds, mentally they started to believe and play like professional footballers.”

The Mansfield squad are currently carrying out individual training plans with Coughlan declaring he was happy with progress so far.

He added: “We just don’t know what is going to happen with regards to the end of the season, so the players have naturally got to stay on top of their fitness levels.

“The fitness programme that we have sent to the players has an app that they have all downloaded.

“We keep tracking weekly and daily the work they are doing, I’m pleased with some of the results and times that the players are sending back to us.

“You can do very little without trust and I do trust the players to look after themselves.”

Coughlan also revealed he does not see continuing with the season as a feasible option, but Mansfield would be ready to go if needed.

“It is very hard to think about football and what is going to happen, given the amount of people we are losing daily,” he added.

“It is a tough one, everyone will have their own views. Whatever is chucked at us, we will adapt to and deal with.

“In my own personal opinion, I don’t see how we can finish the season. It is what it is and we will adjust to whatever circumstances are chucked our way.

“First and foremost we must be thinking of the people we are losing, which is very very sad.”

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