Graham Coughlan hopeful foundations are in place to create winning mentality at Mansfield Town

Stags boss Graham Coughlan leads a training session. Pic by Chris Holloway.

The Stags gaffer worked throughout the summer to revamp his playing squad as he looks to find the ingredients to finally win a League Two promotion.

Mansfield have failed to achieve their aim over the last two seasons after being installed as one of the pre-season favourites.

But Coughlan is now hopeful that Mansfield have the right mix on and off the pitch to help take the club forward.

Manager Graham Coughlan is hopefully Mansfield have now got a winning formula in place. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

“It wasn't just about changing the players it was about changing the mentality and thought process of the club,” he said.

“It's not been very successful over the last number of years and I had to dig deep and to look into why it has broken down and why it has not been successful?

“There have been a lot of good players and managers come through the gates and good squads put together, so why am I any different? What can I do that other managers couldn't?

“These were all things that were going through my mind that I sat down and looked at during lockdown.

“The club probably made the best signing it could by bringing in David Sharpe. The club has got four really strong characters (John and Carolyn Radford, David Sharpe and Coughlan), all different characters but we all push each other.

“We all want the best for each other and for the club. It is a strong force and I think that will drive the football club forward, whether that is in the short, medium or long term.”

But the former Bristol Rovers boss knows only too well that football is a results driven business.

“It is a short period (since the summer changes) so we will only know if the mentality has changed in time,” he said.

“I am hopeful that things are in place and the lads are adhering to it.

“But I have to be realistic, if we don't get results and win games all our hard work will go out of the window.

“The key is winning matches, that is the be all and end all, and I know that.

“If we can get some wins under our belt then it is far easier to buy into and get on board to push things on.”