Mansfield Town skipper Krystian Pearce ‘unlucky’ to bear the brunt of new boss Graham Coughlan's anger

Coughlan has already told defender Pearce and midfielder Mellis they can leave if they want to, though has also challenged them to prove they want to stay.

“We have not had any enquiries for them as yet,” he said.

“But the ball is in their court if they want to stay. Should they wish to impress in training or wish to impose themselves and get themselves up to the standards that we need then it's not a problem. I have not closed the door on anybody.

“I am being honest, open and fair with them to get fixed up and if they don't leave then they're still a part of the group.

“I think Krystian has been a tad unlucky, but the best way into a dressing room is through the skipper.

“Coming in, I had to ruffle a few feathers at the club as, let's be honest, the results have not been good enough, the direction they've been going in has not been good enough, the fitness levels and standards have not been good enough. That's why the club is where they are.

“Me being me and being a previous captain, I know how to lead a group of men and I don't think these have been led.

“Maybe Krystian has fallen into a comfort zone? All I have done is rattle a few cages, and I got stuck into the majority of players.”

He added: “I think I might have been a little bit harsh on Krystian when I came through the front door as, having been a captain myself, I was expecting better standards and a better level from my captain.

“I was looking for the leadership. I told him I thought the club was lacking a bit of leadership and direction on the park.

“I probably came in all guns blazing, going after my skipper when it all probably wasn't his fault. But, as I said to him man to man, face to face, I will always come to the skipper.

“I think we're on the same page now. I am looking for a reaction, not only from Krystian but from everybody to be honest.”

Coughlan is now hoping the players rise up to the new challenge.

He said: “They are turning a corner and buying into what we want. But it's a slow process.

“I think they'd be the first to admit that as a group they have gone a little bit slack, and they have gone a little bit idle and a little bit lazy over the last six months and they possibly just needed that size nine up their backsides as they are good lads.

“They have just lost their way a little bit. I am confident this will turn and we can put a bit of a run together. I will get this right. I will fix this.”

Coughlan said there have been enquiries over a couple of his other players.

“We have had a couple of enquiries for our players, but that's not a surprise,” he said.

“They are a good set of players and it's just that mental side of things we seem to be struggling with.”