Adam Murray unlikely to play for Mansfield Town next season

“I am over the moon with our recruitment, especially with the midfield area options we’ve got,” he said.

“There is some real competition there. I’d have to be on my game to actually get into that team, so it’s not a priority.

“I will probably register myself just in case it was ever needed, but it’s not something I am looking at initially.

In his first pre-season as manager, Murray has already made 12 new signings and admitted: “It’s been exciting.

“I have enjoyed it, probably because it is a new regime. It was always the case of getting over the line last year and then being able to plan and put things into place how we want things done.”

“There is a real anticipation here about the place and now the hard work starts.

“I understand it’s my team and needs to represent me. I believe it will do that.

“I am over the moon with the whole recruitment process. We have a lot of work to do tactically. Normally you spend the first couple of weeks of pre-season on fitness, but we have mixed it up a little bit and got a balance of both.

“It’s been a really good summer. It’s been busy and there’s not been much time off. But that’s how I like things. I am a worker and I enjoy it.”

The big kick-off is now just a month away with a first week of a home clash with Carlisle, followed by trips to Sheffield Wednesday and Notts County.

“I don’t think you could have got a much bigger first week to be honest with you,” he said.

“The fact we are going to our local rivals so early will be interesting as both teams will still be bedding in.

“So it will be an interesting game and a big atmosphere. For some of our lads it will be an early eye-opener of big games.

“We are really looking forward to the start and we want to make sure we hit the ground running and start showing people what we are about.”