Nigel Clough has addressed comments overheard during Mansfield Town’s defeat to Notts County.

The manager described the manner of Stags’ Nottinghamshire Derby loss as ‘bitterly disappointing’ as they slumped to their first home league defeat since February.

Clough praised the performance of Notts County and highlighted his side’s shortcomings in the defeat, but did not agree with comments allegedly made by some fans at the One Call Stadium.

“We were nowhere near the levels we have been at home and over the last six games. Apparently a couple of supporters were shouting about what a disgrace we are,” Clough told club media after the match.

“It’s the first time they’ve seen the team lose at home for eight months – if that’s a disgrace, it’s a disgrace. Not good enough and everything.

“So maybe it’s about time for somebody else to have a go. You never know, do you? According to a couple of comments we heard coming off. But we’ll see.”

Clough is approaching the anniversary of his sixth year in charge of Mansfield Town. Under his tenure, Stags have returned to League One and have continued to improve year after year.

Last season marked the club’s highest league finish in almost 40 years, achieved in just their second season back in the third tier.

Since the start of this highly competitive 2026/27 season, Sky Sports pundit and former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison has backed Stags to challenge for a shot at the top six. He also praised Clough’s ‘outstanding’ tenure in amber and blue, following his 275th league game in charge.

The recent occasion saw Clough break Ian Greaves’ record for the most EFL matches overseen as manager of Mansfield Town.

Expanding further on the comments overheard on Saturday, Clough said he hopes they are only the views of a minority amount of supporters.

“It’s just disappointing,” he continued. “I always think when you see a team who are having a good run and they have an off day, it would be nice for everyone to give the lads some applause as they go off.

“Say, ‘we know we weren’t very good today, but we will be back again next week’. You support our team, we support you. We’ve enjoyed a lot of good times together but certainly today wasn’t one of them.”