Pidgeley experience could be invaluable for Stags’ survival, says boss Murray

Adam Murray believes the experience of former Chelsea keeper Lenny Pidgeley will prove invaluable in Mansfield Town’s relegation battle.

Stags signed Pidgeley on loan from Newport County until the end of the season as the transfer window deadline approached on Monday night.

That meant on-loan keeper Adam Smith has now returned to Leicester City.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 30-year-old Pidgeley, an ex-England youth international, boasts tremendous experience having racked up over 250 appearances in his career.

Manager Adam Murray said: “First and foremost Lenny is a very good goalkeeper. It is an area we have looked at over the last few months.

“In my eyes since we lost Mazza (Alan Marriott) we haven’t really filled that spot in terms of an experienced figure, an organiser or someone with nous.

“With the situation we are in we feel an experienced head back there would play a massive part.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Look at Newport. Everyone knows they have a strong, organised set-up and are hard to break down. Lenny has behind 99 per cent of that.

“He is a good signing for us and will also help to develop Sascha (Studer).”

Pidgeley’s arrival means loanee Adam Smith will this week return to Leicester City.

“Adam Smith is someone who will go on and play in the Premier League and is very highly thought of at Leicester,” said Murray.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But our situation dictated the kind of action we have taken. He has been quality in his performances but we just need that bit of experience.

“Leicester have been superb with us with the way they have helped us with Adam Smith and Callum Elder and I’d like to thank them for the backing they’ve given us.

“Callum’s loan ends on Saturday and we would like to try to extend that. He’s been superb since he’s been come in. he is really highly thought of at Leicester and in football in general. We are very lucky to have him and if we can keep hold of him we aim to do that.

“With Smithy going back we have one loan space left and realistically we have to keep that open for the moment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We have had some injury news that isn’t good with Matty Blair so we are in a situation and will have to see where it goes.”

Murray is pleased that, having done most of his business in the first week of the transfer window - Stags being one of the busiest clubs in the country – they are ahead of other clubs in having new players settle in.

“Looking at the window this week, teams were signing two, three, four players,” he said.

“But we did all our business early doors to allow this team time to gel. They have now had four games together and are finding their feet as individuals and as a group, getting to know each other.

“Those teams are now going to have to start that gelling process as well.”