Smaller squad the way to Stags success?

David Flitcroft has confirmed he will go with a smaller Mansfield Town squad this season as he believes that is a better template for success and togetherness.
Picture Andrew Roe/AHPIX LTD, Football, EFL Sky Bet League Two, Mansfield Town v Crawley Town, One Call Stadium, 05/05/18, K.O 3pm

Mansfield's manager David Flitcroft

Andrew Roe>>>>>>>07826527594Picture Andrew Roe/AHPIX LTD, Football, EFL Sky Bet League Two, Mansfield Town v Crawley Town, One Call Stadium, 05/05/18, K.O 3pm

Mansfield's manager David Flitcroft

Andrew Roe>>>>>>>07826527594
Picture Andrew Roe/AHPIX LTD, Football, EFL Sky Bet League Two, Mansfield Town v Crawley Town, One Call Stadium, 05/05/18, K.O 3pm Mansfield's manager David Flitcroft Andrew Roe>>>>>>>07826527594

The manager would not say how many players were still required, saying: “I’m not going to get drawn into numbers as it depends what goes out.

“We are trying to balance it. The squad will be smaller than last time. It will be quality over quantity.

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“When you look at any top side or promotion-winning side, it will be done on a smaller squad and by a group of players that probably play 35/36 games plus. There is a consistency level.

“At times last season there were nearly 20 players you couldn’t pick on a Saturday as you could only pick 11. That proved itself difficult.”

He continued: “We need adequate numbers and adequate balance in positions. We had eight central midfield players season which was just insane.

“The balance of the squad to me didn’t feel right. So we have to make sure we have that cover and balance sorted. But it could be just as the season starts there might be late additions. And there might be some players leaving us.”

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Flitcroft expects the summer transfer market to kick into life soon.

“Pre-season is all about a domino effect,” he said.

“You will see that as players move and people get their number one targets then that releases someone else, and then someone else. It’s a game of patience.”

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