New Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough sees no reason why Stags cannot replicate Burton Albion success

The former Burton Albion boss was confirmed as the new Mansfield manager on Friday afternoon.

And he believes his new club can mirror the Brewers’ success, which saw Burton enjoy two seasons of Championship football.

“There is no reason why Mansfield can't follow a similar path to Burton,” he said. “I don't think it's a short-term job, there will need to be building, time and patience.

“It's a big challenge, but it's a club with an awful lot of potential. That's the main attraction. It's a very good club and there are a lot of good people here.

“I think this is a very good opportunity. We met the players briefly this morning. We'll demand maximum effort, first and foremost - that's non-negotiable. We also like to attack as much as we can.

“You look at the potential for the club to grow and succeed. The only negative is the league position - everything else is ready to go."

Clough is now keen to stamp his mark on the club and to put the building blocks in place for a real promotion push next season

"We want to make some progress and gain some optimism for next season,” he said.

"The potential of the club was the main attraction.

“We can't look too far ahead though, all it's about now is winning some games and getting away from the bottom of the table.

“The players have a responsibility to want to turn it around. We need to be focused and do whatever we can to win a football match.

“We've been talking with David Sharpe for maybe the last week really.

“We're very excited about the prospect of working for Mansfield. David Sharpe has played a big part in it.

“It's been a long six months. It's now time to get back into football and enjoy it.

“We need to get a team on the pitch, playing football and working hard. We're very excited and I think you have to have that excitement."

Clough will sit out tomorrow’s trip to Sunderland with Richard Cooper taking charge of the team.

"We're hoping to be there [tomorrow], but Richard Cooper has done excellently with the lads so he will take the game,” said Clough.

“We'll pop our heads in and wish them good luck. My message to the players is just have a go. Don't sit back - let's go and have a go.

“The opportunity to play at the Stadium of Light - one of the best stadiums in the country - is a wonderful one. So let's go and enjoy it."