Nigel Clough encouraged by early signs at Mansfield Town

Nigel Clough feels Mansfield Town are heading in the right direction.
Nigel Clough is encouraged by the early signs at Mansfield Town.Nigel Clough is encouraged by the early signs at Mansfield Town.
Nigel Clough is encouraged by the early signs at Mansfield Town.

Stags have lost just once since Clough stepped into the hot seat on 6th November.

And the former Burton boss says he is encouraged by the character and positive approach now on display from his boys.

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“They are a hardworking honest set of players and that’s been confirmed in recent weeks,” he said. “They have adapted well to what we are asking.

“One of the things we asked was for them to be more positive and the last week has shown that. We had 60 shots in the last three games and it is now a gradual thing to work towards converting more of those chances.

“The signs are encouraging but it is still very early days. We have only had four weeks but the signs are encouraging.

“It's lovely when you come back from 3-1 down in injury time and you are even looking for a winner. It’s amazing how much belief the players get from that.”

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Stags have enjoyed a midweek free of competitive football and played out a 4-4 draw at Nottingham Forest for players who didn’t feature against Crawley.

It saw Andy Cook score twice to take his tally to three goals in two games.

Mansfield travel to a struggling Grimsby side low on confidence at the weekend - with Clough knowing his side still need to up for the fight.

“Grimsbyy will be a tough game,” added Clough. “They were unlucky to lose against Newport (on Tuesday).

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“Like all Ian Holloway sides, they are fast and hardworking - they just need a break.

“The first goal will be important. Some of the stats you see in the Premier League are incredible when it comes to first goa.

“If you concede first you hardly ever come back to win these days and we've emphasised the importance of the first goal to the players.

“Newport worked hard before taking control of the game at Grimsby and we need to do the same. The hard work is part of our team ethic.”

Stags have been boosted by the news that winger Stephen McLaughlin has signed a new contract until the end of the season.

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