Nigel Clough has changed Mansfield Town's mentality, says skipper Ollie Clarke

The midfielder was convinced to leave boyhood club Bristol Rovers for One Call Stadium this summer by his former Gas manager Graham Coughlan.

However, their partnership did not flourish as planned as the Irishman left his role without a single win in 12 matches this season.

Now Clarke is looking forward to working under the positive influence of Clough.

"Football does this sometimes. I thank Coughs for everything he's done for me and when I spoke to him I was disappointed, but the new gaffer's come in and straight away we've had a good chat and everything seems to be looking better," he said.

"We've probably not performed to our capabilities this season. The manager's come in and upturned our form and it's looking a lot more positive.

"We've got to get behind the new manager. Hopefully, we can start again on Saturday and get going in the league (at Forest Green Rovers)."

Since Clough was appointed last Friday the Stags have picked up their first two wins of the campaign, away victories at Sunderland in the FA Cup under caretaker boss Richard Cooper, and at Scunthorpe in the EFL Trophy, the incoming boss' first in charge.

"He's lifted the spirits, got everyone believing in themselves again," Clarke continued.

"We were on a bad run and we needed to snap out of it and a change in mentality can do that.

"Small changes to start with and we build on that from there."

Clarke is looking forward to spending more time with Clough on the training ground, believing he can have an even stronger influence on the camp.

"He's been brilliant, his knowledge is right up there in the game and you believe in what he says," the captain continued.

"The boys have bought in to what he's said straight away. The mentality he's brought has hopefully had a positive effect."

Clarke made his first appearance since October 3's 2-1 defeat at Newport County in Tuesday's win at Scunthorpe, coming off the bench in the 74th minute.

Although he was delighted to return, he warned the recovery from his calf injury isn't complete just yet.

"It was really good to be fair, not something I was expecting to happen so soon as I only really went back into training on Monday," Clarke said of his cameo.

"But the gaffer just pulled me (aside) and said you'll be alright for 10-15 minutes. He got me straight back involved and I was pleased with that.

"When I initially did it I didn’t think it was that bad and carried on playing, thinking it was just a bit of a tight calf.

"The scan, and what came back wasn't the best of news, and could potentially have kept me out for eight to 10 weeks.

"I said to the physio, 'it's not feeling that bad' and after two or three weeks it settled down nicely and I started building up the running and strength.

"It's pushed on over the last two or three weeks and I was itching to go back into training. I was pushing it myself, but at the same time we've got to be a bit careful. If it happened again it would be a nightmare."

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