Tranmere Rovers pose 'massive challenge' for Mansfield Town - Graham Coughlan

Graham Coughlan has warned his Mansfield Town squad they 'won't have an easy time' against a Tranmere Rovers side he believes are unlucky not to be playing in League One this season.
Graham Coughlan. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)Graham Coughlan. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)
Graham Coughlan. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

The two sides will kick off their league campaigns at the One Call Stadium tomorrow (KO 3pm).

Rovers were relegated on points per game after last season was brought to an early finish, but Coughlan believes they would have beaten the drop had the campaign been able to run its course.

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"I think we'd all agree Tranmere had been dealt a hand which was really, really unlucky - really unfortunate," he said.

"I do believe they would have stayed in League One last season. You can call me obvious for that but they were on a good run. They were on the up and one or two other clubs in League One were on the slide."

While Town will show their guests the utmost respect, Coughlan knows his players will be up for the battle.

"They're a big, big club and it's a massive challenge, they will be there and thereabouts, we know that," he said.

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"We know the challenge that lies ahead, but at the end of the day you want to play against the biggest and best and Tranmere are probably one of three or four bigger an better teams in this division.

"The two teams will be honest and hard working and will give their all, we're just hoping we can come out on top."

Coughlan is impressed by the quality in the Rovers squad, which he states have a strong blend of physicality and pace.

The Stags boss continued: "You come up against their two centre halves, big (Manny) Monthe and Peter Clarke you won't have an easy time.

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"It's going to be physical. They've got a real good, strong squad, quality all over the park.

"Up front they've got some firepower, some real top-clas strikers in Stefan Payne and James Vaughan (Morgan) Ferrier.

"They've got a mixture of physicality and pace. They will be a strong team and it is a massive challenge. It's one of those fixtures you look for when the fixture list is out.

Coughlan may be excited at the prospect of claiming an impressive scalp, but he also 'enthused' about kicking off the league season with his newly-assembled squad.

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"I'm really pleased if I'm being honest, what we've got in and how they fit in," Coughlan said, when asked about his side, which includes 10 summer arrivals.

"I'm pleased with the age, the value for money, all those variables, and the quality.

"I'm excited and I'm enthused by working with the lads every day on the training ground. I can see them growing. I'm very confident we can build and kick on."