'Very pleased': Nigel Clough outlines main takeaways from Mansfield Town's performances so far this season
Mansfield Town have had a mixed run of results during their start to the 2026/27 League One season so far.
Stags fought hard for an opening home 2-1 win over Doncaster Rovers and lifted the roof off the One Call Stadium after thrashing Luton Town 5-2. But their away results haven’t been so fortunate – in fact, they are yet to bank a point on the road this season.
Sandwiched between narrow defeats to Peterborough United and Bradford City was a shock 5-0 loss to Reading, which came just three days after the emphatic win over Luton.
There’s already been a lot to unpack for Stags, and when we asked Nigel Clough what some of the main takeaways have been – both positive and negative – here’s what he said.
“The goals we’ve been conceding are too soft. Yes, decisions have gone against us but like on Saturday [against Bradford], we have to defend that ball better,” the manager said during his latest press conference.
Ahead of their meeting with Huddersfield Town this weekend, Stags have conceded 11 goals and six of those came in their last two games. Bottom-of-the-table side Wigan have shipped the same amount, and only three other clubs have let in more goals.
While Stags’ defence has been a concerning talking point in these early stages of the season, Clough mentioned his attack as a highlight so far.
“Very pleased with some of our attacking play. Even when we haven’t scored, we’ve created chances. So that’s okay and the goals will come, we just have to get it right at the other end.”
Indeed, the likes of Michael Smith and Liam Thompson have looked strong since their arrivals over the summer, while Jon Russell and Nathan Moriah-Welsh have impressed with their goal contributions. Regan Hendry has also been contributing to attacking play, while Rhys Oates was the man to get Mansfield off the mark in their first game of the season.