Mansfield Opposition View: “We’ll be rusty having not played”
Saturday sees Jack Wilshere take charge of his first game as Luton Town manager when Nigel Clough brings his Mansfield Town side to Kenilworth Road for the return of Sky Bet League One action after the international window. It is hard to predict what to expect from Luton after the changes we’ve seen over the last two weeks but we are feeling optimistic about the start of Jack Wilshere’s chapter at the helm.
Mansfield Town sit one place and one point behind Luton after 11 games this season and are unbeaten in their last two matches against Reading and Rotherham.
To get The Stags’ perspective we spoke to the Mansfield Matters Podcast.
1. What do you see as Mansfield’s biggest strengths this season, and where do you think their main weaknesses lie?
Our biggest strength is stability, we’ve been under Clough for a long time now and have grown to understand his ways of working and quirks. If we have a bad run, the percentage calling for his head is minimal as we trust we will come out the other side. Similarly if another club is looking for a manager, we’re fairly confident he won’t go (In my opinion I’ve got more chance of winning the lottery than Clough walking on us) - so it’s an anchor point to know we’re building something and players we bring here see that an invest in it.
In terms of weaknesses, we operate on a smaller scale squad wise and don’t throw money at it and whilst I’m against that for every player - sometimes we need too, IE losing Gregory last season - we needed to bring someone in and at that point (January) the only way to really achieve that is to spend.
2. Who are Mansfield’s three standout players this season?
Jamie McDonnell on loan from Forest - absolute class CDM and absolutely not a chance he’ll be plying his trade in League One next season - he’s good enough for championship level at least and will know he’ll need to do that to break into the international squad starting line up now he’s made the step up in recent internationals.
Jordan Bowery - shirt number 9, position centre back. A fine example of Clough genius and tremendous attitude. Used as backup but he’s been a solid starter until recent injury - keeps us composed at the back.
Tyler Roberts, on loan from Birmingham- looks steady with plenty more to offer.
3. How would you describe your style of play under Clough?
Clough can be quite fluid, of late it's been a 4-2-3-1 he likes to get the ball down and push the wide players high, looking to get in behind the lines or catch teams on the counter. We don't really have set roles to be honest, I can guarantee you it's Liam Roberts in goal and 10 outfield!
4. Which Luton player would you most like at Mansfield?
Anyone who doesn't get injured easily!!! I've signed Walters a fair few times on Football Manager so probably him!
5. What are your expectations for the game?
Tough game given your new managerial appointment which is reflected in the sell-out. We'll be rusty having not played - last season we really struggled in that first game after the international break. But Mansfield Always Matters and we've enjoyed some good times at your place over the years.
Score prediction: 3-1 Mansfield, but I'd take a point!
