Archived News from January 2022
|
CLOUGH, BOWERY AND BEN GARNER REACTION
|
 |
|
That was our most important win of the season - boss
mansfieldtown.net, Tuesday 11th January 2022 Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough believes this evening’s 3-2 victory of promotion rivals Swindon was the club’s ‘most important win of the season’. Stags continued their sensational run of form and are now only outside the play-offs on goal difference. The victory is the Stags’ eighth in nine Sky Bet League Two matches but gaffer believes tonight’s had most significance. “I thought that was our most important win of the season, off the back of the cup disappointment,” he said. “It would have been easy to have a little bit of a hangover tonight, losing in the 95th minute [at home to Middlesbrough]. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2022/january/that-was-our-most-important-win-of-the-season--boss/ “I thought we were outstanding tonight from start to finish. “The effort was remarkable tonight.” The impressive performance sees the Stags climb up a place in the league table, leaving the boss impressed with the momentum gathered ahead of another home clash with Walsall this weekend. “It [beating Swindon, a promotion rival] sets it up nicely for Saturday,” the manager said. “It seems to be all away games once we’ve played Walsall on Saturday which is going to be a different prospect for us. “We didn’t want to let them [Swindon] settle into any sort of rhythm or let them get into their stride, for the majority of the game our work rate stopped them doing that.” With just over two weeks remaining of the January transfer market, the Stags’ chief provided another update on potential dealings “We’re close with one or two. “We’ve got a good 18 [man squad] out there tonight [though]. “Faz Rawson will be back in soon, Tyrese is back tonight as well after Covid. “George Lapslie is a week or two away from being fit and that’s on top of the 18 we put out there tonight. “We’ve still got a good squad so there’ll be no panicking or desperation signings, there’s no need. “We’re in a nice position, we will add two or three bodies to it and some of the younger lads will go out and get some football. “We’ll try and improve the squad without breaking any camaraderie that we have at the moment.” The manager also updated supporters on the contract situation of key performer John-Joe O’Toole. “It’s still up in the air at the moment,” he said. “He still has this very good offer on the table but if he is going somewhere [then] I don’t think anybody could have been more committed than he was tonight.” Watch the boss’ interview in full at: mansfieldtown.net/ifollow. ---------------- ‘Our most important win of the season’ says boss Nigel Clough after Mansfield Town beat play-off rivals Swindon Town chad.co.uk, By John Lomas, Tuesday 11th January 2022 Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough described tonight's thrilling 3-2 home win over play-off rivals Swindon Town as the Stags' most important win of the season. Clough was concerned how his tired players would be react after Saturday's heartbreaking late 3-2 defeat by Championship Middlesbrough. But he needn't have worried as they turned in yet another sensational display for a sixth home league win a row, a fifth league win in a row and eighth in nine league outings. “I thought that was our most important win of the season on the back of the FA Cup disappointment,” he beamed. https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/our-most-important-win-of-the-season-says-boss-nigel-clough-after-mansfield-town-beat-play-off-rivals-swindon-town-3523700 “It would have been easy to have a bit of a hangover tonight after losing in the 95th minute. “But I thought we were outstanding tonight from start to finish - the effort on the back of Saturday was remarkable tonight. “The quality of the game generally I thought was better than League Two from both teams. “We didn't want to let them get in their stride and for the majority of the game our work rate stopped them doing that. “We got the early goal again and George Maris had a great chance to double it. That was good a chance as we had and should have been scored.” Rhys Oates somehow won a penalty for the second goal when bursting from the edge of his own box from a Swindon corner into the other box. “He excites everyone when he gets going like that. - to go from the edge of your own box to deep in their box and win a penalty at the pace he runs at,” said Clough. “We always felt we needed a third goal and it was a wonderful goal from Jordan Bowery. “I think our last three home games have been as good a three games as you can get in succession. “It sets us up nicely for Saturday.” ------------- On the penalty: Nigel Clough told iFollow Stags: "Danny's taken them before, and Laps is generally going to be on them. "A few minutes before we went out, we said 'who's on pens?'. "Stephen Quinn said 'I'll take them if you want'. And Macca said 'I'll take them'. "So we said: 'sort it out between yourselves, you're good mates and who fancies it when it happens'. On the Swindon goals: "The first one we're playing out in an area where we shouldn't be. Oli Hawkins should be doing it better than giving it Ryan Stirk and then a misplaced pass. "And the second one, Harry Charsley has to get out and deal with it. "We need a little bit more from our subs. Jason Law and Harry have to repeat the standard of the players coming off. On the pitch: "It was a heavy surface again tonight with the rain that we've had." ---------------- Mansfield Town in no rush to bring in new faces ahead of Walsall clash chad.co.uk, By John Lomas Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough is in no rush to add to his in-form squad before Saturday's home clash with Walsall. Clough has said he may add up to four new faces in the January window, which is halfway through this weekend, and is also trying to persuade John-Joe O'Toole to sign a new extended deal, though he has a better deal on offer from a League One side. “We are trying and we are close with one or two. But we had a good 18 out there against Swindon,” he said. “Faz Rawson will be back in soon, Tyrese Sinclair was back in on Tuesday night, and George Lapslie is a week or two from being fit - and that's on top of the 18 we put out on Tuesday. https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-in-no-rush-to-bring-in-new-faces-ahead-of-walsall-clash-3525548 “So we've still got a good squad and there will be no panicking. “There will be no desperation buys or loans as there's no need. “We are in a nice position and we will add two or three bodies to it while some of the younger lads will go out and get some football. “We will just try improve the squad without breaking any sort of camaraderie that we have at the moment.” On persuading John-Joe O'Toole to stay, he added: “I think it's still up in the air at the moment. He says he still has this very good offer on the table. “But if he is going somewhere I don't think anybody could have been more committed than he was tonight.” Being in the middle of a gruelling schedule of two games a week, Clough will not be pushing anyone hard in training. “The win over Swindon sets us up nicely for Saturday,” he said. “I think we are on the road with what seems to be all away games once we've played Walsall on Saturday - which is going to be a different prospect for us. “There will be very little playing this week for those in the starting XI. “The programme between now and Saturday will just be about recovery like it was on Monday. “It was a heavy surface again on Tuesday with the rain we've had, but we will just ask the players to repeat the performance again on Saturday. “We have 23 to go now so we are only halfway through our league games and there is plenty to play for.” A win for the Stags on Saturday could finally ease them into the play-off positions. Skipper Ollie Clarke will be hoping to complete a whole game on Saturday after his recent lay-off. “Against Swindon, Ollie was just cramping up with his calf which has been a problem,” said Clough. “He is still building up but can't quite get through 90 minutes.” -------------------- Sky’s the limit for Stags, says striker mansfieldtown.net, Tuesday 11th January 2022 Striker Jordan Bowery says that ‘the sky is the limit’ for Mansfield Town this season after their impressive 3-2 home victory over play-off challengers Swindon Town. The number nine scored Mansfield’s third and deciding goal in the 43rd minute when he delicately lifted the ball over Swindon ‘keeper Lewis Ward’s head. Despite his fine finish, the 30-year-old credited his teammate George Maris in assisting the goal. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2022/january/skys-the-limit-for-stags-says-striker/ “The pass made it to be honest,” said Bowery. “George knew I was going to run. As soon as the ‘keeper ran out I knew I had to put it over him with the ball bouncing. “I thought it was a great game. “We got off to a good start [by] getting that early goal and we responded well after they levelled. “It was a great game and at the minute we’re on top form.” Mansfield’s scintillating form has seen them record eight league wins from nine matches. Bowery says that the Stags can continued their good form and push further up the Sky Bet League Two table. On how far Mansfield can go this season, he said: “The sky is the limit. I think we can push for the automatics. “We don’t look at anyone and think ‘they’re going to beat us’. “Middlesbrough came here and apart from the first 25 minutes of the game, there was no difference [between us]. That just shows the confidence that we’ve got.” “There aren’t many teams in England that [have experienced] this sort of form, so hopefully we can keep it going. “Hopefully we’ll go as far as we can [up the league table] and try and push for those automatic [promotion places].” The striker praised Mansfield’s loyal support in the role they play in spurring the team on. “I’ve been at a lot of clubs and hands down this is some of the best support I’ve ever seen,” he said. “Home and away they [the supporters] just do not stop. “Away to Doncaster [in the FA Cup], that’s the best away support I’ve ever seen and fair play to them. “They’re pushing us. It helps us so much and we appreciate it. “We keep fighting back and we keep getting back in it, and hopefully we can kick on, on Saturday [at home to Walsall] and do the same again.” Watch the striker's interview in full at: mansfieldtown.net/ifollow. ------------------------ The sky’s the limit for confident Mansfield Town says Jordan Bowery after latest victory chad.co.uk, By John Lomas, Tuesday 11th January 2022 Mansfield Town star Jordan Bowery said confidence was high and the side was on fire after tonight's 3-2 home win over play-off rivals Swindon Town. “I thought it was a great game,” he smiled. “We got off to a good start getting that early goal and responded well after they levelled. “At the minute we are on top form and there are not many teams in England in this sort of form. We are just flying. https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/the-skys-the-limit-for-confident-mansfield-town-says-jordan-bowery-after-latest-victory-3523722 “It's all about confidence. We went through that run and after getting that first win it's clicked. We've got the squad back together and we're on fire. “The main thing is the confidence.” Bowery netted what proved to be the winner tonight with a beautifully executed lob from George Maris' through ball. “The pass from George made it,” said Bowery. “He knew I was going to run. As soon as the keeper ran out I knew I had to put it over him with the ball bouncing. “He was a tall lad so I had to put it even higher and it seemed to take a while to drop in. “We want to try to push for an automatic spot but if not then the play-offs. The sky is the limit for us. Bowery has played in several different positions already this season and smiled: “The only position I've not played is goalie so Bish (Nathan Bishop) had better watch out. “Anywhere up top is my favourite but I am happy to play anywhere. I am a team player and I will play anywhere the gaffer puts me to do a job for the team.” Bowery also paid tribute to the noisy Stags supporters for their backing this season. “I can't explain how good they have been,” he said. “I have been at a lot of clubs and, hands down, I can say this is probably one of the best supports I've ever seen. Home and away they just don't stop. “The Doncaster game was the best away support I've ever seen. They are always there pushing us, it helps us so much and we really appreciate is. “They have been unreal. I hope they keep it up as we are going to need them.” ----------------- Penalty decisions went against us again said Swindon Town boss Rob Garner after defeat at Mansfield Town chad.co.uk, By John Lomas, Tuesday 11th January 2022 Swindon Town boss Ben Garner felt tonight's 3-2 defeat at play-off rivals Mansfield Town was crucially down to two penalty decisions that went against his side. “We didn't work hard enough or compete enough first half and that is ultimately what cost us the game,” he said. “But I have seen both decisions back - we have had a stonewall penalty not given. Hunty (Rob Hunt) gets a touch in the box and he gets taken out. It's a penalty. “I couldn't tell on theirs whether AK (Akin Odimayo) got a touch on the ball or not. But he didn't need to make to make the tackle as (Rhys) Oates was going away from goal. https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/penalty-decisions-went-against-us-again-said-swindon-town-boss-rob-garner-after-defeat-at-mansfield-town-3523705?fbclid=IwAR0tL2KK2GMmeG1K0GjW5XZt0MrCsOF7kwuMiBw9tpBdBJKuaQipgwdxifY “Once you make the challenge you give the referee the opportunity to make the decision. “He's given the one at the other end but not ours and that's the story of our season with officials really.” Garner continued: “I didn't think we competed well enough in the first half and I was disappointed with the goals we conceded. “It was a much improved second half. We were much the better side second half and had enough chances to take at least a point if not all three. “At least we can take some pride from that and it gives us some momentum going into Saturday. “To come away from that second half performance was disappointing, but you can't give yourself that mountain to climb - conceding three goals we left ourselves with too much to do. “It was a difficult pitch and tough to pass the ball on there. “First half we let them build momentum with things and that caused is problems. “Credit to Mansfield - they were good. They are good at what they do. They competed really well tonight.” ----------------------- Ben Garner reacts to Mansfield Town 3 Swindon Town 2 swindonadvertiser.co.uk SWINDON Town head coach Ben Garner was angry with his side for not competing well enough during the first half of their 3-2 defeat to Mansfield Town on Tuesday night. George Maris opened the scoring for the Stags as early as the fourth minute at Field Mill, only to see Swindon pull level in the 28th minute when Harry McKirdy squeezed a shot past Nathan Bishop at the near post. Yet, a sluggish first 45 from Swindon meant two further goals before half-time - one from Stephen McLaughlin via the penalty spot and another from Jordan Bowery - gave the visitors far too much to do as they travelled back to Wiltshire empty handed. https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/19840467.ben-garner-reacts-mansfield-town-3-swindon-town-2/ Reacting to a poor first-half display in particular, Garner said: “It was a disappointing first half, we didn’t compete well enough. I’m disappointed with the goals we conceded. “It was a much-improved second half, we were the better side then and had enough chances to get at least a point. “It was a difficult pitch, difficult for us to pass the ball around, but we let them build momentum and that caused us problems. “It was a stonewall penalty not given. Rob Hunt gets a touch in the box and then is taken out, it’s a penalty. That has been the story of our season with officials unfortunately.” The Swindon boss took an age to emerge from the changing rooms at full time after sending his team a strong message in the post-match debrief. Garner admitted his half-time message incurred the same frustrated themes but gave credit for a second-half display that could have seen the Robins take an unlikely point. Discussing what was said at half-time, Garner said: “I was angry. I don’t want to see that first-half display again. We have to compete and be at it to keep up our intensity. “It’s a lesson we’ve got to take on and make sure we compete in every minute of every game for the rest of the season. “I was angry at half time. It wasn’t good enough with the ball, but we can improve that and change things tactically to help the players. “Strong words were said at half-time and they gave a good response second half. There was a lot more energy with some great, great chances. We could have scored three or four goals in the second half. “It was disappointing to not get something in that second half but you can’t give yourselves that mountain to climb. It Left us too much to do.” -------------------- REACTION: Garner on Mansfield defeat https://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/2022/january/reaction-garner-on-mansfield-defeat/ Swindon Town head coach Ben Garner gave a candid evaluation to the press following his team's 3-2 defeat to Mansfield Town at the One Call Stadium. Despite performing well in the second half and experiencing the majority of possession throughout the game, Town's comeback surge came too late, with The Stags claiming all three points from the game on Tuesday evening. In the wake of this defeat, Garner spoke with the local media and gave his thoughts on the performance, the result and more... GARNER ON THE RESULT AND THE PERFORMANCE: "Disappointed with the goals we conceded. Much improved second half. I thought we were much the better side, second half and had enough chances to take at least a point. "Difficult pitch, it was tough certainly to pass the ball on there and we didn’t do that well enough in the first half. We let them build momentum with things and that caused us problems really, doing that. But as I say, much better second half, at least we can take some pride from that and it gives us some momentum going into the game Saturday. "We’re disappointed to lose because, for me, we didn’t work hard enough and compete enough in our first half and that’s ultimately what has cost us the game." GARNER ON THE PENALTY TOWN DID NOT RECEIVE: "Yeah, I mean I’ve just seen both decisions back. Again, we’ve had a stonewall penalty not given. I sound like a broken record but, you know, Hunty (Rob Hunt) gets a touch in the box and he gets taken out, it’s a penalty. We don’t get it given." GARNER ON THE PENALTY GIVEN AGAINST TOWN: "I couldn’t tell on that one whether AK (Akin Odimayo) got a touch on the ball or not, but I don’t think he needed to make the tackle. Oates was going away from goal on his left foot, I thought AK had done well and delayed him, probably didn’t need to make the challenge but, once you do, you give the ref the opportunity to make the decision, but he’s given that one, he’s not given the one at this end and that’s been the story of our season with officials really." GARNER ON MANSFIELD'S THIRD GOAL: "We didn’t track the run. Not good enough. It was not a great kick, came straight back at us but the ball drops, we have to drop and track the run and it was a little bit of two players, one both thinking the other one will do it, and that was the story of our first half really, and, like I say, much better second half, much more where it should be. If we would have played like that for the ninety minutes, I’m confident we would have come away with at least a point, if not all three." GARNER ON A POOR FIRST HALF OUTING: "I don’t want to see it again. We will go behind in games, we will lose games, but we have to compete and we have to be at it in terms of our intensity. Our physical distances in the first half were no way near where they should be, nowhere near what they normally should be. "Second half will be through the roof compared to the first, so that’s a lesson we’ve got to take on and we have got to make sure that between now and the end of the season that we compete in every minute of every game. "I was angry at half time. We weren’t good enough with the ball, but we can improve that, we can change things up tactically and we can make points to help the team. If you don’t compete, you’ve got no chance in this league in any game. So, strong words at half time, good response second half. We need to make sure that that never happens again." GARNER ON WHAT TOWN CAN BUILD ON FROM TONIGHT: "We had a lot more energy second half, we had a lot more intensity about us. I thought we were the better side and we created some great chances, some great great chances, and we could have had three or four goals in the second half, so to come away with nothing from that second half performance is disappointing but you can’t give yourself that mountain to climb to concede three goals, it is always going to be really really difficult and ultimately we left ourselves with too much to do." GARNER ON WHY NEW SIGNING JAKE O'BRIEN STARTED: "Well obviously we needed to make a change, we have no Kaine (Kaine Kesler Hayden) now, (with him) going back to Aston Villa, so we moved Rob Hunt up one position into there and felt that there was an opportunity for Jake to go in and it was a tough game for him to start with. I thought he grew as the game went, I thought he got better as it went on. Overall it was a decent debut for him and I think he’ll kick on and do great from here." GARNER ON MANSFIELD TOWN: "Mansfield were good, they were good at what they do, and like I say it is really difficult, the pitch, in terms of trying to be able to play football on it. It is very heavy, it is very soft, and on dropping balls they get good bodies around it. "(Mansfield) competed really well tonight, credit to Mansfield, I thought they were very good, but we were better in the second half. We moved the ball quicker, we got it through the pitch quicker, we competed a lot more, created good opportunities and we made better decisions. "We made too many wrong decisions in the first half and they got on top in terms of the duals and the fifty-fiftys etcetera, so credit to them. We look at ourselves, it is solely down to us, that first forty five minutes has cost us the game and we have got to take that on the chin and now look forwards." --------------------- Ben Garner told BBC Wiltshire: "Jonny Williams got stamped on in the second half. He's got a little cut so we'll have to see how that is. The amount of times he is fouled per game is ridiculous. Something needs to be done about that. We're having to take him off regularly because he's being fouled all the time. I'm guessing he's been fouled 12-15 times in that game. He's got a cut on his eye and bruises on his legs. We need a bit more protection from referees in those situations." ------------------------ John Radford @JRadfordMTFC Another superb victory... eight league wins out of nine! We seem to have something special forming right now. Well done to Nigel, the players, our staff and fans. Together, we’ll keep moving forward. COYS!!! harrymckirdy Puta la ma (Spanish swearing) shit start in a shithole has cost us 3 points 10th league sausage of the season onto Saturday ----------------- |
Latest | January 2022