{ the news }
 
An independent supporters' website dedicated to Mansfield Town FC
Archived News from February 2016

MURRAY AND DEREK ADAMS REACTION
18th February 2016 21:46



Murray: We will learn from Plymouth loss
mansfieldtown.net, 13th February 2016

Stags' boss Adam Murray said his side 'gave everything' at high-flying Plymouth this afternoon, and will 'learn lessons' from the 3-0 loss as they head into the final third of the season.

Promotion-chasing Argyle displayed a number of good passages of play during the game and striker Ryan Brunt was the match-winner for the home side with his second-half effort adding to his first-half penalty, after Gregg Wylde had put the Pilgrims ahead with a well-hit 25-yard strike.

Stags had chances of their own; Ryan Tafazolli headed against the post in the first half before seeing another headed attempt cleared off the line by goalscorer Brunt in the second half.

And Murray, who watched the game from the directors’ box, says his side should take a number of lessons on board from today's game.

"I said to the boys, the biggest thing is that as individuals, they go away and they learn from today, that’s the only way we get better is if they learn. As a team, we know what we need to do better to take the next step, but as individuals they ultimately need to understand what they need to do to get better.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/fatigue-factor-key-for-murray-2953495.aspx#qwVlJbIX4LKzICxM.99

"I’m disappointed with the goals but the overall performance, I’m not disappointed with because we’ve come to a top team here, who I believe will get automatic promotion. So we’ve gone toe-to-toe with them and they’ve come out better on the day."

Following a run of matches which has seen his side embark on a number of long away trips, Murray says today's match was 'one step too far' for his players.

“It was one game too far for us. We looked lethargic, we looked a little bit ‘zapped’ of energy today and they were coming into it after a two-week break and they looked fresh. They were clinical and ruthless when they had their chances and we weren’t.

“A striking thing today was their ruthlessness in both boxes - defensively, they didn’t allow half a yard and [at] the other end, half a chance and it’s a goal.”

After initially thinking the penalty was given for a foul on Peter Hartley by defender Krystian Pearce, Murray revealed that the referee actually gave the spot kick for a foul committed by Chris Beardsley, however the gaffer has no complaints with the decision.

The boss also expressed his disappointment at the type of goals his side have conceded both today, and against Oxford United on Tuesday evening.

“The goals we’ve conceded in the last two games; I’m really disappointed with. [They are] basic goals, that shouldn’t really be happening. It’s not as if they’ve opened us up with super play; it’s basic goals and if you’re not going to defend your box properly against good teams and good players then you’re going to get punished, and that was the case today."

Murray continued: “Today, the disappointing thing was some of our decision-making, at times, was not at the standard that it has been and that’s what cost us today. We were a little bit sloppy in our play and we made some poor decisions. But at the same time we still had our chances, we could’ve punished them more.”

With games coming up against teams which sit lower than themselves in the Sky Bet League Two table, Murray says he isn’t going to be ‘too harsh’ on his players after today’s defeat, and is already looking ahead to the coming weeks.

“I’m not going to get too down on it and I’m not going to be too hard on the players because in the last five weeks, we’ve had a tough run.

“We can’t be too harsh with them. We go into a run of games now where we feel we can pick points up and kick on again, and that’s what we’ve got to do. It’s not the time to worry about losses at the minute.”

You can watch Murray's post-match interview on Stags Player later.

-------------

Adam Murray not too downbeat after Plymouth defeat, but ‘hated’ touchline absence
chad.co.uk, by Sportsbeat agency, Saturday 13 February 2016

Adam Murray says Mansfield Town will move on quite quickly from today’s 3-0 defeat by Plymouth Argyle.

The Stags boss, who watched from the directors box while serving a touchline ban, admitted Argyle were the better side today, but he wasn’t too downbeat.

“It was one of those days,” he said.

Read more: http://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/sport/local-sport/adam-murray-not-too-downbeat-after-plymouth-defeat-but-hated-touchline-absence-1-7731268#ixzz404ryovlN

“Things didn’t go our way. Little decisions, bounces and turns of the ball, ricochets from corners.

“We’ve hit the crossbar and it hit the back of the keeper and falls to him.

“But they’re a good team. In the first half they opened us up a little bit.”

Murray said the context of the opposition and their quality meant he wouldn’t be dwelling on the defeat, that halted his side’s four match unbeaten run.

“I’m not too downhearted. This was a big test for us.

“They’re a few steps ahead of us in terms of their journey.

“We don’t get downhearted, we stay on our step, working hard.

“I felt the performance wasn’t that bad, we tried, worked hard and created problems but the bottom line is that x-factor. They showed it and we didn’t.

“We’ve had a good go, they were just better than us on the day.

“I wouldn’t say we write it off, we want to be in the top three ultimately, whether it’s next season or the season after, so we have to learn from it.

“But we move on quite quickly, we’ve got a lot of games coming up that we can go and win.

“We’re on a great run, we’ve lost a game of football against a top team.”

And he won’t be voluntarily swapping the dugout for the directors box again any time soon.

“I hated it,” he said.

“It’s horrendous, I don’t know how people do it.

“You feel a little bit out of control.”

---------------

Plymouth Argyle: Mansfield boss Adam Murray tips the Pilgrims for top three finish
By Chris Errington, plymouthherald.co.uk

MANSFIELD Town manager Adam Murray has tipped Plymouth Argyle for automatic promotion from League Two.

Murray made his prediction after the Pilgrims beat Mansfield 3-0 at Home Park on Saturday, with Ryan Brunt getting two of the goals.

The 33-year-old, who had to serve a one-match touchline ban, said: "The striking thing today was their ruthlessness in both boxes.

"Defensively, they didn't allow half-a-yard and at the other end half a chance and it's a goal. That's the difference between the top three and where we are at the minute."

Read more: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Plymouth-Argyle-Mansfield-boss-Adam-Murray-tips/story-28729346-detail/story.html#ixzz408NZRAvE

Mansfield dropped from fourth to seventh spot in League Two after they slipped to their first defeat in five matches.

Murray continued: "We are still in the mix. We have come a long, long way and now we want to stay there.

"We do that with better decision making, and being clinical and ruthless. You don't get second chances with these big boys."

Murray pointed to the fact that Mansfield were playing their sixth game in 22 days, which had included a hard-fought 2-2 draw at another of the promotion contenders, Oxford United, on Tuesday.

In contrast, Argyle were coming off a fortnight break after their away game against Yeovil Town the previous Saturday was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Murray said: "I think it was one game too far for us. We looked lethargic and a little bit zapped of energy today.

"Obviously, they were coming into it after a two-week break and looked fresh. They were clinical and ruthless when they had their chances and we weren't.

"We have hit the post and hit the crossbar. We have had enough chances in the second half to score. I think from our set pieces we should have had at least one.

"But they have been in the top three all season for a reason - they are very good team and with very good players and a very good manager."

Murray continued: "I'm disappointed with the goals we conceded, but not the overall performance.

"We have come to a top team who I believe will get automatic promotion. We have gone toe to toe with them and they came out better on the day."

--------------

Home Comforts
by Chris Groves, pafc.co.uk

ARGYLE strolled to a comfortable 3-0 win over Mansfield Town, with manager Derek Adams relishing the bonus of an excellent performance to go with a much-needed win.

The Pilgrims further solidified their place inside the Sky Bet League 2 promotion places, with Gregg Wylde opening the scoring after 33 minutes with a fierce, low drive from outside the area.

Argyle surged forward after the opener, and were awarded their first penalty of the season - to a rapturous reception from the Green Army - which Ryan Brunt expertly tucked away after 36 minutes.

An excellent showing from the recalled Brunt was capped off with a second goal six minutes from time, reaching a Jake Jervis cross first to prod home, sealing a win that the Greens’ convincing display deserved.

“Wylde’s been excellent for us,” said Derek. “He’s scored goals now, which is important that he brings to his game, but he’s setting up chances for other players as well.

Read more at http://www.pafc.co.uk/news/article/home-comforts-2953826.aspx#m4ZaKwGbjosmMiP8.99

“You look at Mansfield today: they changed formation, as we knew they would do, a good number of times. It’s important that you have players who are capable of seeing a change in the game, and also being able to open them up.

“When you’ve got the players we have, it’s important you pass the ball well and quickly. Yes, when we go away from home at this moment in time, it can be easier for us, because there is more grass on the pitch, but hopefully that’ll be sorted when the good weather comes around."

The win sees Argyle move ten points clear of fourth place in the division, and whilst victories are obviously the priority to the boss, he knows that doing so in such a consummate fashion can only mean good things for his side.

“I’m just delighted to win,” said Derek. “I think that when you get to this stage in the season, you want to win games, but if you can win and play in a fashion like we do, then you’ve got to be more than happy.”

----------------

Plymouth Argyle: Derek Adams points to the importance of competition for places
By Chris Errington, plymouthherald.co.uk

DEREK ADAMS believes the competition for places at Plymouth Argyle will stand them in good stead for their promotion push over the rest of the season.

The Pilgrims' boss shook up his side for the visit of Mansfield Town to Home Park on Saturday and was rewarded with a 3-0 win.

Striker Ryan Brunt scored two of the goals on his recall to the team while midfielder Graham Carey made his first start since the end of November after a knee injury.

There was also a debut for on-loan Hibernian defender Jordon Forster at right-back.

Kelvin Mellor, an ever present this season, 11-goal top scorer Jake Jervis and striker Reuben Reid were the players to drop down to the substitutes' bench.

Adams pointed to the addition of Forster and experienced goalscorer Daniel Nardiello, on loan from Bury, during the January transfer window as being important pieces of business.

Talking about his team selection against Mansfield, Adams said: "You have got to make decisions and we have got a strong squad.

"We have got players who have moved out the side today who have done really well for us this season.

Read more: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Plymouth-Argyle-Derek-Adams-points-importance/story-28729056-detail/story.html#ixzz408O42ZfN

"Other players have come in and it's good to have the competition for places. We have got that because we have been able to manoeuvre in the transfer window in a positive fashion."

All the Argyle players know now, if they did not before, that no-one's place in the side is safe.

Adams said: "That's something I had hoped to have at the start of the season. Sometimes you can't get that because your hands are tied.

"Now, I have been able to manoeuvre in the transfer window, to get that competition for places. It's important you have that between now and the end of the season."

Forster, a central defender by trade, put in an assured performance at right-back against Mansfield.

He had been an unused substitute for the previous three games after signing from Hibernian last month.

Adams said: "He's 22 years of age, but he's strong, competitive and good on the ball.

"He will win his headers and tackles. I think he, Graham Carey and Ryan Brunt coming back into the side was good.

"Obviously, Mellor, Reid and Jake Jervis will be disappointed, but that's the way things happen.

"They will come back in the side, no doubt, during the season and do well for us," added the Pilgrims' boss.

Brunt was recalled to lead Argyle's attack against Mansfield by Adams, at the expense of Reid.

Not only did the 22-year-old score twice, to take his tally for the season to nine, he also made a goal-line clearance, via the crossbar.

It was 2-0 to Argyle early in the second half when Mansfield centre-back Ryan Tafazolli saw his looping header kept out by Brunt, who was stood by a post.

Adams said: "He's an important player. He has got a presence about him and scored two good goals - one a penalty.

"He was unfortunate not to have scored a hat-trick but he will be more than delighted going home with two goals tonight."

------------------

Plymouth Argyle: The best is still to come from Graham Carey, says Derek Adams
By Chris Errington, plymouthherald.co.uk

MANAGER Derek Adams watched midfielder Graham Carey produce another influential performance for Plymouth Argyle and then insisted: 'He's still not fully fit'.

Carey made his first start in two-and-a-half months as the Pilgrims beat Mansfield Town 3-0 at Home Park on Saturday.

The talented 26-year-old had played a couple of times as a substitute after recovering from a medial knee ligament injury before his call-up against Mansfield.

Carey was hugely important for Argyle in the first four months of the campaign and it is likely to be the same between now and the end of the season as they chase automatic promotion.

Adams said: "He looks to play forward and with the talent we have in the team we need forward passes.

"He plays them into good areas and will take the ball all over the pitch.

Read more: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Plymouth-Argyle-best-come-Graham-Carey-says-Derek/story-28729082-detail/story.html#ixzz408OJK54g

"Listen, he's not 100 per cent (fit) but you can see today that he controlled large spells in the game.

"We have got a lot of good attacking players and a lot of good defensive players as well.

"I think when you look to build a team you need different combinations, and we have got that."

Adams had promised before the game he would stick to his principles about his team passing the ball, despite the poor state of the Home Park pitch.

And, true to his word, the Pilgrims did not resort to long ball tactics as they repeatedly opened up Mansfield with some excellent attacking play.

Adams said: "When you have got the players we have, I think it's important we pass the ball well and quickly.

"Yes, at this moment in time, when we go away from home it can be easier for us because there is more grass on the pitch.

"But hopefully that will be sorted when the good weather comes around," he added.

Adams also spoke before the visit of Mansfield that he thought Argyle could take the League Two title, despite the outstanding form of leaders Northampton Town.

Northampton remained five points clear of the second-placed Pilgrims as they recorded a seventh consecutive victory with a 4-0 win away to Leyton Orient.

Adams retains the belief, however, that Argyle can not only secure automatic promotion but finish top of the pile.

"I said that I want to try to win the league and people probably looked at me as though I was daft, but that's what I'm here to do," he stated.

"Have we got the right to do it? Probably not. Are we going to try to do it? We are. There is a difference.

"We have got to look at the type of player we have got and try to push on.

"Are we a good side? We have won 18 games this season and that tells its own story," he added.

----------------------

Plymouth Argyle: I have proved I can score goals, declares striker Ryan Brunt
By Chris Errington, plymouthherald.co.uk

PLYMOUTH Argyle striker Ryan Brunt hopes he has proved there is more to his game than his physical presence and hold-up play.

Brunt netted twice as the Pilgrims consolidated their second position in League Two with a 3-0 victory over fourth-placed Mansfield Town at Home Park on Saturday.

It took Brunt's goal tally for the season to nine, with six of them coming in his last 11 appearances.

Brunt was picked in preference to Reuben Reid to lead Argyle's attack against Mansfield and vindicated the decision of manager Derek Adams with his double strike.

The 22-year-old was a regular off the substitutes' bench for the Pilgrims until the end of December.

But then he scored a spectacular last-gasp equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Dagenham and Redbridge and the goals have flowed since then.

Brunt told Herald Sport: "I have started a good percentage of the games between Dagenham and now. Confidence is a massive thing.

Read more: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Plymouth-Argyle-proved-score-goals-declares/story-28730907-detail/story.html#ixzz408Nm1x9m

"I'm going out on the pitch thinking 'I'm going to score' whereas before it was 'I have got to get my touch and lay it off'.

"That's the frame of mind I'm in. Obviously it's about the hold-up play and bringing other people into the game, but it's the confidence to think 'I'm going to score'.

"I think that's a massive change for me," added the former Bristol Rovers forward.

Brunt has become more selfish about trying to score goals, and not only he but Argyle have benefited from that.

He said: "I wasn't afraid to shoot before but I would always pass it.

"If you don't shoot, you don't score. I think that's something I was a bit unselfish with, and that has changed now.

"I'm trying to get shots off from different positions rather than lay it off."

Ultimately, whatever other qualities they bring to a team, strikers are always judged on goals and Brunt is delivering the goods at the moment.

His nine goals this season have come from 15 starts and 20 substitute appearances.

Brunt said: "I think people saw me as a workhorse, shutting defenders down and being a team player, but I have now showed a bit more than that.

"I can score goals, I can play up there on my own, and do well."

Winger Gregg Wylde fired Argyle into a 33rd minute lead and, soon afterwards, Brunt made it 2-0 when he successfully converted the Pilgrims' first penalty of the season.

Referee Brendan Malone could have awarded it for either of two challenges - one on Brunt by Chris Beardsley and the other on centre-back Peter Hartley by Krystian Pearce.

In the end, after consulting with assistant referee Mark Pottage, Malone awarded the penalty for Brunt being dragged down by Beardsley.

Brunt said: "I didn't even know what was going on, to be honest. I got pulled down and Pete got pulled down.

"The linesman flagged very late, but fair play to him but actually calling it and telling the referee.

"I turned around and he (Beardsley) just threw me to the floor, but Pete was adamant it was against him."

There was any doubt that Brunt would be the Argyle player to take the penalty.

"I have said all season, if Reubs isn't on the pitch then I will take it," said Brunt. "You have just got to be confident in the situation."

Brunt made sure of victory for Argyle when he slid in to finish an excellent low cross from substitute Jake Jervis.

The Pilgrims' striker got in front of Mansfield captain Lee Collins as he slotted home from close range.

Brunt said: "It was a great ball by Jake and luckily it came off my left foot when I slid in. I should have got a third with a header at the end.

"I don't know what happened there. It was lack of judgment really, I think.

"I thought I was a bit further out than I was. I will probably kick myself when I'm dreaming about it tonight, but you have got to move on. Two goals is good."

---------------------

 

Latest | February 2016