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Archived News from January 2020

JOHN RADFORD PROGRAMME NOTES
15th January 2020 17:51


John Radford's programme notes pre Forest Green Rovers game (as published on John Radford's facebook page), Saturday 11 January 2020:

Last Saturday’s game at home to Grimsby was a disappointing result to start the new year.

The truth is that this type of result has happened far too often this season, given the club’s set-up and investment.

For one, it cannot be contested that the club’s current infrastructure is the best in its history.

We have a new training ground which is said to be of Championship-standard, a wage budget which is far higher than our league position suggests and an infrastructure which is designed solely to help and support our players and aid them in fulfilling their potential both in training and ultimately on a matchday.

It is with a heavy heart when I write that I do not believe that these investments have been repaid by way of performances this season.

Let me be clear: as a football club, we win, lose and draw together. There can be no divisions. But this also means everyone - not just some - giving their all for the cause and in every way.

There should be no excuses for the low levels of performances in the first half of the season, which have already cost a good man his job.

I have no qualms about allowing anyone to leave the club if there is even a hint of doubt of dedication to the badge.

I want to now see a greater desire to play for Mansfield Town Football Club.

I could scarcely be prouder to be its owner; we have a manager who has moved down a league to manage this ambitious and proud club and our fanbase is as passionate as they come. This level of pride and dedication must be matched within every area of the football club. Nothing can be achieved without desire and I expect the levels of hunger to succeed to be much higher in the second half of the season.

Graham has my full support in the transfer market this month and his judgement will be ultimately decisive upon those who are worthy of remaining on this journey as well as recruiting those who can strengthen us.

A pride in performance for the badge is what I want to see in the second half of the season.

Let it begin today.

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Shock as Mansfield Town show door to two star names before Forest Green Rovers clash
chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS, Saturday 11 January 2020

Mansfield Town delivered a pre-match shock when they announced club captain Krystian Pearce and midfielder Jacob Mellis had been told they could leave the club ahead of today's home clash with Forest Green Rovers.

Also missing from the side among the four changes was keeper Conrad Logan.

https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/shock-as-mansfield-town-show-door-to-two-star-names-before-forest-green-rovers-clash-1-10196062

Boss Graham Coughlan has said he wants someone to provide a fight for the No.1 jersey and felt Logan's goalkeeping coaching duties may have taken their toll on him.

Hayden White was rested to the bench and replaced by Jamie Clarke at right back.

Into goal came Bobby Olejnik, Ryan Sweeney replaced Pearce at centre half and Will Tomlinson came back into midfield.

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Axed Mansfield Town duo challenged to prove boss Graham Coughlan wrong and fight to stay
chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS

Although experienced Mansfield Town pair Krystian Pearce and Jacob Mellis have been told they can leave, boss Graham Coughlan has challenged the pair to prove him wrong and fight to stay.

Club captain Pearce, who has been with Stags since July 2015, and former Chelsea midfielder Mellis, who arrived in May 2017, are free to go in this window if anyone comes in for them as Coughlan looks to freshen things up.

But he has told them the door remains open if they can convince him they want to stay and battle.

“Both Krystian and Jacob have been told they can move on and seek challenges elsewhere,” he said.

“It's unfortunate but I just thought the club was going a little bit stale and we needed freshening up.

https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/axed-mansfield-town-duo-challenged-to-prove-boss-graham-coughlan-wrong-and-fight-to-stay-1-10198316

“I have had an open and honest conversation with them and both players were accepting of the fact that maybe it is time for them to move on in their careers.”

However, he added: “But I wouldn't say their Mansfield careers are over or jump to any conclusions.

“Should they roll their sleeves up and maybe make me change my mind, work hard, do what we are asking for and buy into what we're asking for, there is opportunity and chance for every player.

“But as of now, like every other player I suppose, they are in the shop window not only for the club but for themselves.

“There is opportunity and chance for them here, but at this moment in time I am going to move a different way and if somebody wants to come and take them they can. They're more than welcome.

“That's the situation I have found myself in. The dressing room has gone a little bit stale. People have probably been here a little longer than they should. I am just trying to freshen the place up a little bit and give it a different outlook.

“I am looking for young, fit, hungry and enthusiastic players.”

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