Blues boss set to face boyhood hero when Carlisle United take on Mansfield Town
newsandstar.co.uk, By Jon Colman
Chris Beech will come up against one of his boyhood heroes when Carlisle United take on Mansfield tonight.
The Stags’ first-team coach Andy Garner was a fans’ favourite when Beech was on the terraces at Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road.
The United head coach will be trying to get the better of his former Tangerines idol Garner and Mansfield boss Nigel Clough at Brunton Park tonight.
“I’ve come up against Nigel a lot at Rochdale, and Andy Garner,” Beech said.
“I used to watch Andy score goals for Blackpool when I was a young boy. ‘Ooh Andy Garner’ - swivel, turn, top corner shot - that’s what the Seasiders used to sing.
“It will be good to see him but of course we have to look to try and repeat our current performance.”
Clough and Garner have been in charge at Mansfield since early November after the sacking of Graham Coughlan.
Experienced former Derby, Sheffield United and Burton boss Clough has stemmed the Stags’ early-season run of defeats.
They have lost just once in their last 11 games in all competitions despite sitting 19th in the League Two table.
Mansfield - who could include former Blues striker Andy Cook - have drawn 10 of their 17 games so far in the league, winning two and losing five.
They have lost just once on their travels.
While high-flying Carlisle are seeking a fourth straight win for the first time in nearly two years, Beech says it is vital his side are at their best tonight.
“Nigel’s been managing a long time, had some great experiences at Sheffield United and Burton,” Beech said.
“He knows what he’s doing, he’ll have those lads right at it and they’ll have an understanding of what we’ve been like at home.
“Take nothing for granted. If you don’t bring your toolbag to work, you can’t do a job. We have to make sure we bring our bag with us.”
United have won seven of their eight home league games, and are in good form both at Brunton Park and on the road.
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