Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough said he is delighted with his side’s strong start to the League One season but urged caution about maintaining momentum.
Newly promoted Mansfield have adapted to the step up following promotion from League Two last season. The Stags are competing in League One for the first time since 2002/03. But they have shown quality by taking 20 points and losing just once in their opening nine games.
Mansfield Town’s Nigel Clough Keeping Realistic Expectations
Clough’s outfit notched a six-match unbeaten streak after a 4-1 thrashing at Lincoln City and jumped up to third in the table. In addition, Mansfield’s 16 points from their last six is the best League One points return in the division, recorded by Whoscored.
Although Mansfield is the team to beat currently, Clough doesn’t want to get carried away by the form table. The former Burton Albion boss took over at Field Mill when the club was 22nd in League Two and staring at potential relegation to the National League.
Such a grounding means Clough wants to enjoy the club’s recent success. But, as reported by the Mansfield and Ashfield Chad, the 58-year-old is eager to remain humble about the task at hand in League One.
“There is nothing wrong with dreaming, but it has to be tempered with the thought that we are up against clubs like Birmingham, Wrexham, Stockport, Charlton and other ex-Premier League clubs. Over 46 games we will see where we are.
“Everyone is riding the wave and enjoying it – and they should. You don’t know what’s going to happen around the corner so let’s enjoy it while it’s there.
“I just want us to establish ourselves as a League One club first and foremost. That could be fifth from bottom or sixth from top.
“After being a League Two club for 20-odd years, that is the next stage now. Having not stayed in this league for 35 years I don’t think that is unrealistic or tempering expectations too much. It was about time we got up here and the supporters deserve it. I think they are enjoying it.
Writer’s View
With Birmingham and Wrexham coming up in the next three weeks, it’s no wonder Clough is urging caution. Mansfield will have to be at the top of their game to ride through these tough upcoming fixtures. Yet momentum is key and the Stags will be confident of getting a sixth consecutive win at home against mid-table Stevenage on Saturday.
