Mansfield Town

The former Fleetwood midfielder is now in to his fourth season with the club and was named as our Player of the Month for September earlier today.

Speaking at Thursday morning's news conference, the 32-year-old revealed his excitement ahead of Saturday's match against of local rivals.

“It’s a big derby, we are 40 minutes away from each other and the atmosphere is 'the one'," McGuire said.

 

“So, [we are] looking forward to it, and I am sure the fans are looking forward to it, the club’s looking forward to it and the whole town is.

 

“[It's] a big match, the three points will help us go up the table. We are concentrating on what we’ve got to do, and I think our main aim is three points for Saturday.”

 

McGuire felt the Stags received a timely confidence boost with well-earned results in three consecutive away games, when Adam Murray’s men registered 1-1 draws against Accrington Stanley and Crewe Alexandra, followed by a 1-0 victory over Port Vale.

 

He continued: “We had two tough away trips, we got two points at Accrington and Crewe; that was a boost as well, because I think we looked solid.

 

“We went to Port Vale and did a professional job, got the 1-0 result, and it put [our confidence] right up there now for Saturday. I think it was a big shout for the boys who stepped in, and we made, I think it was four changes.

 

“Young Tom Marriott came in and did really well. [It was a] nice little solid performance from him. Matt Green came on and he scored the goal, so, [it was a] big game and confidence boost.”  

 

When asked how he feels about his role as one of the senior pros in the squad, McGuire said: “When it comes to the game, I am up for the game [but] when it comes to the pitch, I have got to be a lot calmer [as a senior pro].

 

“But in the changing room I'm ready to go out in these kinds of games and get the boys roused before [the match]. 

 

Supporters can view Jamie McGuire's news conference on Stags PlayerHD.