Mansfield Town

Boss to explore loan market after being given go ahead to strengthen squad.

Manager Paul Cox says he has his eyes on certain targets, who could join us when the loan window re-opens next week.

Our manager, who was speaking ahead of this weekend’s trip to Exeter City, admitted our squad does need strengthening in certain areas.

“[Myself and the chairman] spoke a couple of days back and there is scope [to bring someone in on loan],” said our boss.

“We aren’t going to go barmy, there isn’t a massive amount of money to spend or anything like that, but there is scope to add to the squad and that’s something for which I’m grateful.

“Sometimes players need just that body to come in, whether it’s a centre-forward, midfielder or defender, and lift the dressing room to a different level.”

Cox continued: “We’re not a bad side and I’ve said that from pre-season, but the problem was going to be when we got injuries and suspensions.

“What’s happened in the early parts of the season is that we’ve had injuries – it’s as simple as that. From Liam Hearn to Martin Riley being missing, to Luke Jones not being back yet to John Dempster, you can look right through and say that successful sides are the ones that got that 11 on the pitch and form consistency.”

Our manager added to his attacking options late on transfer deadline day by capturing the signature of highly-rated youngster Rakish Bingham, who could make his debut on Saturday.

“We’ve seen Rakish in a behind-closed-doors game and we just knew that this kid has got something,” said our boss. “He went on tour with Bournemouth’s first team squad in pre-season and was coveted by a lot of other clubs.

“We’ve nipped in there first and I think his potential is frightening.

“I’ve seen Matt Green walk into this football club, worked with people like Liam Hearn and natural goalscorers, and this kid has got masses of potential.”

On winger/forward Sam Clucas’ departure from One Call Stadium to Chesterfield on transfer deadline day, Cox said: “I think first and foremost, football is a business.

“We don’t want to lose our best players. Sam was out of contract next summer and the initial offer was turned down for the club that came in for him.

He added: “I understand the rivalry [between Mansfield and Chesterfield]. You understand that people love their respective clubs, etcetera, but more than anything it’s the future of the football club and how we take it forward that’s the most important thing.”

In team news, both centre-back Luke Jones and John Dempster are expected to miss Saturday’s trip to St James Park, whilst no update is yet available on Liam Marsden, who limped off in the closing stages of our midweek Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat at Notts County.

Paul Cox’s interview from this morning’s press conference will be available on Stags Player later today. To subscribe, click here.