Mansfield Town

Speaking at his weekly press conference, our boss stated that he has held discussions with three unnamed trialists, though deals to bring them to the club are yet to be finalised.

Cox said: “I’ve held discussions with three trialists who have been with us over the past week and we’ve got to make a decision on who we bring in.” 

“We have to be analytical about the situation and look at what they are going to bring us, not just for Saturday, but in the coming weeks too. 

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Dave Rhodes (Mansfield 103.2) and John Lomas (Chad) are asking the questions from today's press meeting

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“I’ll sit down with the chairman later today and we’ll see what happens. We may also have to dip into the loan market if necessary.”

With talisman Matt Green suspended until the clash with Hereford United later this month, Cox also revealed that his squad has been hit by a series of fresh injuries in recent days. 

Gary Roberts looks set for a spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, whilst Andy Todd (hamstring), Jamie Hand (knee) and Nick Wright (knee) have all been ruled out of Saturday’s clash. 

Cox continued: “Injuries have kicked in and it’s going to be a long season. We’ve got a few that are missing at the moment.” 

“Jamie Hand looks like he could be a long-term one and is going to have a scan on his knee, whilst Nick Wright and Andy Todd are both out injured. 

“We’re down to about 20 fit players, but we won’t be recalling anyone who is out on loan.”

Our squad travel to Shropshire on Saturday to lock horns with a Telford side who sit just two places below us in the Blue Square Bet Premier table. 

The Bucks were one of only a handful of teams that we failed to beat last season, with a 1-1 draw at One Call Stadium being followed up with a dour goalless game at the New Bucks Head. 

And our manager is fully aware of the dangerous threat that is posed by Andy Sinton’s side. 

“Telford have done really well. They’ve got off to a great start and it’s never an easy place to go and get a good result,” said Cox. 

“But the lads have worked hard in training over the past week and I’ve told them to get their heads down. We have to earn the right to win a football match.”