Mansfield Town

Manager Adam Murray insists that there is a positive energy around One Call Stadium, but wants 110% commitment, pride and passion from everyone in tomorrow’s crunch clash with Tranmere Rovers.

Three points from the game would all but secure our status in Sky Bet League Two, and our boss insists that focus and togetherness will be key in achieving our collective goal.

“It’s a great time for [everyone to be unified],” said Murray. “We’ve asked for it over recent weeks and tomorrow will be a game where we need everyone pulling in the same direction.

“It’s a big game. It’s a game that Tranmere have got to win and we want to get the three points [to get things] done and dusted, so it’s a big game for everybody.”

He continued: “I think we’re looking forward to getting back on home turf and making things right after a few of our last results at home. We had a great run of form at home and then we’ve dipped a little bit over recent weeks, so it’s something that the players are determined to put right. 

“Like I said in my press [conference] on Thursday last week, there is an incredible focus about the group at the minute. If we weren’t performing well, then I’d be worried, but we’re going into the last four games and performance-wise we’ve been outstanding.

“We’ve probably not had the rub of the green [and the results] that we’ve deserved, and we’ve probably not been as ruthless as we should have been in both boxes, which unfortunately has been the story of the season.

“But the focus and the positive energy around the group at the minute is superb and we couldn’t really ask for more going into the run in.”

When asked what he would like from supporters tomorrow night, Murray said: “I think I want from them exactly what they want from us [which is] 110% commitment, 110% pride, passion and battle mentality to the end whistle.

“We know that it’s going to be a hostile game with a lot of tension and anxiety for both sets of players, but we’re going into it on the back of performances which have been top drawer. It’s important that we carry that on, play on the front foot, and we’re looking forward to it.” 

In team news, our boss is hoping that an extension to Callum Elder’s loan deal from Leicester City will be wrapped up before tomorrow’s game.

Both Terry Hawkridge and Simon Heslop have recovered from viruses, whilst Ritchie Sutton and Lenny Pidgeley may also be back in contention.

Winger Junior Brown is also available for selection again, having completed a four-game ban for receiving a red card in last month’s defeat at Hartlepool United.