Mansfield Town

Surpassing all expectations, Murray’s men sit in seventh position in Sky Bet League Two, with 33 points from 21 matches.

Stags last reached such heights before Christmas 12 years ago, in a season which Stags eventually lost in the Nationwide League Division Three play-off final to Huddersfield.

Speaking at today’s news conference at One Call Stadium, the Mansfield boss applauded his squad for delivering a number of notable results this season.

“We're getting a lot of plaudits from the football world at the minute because the progression which the players are making is commendable,” said Murray.

“We’re keeping on our path and not letting anything affect that. 

“We’re fully focussed on what we’re doing this season. We want our season to come on as we go on.”

Even though Murray is content with his team’s progress so far this term, he insists there is more to come.

“You can’t rush our journey or process. It will take as long as it needs to take. 

“We all want to be the final product which I have in my head and no one wants that more than me.

“[But] we couldn’t have asked for any more in the first five months of the season, with the steps we have taken.

“If we can go into the second half of the season 'in the mixer' [play-offs], we’ll have a chance of succeeding.

“We’ve been brilliant up to now, no one can take that away from us. It’s now a case of continuing the work we’ve done, improving on what we have done and becoming better at what we do."

In the final match before Christmas, Stags face a Cambridge United side at the R Costings Abbey Stadium who have won the last three league matches.

“They’ve got the new manager ‘rush’ at the minute," said Murray

"Shaun will get them fired up, working hard, pressing and harrying teams down. They’ve picked up some good results. It’ll be a good game for us, another challenge."

In other news, it was revealed that captain Nicky Hunt may be available for selection in two weeks following a hamstring problem which has ruled him out of the last five games.

The Stags boss also confirmed that his players will travel overnight to Morecambe on Christmas Day for the fixture at the Globe Arena on 26 December.

“We’re doing things properly. So far up to now, the club, as well as the team, have done things properly.

“We’ll be in the hotel on Christmas day and we'll prepare right.

"The bottom line is three points.  We all want to be with our families and open presents but I'm about winning. Unfortunately, that’s the way it is for footballers.

“A break can be had in May when the season is over, but for nine/ten months we’re paid to work and produce."

For the full interview from today's news conference, log in to Stags Player.