Mansfield Town player/assistant-manager Adam Murray says that we are looking to sign versatile players this summer, which will enable us to operate with a smaller squad next season.
Our football hierarchy have already begun preparations for the 2014/15 campaign in Sky Bet League Two by announcing their retained list which you can view by clicking here.
In addition to eight players who are already under contract for next term, we activated clauses in the contracts of three other players to keep them with us, whilst six more were offered new deals.
“We’ll be looking to ‘wheel and deal’ in the summer and we’ll be running with a smaller squad,” said Murray.
“If that means bringing in players who can play in multiple positions and do multiple jobs then that’s what we’ll do.
“If that means bringing in players who can play in multiple positions and do multiple jobs then that’s what we’ll do.
“We want to be successful, compete, and do the best we can with what we’ve got.”
As a result of us operating with a smaller squad-size next season, Murray admits that we may need to become more active in the loan market.
Asked whether or not we may sign Lewis Price and Darryl Westlake, both of whom spent time on loan with us last season, he replied: “If it’s do-able then obviously we’d like to.
“The two lads that came in were great for us and I think everybody at the football club saw the job they did.
Murray added: “Again, first and foremost, it’ll come down to if the boys want to come. They’re both at clubs higher up in the football pyramid, so they’ll have the final decision, but we’re interested in bringing them back.
“With a smaller squad we will probably be looking at a couple of loans next year and if Pricey (Lewis Price) is able to adapt to this level and a deal can be done, then it’d be great.
“Obviously there’s been a contract offered to Alan Marriott and if you had those as your two goalkeepers at the club, then it’d be a great little battle.”
Meanwhile, our assistant-manager also had kind words to say about Louis Briscoe, whose departure from One Call Stadium this morning brought an end to a five-and-a-half-year stay with us.
“Louis’ been a great servant to the club,” said Murray. “You look over the seasons and he’s scored some great, important goals, and he’s been brilliant for us.
“This season has been up and down for him, he’s struggled with injuries and hasn’t been able to come in and stake a claim on a regular basis, but that’s football.”
He added: “Louis’ had a half-decent career up to now and it’s up to him to go and push on. We wish him all the very best.”
A full interview with Adam Murray will be available on Stags Player later today. To subscribe, click here.
