Cox wants to see improved display in cup clash with non-league underdogs Concord Rangers.
Manager Paul Cox wants to see a response from his players when we take on Concord Rangers in the FA Cup first round this weekend.
The Beach Boys, who ply their trade in the Vanarama South, will be determined to cup upset in what is their first ever appearance in the FA Cup proper.
Our team head into Saturday's match on the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Southend United in Sky Bet League Two last Saturday.
Cox, who described that display as unacceptable, said: "We didn’t match the standards that we’ve shown throughout the last three-and-a-half years, but I can only count a handful of occasions when we’ve been like that.”
He continued: "In my opinion, we’ve not had the depth of quality in the squad, where I can rotate or leave one or two out and freshen them up mentally and physically. When a player has got tired we’ve only had young players come in who aren’t used to the intensity of League Two football.
“At this [level of] football it’s very fast and furious with a very high intensity and energy levels are zapped straight away and that is where as a manager, you want to look to your bench to make changes and freshen things up.”
Nevertheless, despite recent results, our manager is very upbeat and hopeful of an improvement of results: “Some of the boys are returning and hopefully in the run up to Christmas we’ll have a squad that will make itself easy to manage and we’re not looking around blaming injuries.
“Some of the boys have been playing at 100% for a number of games and it has taken its toll. This period has been one of the toughest in my managerial career and certainly while I’ve been at this football club.”
In team news, both Jamie Sendles-White and Daniel Carr are available for selection, having received permission from Queen’s Park Rangers and Huddersfield Town, respectively, to play in the FA Cup.
Striker Matt Rhead is also pushing for a return after featuring in a behind-closed-doors game at Alfreton Town in midweek.
However, striker Vadaine Oliver is ineligible as we haven't received permission from Crewe Alexandra for him to play, and full-back Kieron Freeman won’t make a return as he is still struggling with an ankle injury.
Our boss has also hinted that a new face may be added to our squad in time for Saturday’s game.
He added: “We’re looking to bring someone in, but we won’t just make signings for the sake of it. We want someone who will add quality to us.”
Paul Cox’s full interview from this morning’s press conference is available later today on Stags Player. To subscribe, click here.
