Mansfield Town boss Adam Murray said today that small improvements behind-the-scenes have played a big factor in Stags’ promising start to the season.
Following last night’s comprehensive 2-0 victory at Stevenage, Adam Murray’s men sit in a respectable seventh position in Sky Bet League Two and boast the second best defensive record in the division.And Murray, who is building a reputation as an astute pragmatist, is pleased to see that unnoticed preparation is beginning to pay dividends.
“The whole football club is improving,” said Murray, who celebrates his 33rd birthday today.
“It’s the minute things [which are coming good] which people think ‘are they worth it? They do. It’s little things like adding daily vitamins to the lads’ diets which they have to take now. We have a small squad, so we have to look after them.
“Paul Broughton (stadium director) has been brilliant to back us and give us that, and it makes a difference. It’s the same this Friday. We’ll travel (to Dagenham) on Friday night. Some people will say ‘it’s only a couple of hours’ (to Dagenham), but it makes a difference. All these things add up to get you results.
“It’s no co-incidence where Accrington are where they are (fourth in League Two). They’re training at Bolton Wanderers’ training ground now. It makes a difference, it helps.”
During this morning’s news conference, Murray praised the staff at One Call Stadium, who have helped the players in the build-up to games.
“Everything you can do to gain that extra percentage, you have to do.
“At the minute the football club is buying into this. Even the things that people think go under the radar, such as the cleaners we have, who are top drawer. They make sure that every morning, the building and dressing room is clean, it smells nice, and makes the players feel good.
“The groundstaff are working ridiculously hard. We have a new chef who is top drawer, as is the food. It limits a percentage of risk and the more you can do that the more chance you have of being successful."
The Stags' chief now wants back-to-back wins for the first time this season, but isn't underestimating Saturday's hosts, Dagenham & Redbridge, by any means.
“We want to go on a run now, [but] Dagenham will be another tough one. They got a good result last night (at home to Notts County). We will have our game plan and will go there preparing to win.”
Watch the full interview on Stags Player.
