Mansfield Town’s versatile performer Jordan Bowery says he’s happy to play anywhere to help the team as the Stags prepare for an encounter away at Sutton United on Saturday.
A striker by trade, the 31-year-old has operated at both wing-back and centre-back this campaign.
Despite not performing in his natural position this season, the former MK Dons man says he’s ‘enjoying’ life in his new roles.
Speaking at a news conference at RH Academy today, Bowery said: “As a lot of people will know I’m not a selfish player.
“I don’t care about getting the limelight, I’m happy to play anywhere as long as I’m contributing and helping the team.
“Since I’ve been here, I’ve loved it.
“The gaffer and his staff have put a lot of faith in me.
“I’m happy to play anywhere the manager puts me.
“I feel comfortable in most positions.
“I’ve got the [number] nine on my back but it doesn’t mean anything. I’m playing right wing-back at the minute and I’m enjoying it.”
On the Stags’ start to the new campaign, he said: “It’s been a reasonable start.
“Obviously, it’s been the games at home where we’ve had the wins, it’s just the away form that we need to tinker a bit.
“Even a point away will help [at times]. We just need to sort that away form.
“That will come, it’s still early days.
“I don’t see why we can’t go away and play exactly like we do at home.
“Watching the game against Orient, the lads played well there and were unlucky not to get a win.
“That’s positive to take as well.
“Hopefully, we can go to Sutton and get a win.”
Mansfield’s game at VBS Community Stadium this Saturday will provide an opportunity for the Stags to beat the only side that took maximum points from them during the 2021/22 season.
“They’ve been our bogey team,” said Bowery.
“It’s a new season, and [hopefully] we can get three points from them.
“I’m a big lad and I don’t mind the physical side, but I like the ball down.
“As a team, we’re a good footballing team.
“I think we’ve grown up a bit [as a team since last season]. We’ve adapted to it [direct styles of play] and we’ve got the players for it.
“We’re working harder every day in training.”
The forward provided an insight on exactly how he’s had to alter his game, playing as a defender.
“I know that I’m not going to be on the end of crosses much, so I need to be trying to deliver [them].
“I’ve got more responsibility defensive wise as well – tracking back.
“It’s more [about] all-round [play] than trying to get goals or assist when you’ve got your back to goal.
“It’s not too different to playing right wing but obviously I’ve got to track back more and be more defensive at times.”
Bowery provided a delightful cross for George Lapslie to head home in the Stags’ 5-2 win over AFC Wimbledon last Tuesday – showcasing the quality that has seen Nigel Clough select him as a wing-back in every league match he’s been available so far this campaign.
“It was a good cross.
“I could’ve got a couple more [assists].
“The other two crosses were terrible”, he said smiling.
When asked if he’s missing playing as a striker, Bowery said: “Yeah and no.
“I’ve always played as a striker, it’s nice to get those goals, but as long as someone else is up there, getting the goals and we’re winning – I don’t really mind.
“I’m just happy to see the team win.
“The lads are always saying the day before training ‘I wonder where you’ll play tomorrow’.
“No one knows, but I’m happy.”
