Mansfield Town’s Jordan Bowery says that the ‘trust’ given to him by manager Nigel Clough to play in each position across the backline has filled him with confidence in matches so far in 2023/24.
Stags’ number nine, who is a forward by trade, played the first-half at Grimsby on Saturday at right-back before moving to centre-back after the break – winning Man of the Match for his display.
Speaking to iFollow Stags in a news conference yesterday, Jordan said: “I never know where I’m going to play so that’s a challenge in itself but I’m always up for it.
“It’s happened ever since the gaffer has been here and he’s done it [move a forward player into defence] with Lucas [Akins] when he was at Burton, so he’s used to doing that.
“I’m guessing that he trusts me in those positions to put me there – it’s a good confidence boost.
“I’m happy to play anywhere and I’ll give everything.
“I do enjoy it.”
The 32-year-old had previously played at full-back in games he had featured in so far this campaign but was moved infield following an injury to Baily Cargill at Blundell Park.
“I didn’t mind it, to be fair. I’ve played there a few times in previous years.
“I’ve just got to do what I’ve got to do; I get put there because we’re down to the bare bones at the minute.
“[With] Baily [Cargill] coming off I had to go centre-back. I don’t mind it but it’s a challenge at times.”
The former MK Dons man was provider for Rhys Oates’ equaliser on Saturday with a fine lofted through ball.
“We had a bit of a telling off at half-time, then we changed a few things because we had to through injuries,” he said.
“Rhys [Oates] came on and he changed the game. You know what you’re going to get with Rhys, he’s electric, exciting to watch and if you put the ball in behind, he’ll chase anything, so it was a big difference having him on.
“Luckily [the assist] stayed just outside the box because it [the pitch] was dry so it just held up a bit so he could nick it in front of the ‘keeper.
“There was two up there and I knew one of them was going to be running and I had seen Rhys just peeling off so I thought ‘I’ll put it in there’.”
Summer signing Aden Flint has shone so far this campaign. Bowery went on to praise the 34-year-old’s impact since joining the club.
“When you’ve got Flinty next to you, I haven’t got to challenge for anything,” said Jordan.
“He’ll win every ball; he’s been fantastic since he’s been here so having him next to me has been good.
“Obviously, I’m not a natural defender but having people like him and Lucas [Akins] slotting in [at right-back] and people talking – it just helps. It makes it easy for me.
“[There’s] No surprise he’s [Flint] been playing in the Championship for pretty much all of his career.
“He’s a good player. He’s a good addition to have.”
On this weekend’s opponents, Stockport County, the versatile performer said: “They’re a top side.
“I would say that out of all the teams we played last season, them and Salford probably gave us the toughest time even though they never beat us, Stockport.
“Off the ball, it was a tough time. They had a lot of possession and they’ve made some new additions – they’ve got some top-quality players.
“They’ll definitely be up there.”
