MANSFIELD MATTERS:FOR THE FANS, BY THE FANS!
  • Home
  • 2022/23
  • MM Club Shop!
  • PODCAST
    • Series 1 (2017/18)
    • Series 2 (2018/19)
    • Series 3 (2019/20)
    • Series 4 (2020/21)
    • Series 5 (2021/22)
    • Stags Stories >
      • A Trip Down Memory Lane
      • Legends LIVE
  • Back In Time
    • Into The Unknown
    • The Conference Years >
      • Stags 2011-12 (Play-offs)
      • Stags 2012-13 (Champions) >
        • Audio Highlights
        • Reserves & Youth
        • Youth
      • 2011: When Dreams Came True
      • 2012: The Year Of The Stag
    • Stags 2013-14 (Football League Return)
    • Stags 2014-15
    • Stags 2017-18
    • Stags 2018-19
    • Stags 2019-20
    • Stags 2020-21
    • Stags 2021/22

PREVIEW: Crewe Alexandra (A) ‘Captains and Choo-Choo Trains’

3/8/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
The new league two season is now a matter of two sleeps away, as Steve Evans’ super Stags head to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday to start what Evans’ has branded “A train journey” – ironically against The Railway Men.

Crewe, managed by ex-Stag Dave Artell, have been quiet over the transfer window making just the five additions to date, four of which have been on free transfers – an average mid-table finish is predicted, but mystic meg doesn’t win you football matches, so one thing we must avoid [throughout the season] is the arrogance that comes with being the bookmakers favourites to win League Two.

Steve Evans says he will name is Captain for the forthcoming season tomorrow – speaking in this morning’s press conference Evans said “I have decided [who will be captain] but we'll tell the players tomorrow morning before we train. There's three or four protagonists for that role, it's not just one. Zander (Diamond) has captained us of course and Rhys (Bennett) has captained us and so has Ando (Paul Anderson), but we'll tell the players first.”

"[The captain's] role is to be your person in the dressing room and on the pitch, but it doesn't necessarily have to mean he's going to play every game. People have this myth that if you name a captain, he gets a shirt every game and it's nonsense.”

"You have to pick a team to win a game and that's why you have a captain and we'll probably announce a captain and two vice captains on the basis that one of those three will play unless there's injuries or suspensions.”

Personally out of the three hinted [which presumably means one will be captain, the others vice captain(s)] I’d like to see Paul Anderson given the armband, he has an experienced head on his shoulders, and having played fairly consistently throughout his career – he’ll be key in carrying us through sticky periods of the season.

Former Northampton team mate Zander Diamond obviously has bags of experience as captain, having skippered the cobblers – but for me, it’s the position which edges it with Anderson playing a wide midfield role, he’ll be in constant ear shot of Evans, not that that’s ever a problem! But in terms of getting arounf to ever player and controlling the game, Anderson from what I’ve seen is a better fit.

However, I’d actually give the armband to Paul Digby – or at the very least would like to see him given one of the vice captain roles. Digby as I’ve said in previous posts, is a sublime addition – he’ll play the interceptor role, get under players skin and generally keep the train well maintained and controlled.

Yes he’s only a young player at 22 years old but he’s already shown his talent, moving from the central defence role he’d become accustomed too, into holding-deep midfield. We talk openly in the first Mansfield Matters Podcast about Digby and the comparison with Jack Thomas – there’s a year and a month in age difference between the two, Digby the elder, with Jack actually having made more senior appearances, yet the gulf in quality is miles apart. Jack is a great lad and we all really want to see him given a chance, but Digby has that extra spark about him, and I think by making him captain – he’d go onto really flourish.

It was nine out and five in for Artell at Crewe, whilst 13 new faces have arrived at Stags – I really hope they’ve bonded and that whatever system and line-up Evans opts for, it works – looking back over pre-season, we need to be wary of counter-attacks and defending high-up the pitch, Crewe have some pacey players and if they catch us like Nottingham Forest did, we could be in trouble.

The Alex have some really dangerous and experienced front-men, Chris Porter has bags of experience and will spearhead the attack after joining from Colchester on a free, and with the exception of a three game loan spell with Chesterfield, wherever he’s been – he’s got goals.

Porter with Chris Dagnall is a dangerous combination, another player with goals wherever he’s been at a decent level, whilst with Jordan Bowery is bound to be looking for a goal against us, given the Nottingham born strikers link with the old enemy. 
Picture
Shot Stopper Bobby Oljenik [PIC Dan Westwell]
TEAM SELECTION
This week in the Podcast, we’ve all picked our sides as part of our Prediction League – here’s the side I’d go with at Crewe on Saturday

GOALKEEPER
Bobby Oljenik

The former Exeter shot stopper just edges it over Evans’ first close season signing Conrad Logan – they are both excellent keepers and my only criticism with both has been coming to claim a cross or a set-play.
Oljenik did this more at Alfreton last weekend and was more vocal than Logan, if I were a defender, I’d be a little more confident that the 30 year old Austrian would come out like an express train if needed.

DEFENDERS
Rhys Bennett

Another tough choice here as Hayden White offers a little more on the overlap going forward, but Bennett, who was Mr ever present last season can play either wide or central and do so comfortably, doing this allows us to drop into a back three and allow Benning/Hunt to push higher and then the attack minded midfielder [Mellis] to explore more without leaving too many holes.

Zander Diamond

An easy choice for me, he’s vocal and can play either left or right side – he’ll also offer something from attacking set-plays

Krystian Pearce

Solid and no-nonsense – I have my reservations over his pace but we have players to cover and with the Evans has set out to play in pre-season thus far, I don’t think that will be too much of an issue

​Mal Benning

Just, and only just! Mal is a terrific talent and one of the best left backs we’ve had in my opinion. He can get forward and has pace to track back and isn’t sacred of a challenge – he’s upped his game since the arrival of Hunt who is a very similar player. 
Picture
First name on the team sheet, Paul Digby [PIC Dan Westwell]
MIDFIELDERS
Paul Anderson
The former Nottingham Forest man can play down either flank or in the middle, he’s got a good delivery and holds play well allowing others to move around him – a reliable choice to chip away at defenders

Paul Digby

The first name on my team sheet, playing the interceptor role. His talent for his age is ridiculous

Jacob Mellis

After THAT goal at Alfreton, there’s no way he won’t get in the starting line-up! The former and now reformed Chelsea youngster has impressed with his flare and movement, and lets face it, the skill for the goal last weekend was insane hence why he’ll get the nod over Byrom, who is unlucky to miss out but will be key in games and period the Steve Evans express needs to take stock and dictate play.

​Alfie Potter

A solid player who can turn on the style when needed, he’s an eye for a pass and creates chances 

Picture
Lee Angol seems the best option to pair with Rose [PIC James WIlliamson]
STRIKERS
Danny Rose
Watch this space, Danny Rose will score goals – let’s not forget Mansfield actually paid for his services from Bury at the start of last season and whilst he didn’t hit the ground running under Murray – under Evans he really blossomed, well now it’s time for the Rose to bloom.

​Lee Angol
Out of the pairings with Rose, the ex-Peterborough man has looked the strongest to partner Rose, plus he knows where the net is!
 
The Steve Evans train makes it maiden journey on Saturday, calling at Crewe – it looks like they’ll be a healthy following too as the Stags look to derail the railway men and reach their destination – League One.  

Every champion was once a contender who simply refused to give up – COME ON YOU STAGS! 
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    ABOUT MM-BLOG

    If you enjoy the Mansfield Matters Podcast, our Blog page is very similar - just in article form as team members share their views on matches and events! 

    Fancy submitting an article, DM us on Facebook/Twitter to get our attention, or email mtfcmatters@gmail.com (please note, this inbox isn't monitored often so it may take a while to get back to you) 

    Please read the disclaimer on the home page. 

    Categories

    All
    2011 12 Season Review
    2011-12 Season Review
    2013 14 Pre Season
    2013 14 Pre-Season
    2013/14 Season
    2014/15 Pre Season
    2014/15 Pre-Season
    201516 Seson
    2016 17
    2016-17
    2017 18
    2017-18
    2018 19
    2018 19 Pre Season
    2019 20
    2019-20
    2019 20 Pre Season
    2020 21
    2021 22
    2021 22 Pre Season
    Awards
    Capital One Cup
    Checkatrade Trophy
    Craig Priest
    EFL Cup (Carabao)
    EFL Trophy
    EFL Trophy (Leasing.com)
    EFL Trophy [Papa Johns]
    Fa Cup
    Farewell Matt Green
    Featured Bloggers
    Friendly
    Game Review
    Green Energy Challenge Trophy
    History
    Hot Topics
    Into The Unknown
    John Thompson
    Jpt
    Kirsty Swann
    League Cup
    Legends Live
    Manager Review
    Mansfield Matters Weekly
    Mark Plumb
    Match Preview
    Match Preview 2012 13
    Match Preview 2012-13
    Match Preview 2013 14
    Match Preview 2013-14
    Match Preview 2017 18
    Match Report
    Match Report 13 14
    Match Report 13-14
    Match Report 14 15
    Match Report 14-15
    Match Report 17 18
    Match Report 18 19
    Match Report 19 20
    Match Report 2012 13
    Match Report 2012-13
    Match Report 20 21
    Match Report 21 22
    Memory Lane
    Mid Season
    News
    Paul Cox 100
    Player Review
    Play Offs
    Play-Offs
    Play Offs [League Two]
    Podcast
    Pre-season1213
    Pre Season 17/18
    Reserve Team
    Rhys Day Testimonial
    Road Trips
    Season Review 2012 13
    Season Review 2012-13
    Sky Bet League Two
    Stags Stories
    Stags Youth
    Supporter Blog
    The Exhibition XIs
    Twelve Against Time
    Under 21s
    Wembley 2011
    Where Are They Now
    Your Views

    Archives

    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    January 2016
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    November 2011

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • 2022/23
  • MM Club Shop!
  • PODCAST
    • Series 1 (2017/18)
    • Series 2 (2018/19)
    • Series 3 (2019/20)
    • Series 4 (2020/21)
    • Series 5 (2021/22)
    • Stags Stories >
      • A Trip Down Memory Lane
      • Legends LIVE
  • Back In Time
    • Into The Unknown
    • The Conference Years >
      • Stags 2011-12 (Play-offs)
      • Stags 2012-13 (Champions) >
        • Audio Highlights
        • Reserves & Youth
        • Youth
      • 2011: When Dreams Came True
      • 2012: The Year Of The Stag
    • Stags 2013-14 (Football League Return)
    • Stags 2014-15
    • Stags 2017-18
    • Stags 2018-19
    • Stags 2019-20
    • Stags 2020-21
    • Stags 2021/22