Graham Coughlan era at Mansfield gets under way

Posted Friday, December 20, 2019 by PA

Mansfield start life under Graham Coughlan against Northampton.

New manager Coughlan, who arrived from Bristol Rovers on Wednesday, is without Kellan Gordon due to a serious back injury and Neal Bishop should continue in his place having stepped in at Gresty Road.

Defender Hayden White is back in training following his recovery from a broken leg while striker Danny Rose appeared as a late substitute in last weekend’s draw at Crewe after shaking off a hamstring problem.

Coughlan may choose to restore regular goalkeeper Conrad Logan, who has had the gloves taken off him by Bobby Olejnik for the last three games.

Northampton boss Keith Curle has all his players “on standby” after reporting a clean bill of health.

The Cobblers are back to full strength after defender Joe Martin was fit enough to take a place on the bench for Saturday’s victory over Forest Green. The 31-year-old will hope to start at Field Mill.

Curle told ntfc.co.uk: “We’ve got the flexibility in the squad to play different players and different formations and that is important.

“We are constantly looking to improve and that is an ever-evolving process. We will only bring in players who will improve us and fit what we are trying to do.”