Clough urging Stags not to sit back, but go and have a go at Cats

Nigel Clough says he will tell his Mansfield team to take the game to Sunderland this afternoon.

The former Burton Al - bion boss was confirmed as The Stags’ new manager on Friday afternoon, but will not take charge of the FA Cup first round tie at the Stadium of Light.

Clough is hoping to travel to Wearside, where he was born and where his father

Brian is revered for his goals c o r i n g ac h i eve m e nt s , to watch the contest.

Richard Cooper will be in the dug-out for the visitors, but Clough will speak to his new squad before the game.

“I don't think it's a shortterm job, there will need to be building, time and patience,” Clough said.

“It's a big challenge, but it's a club with an awful lot of potential.

"That's the main attraction. It's a very good club and there are a lot of good people here.

“I think this is a very good o p p o r tu n i ty. We m e t t h e players briefly this morning.

"We'll demand maximum effort, first and foremost - th at's n o n- n egot i ab l e. We also like to attack as much as we can.

"We're hoping to be there [ to m o r row ] , but R i c h a rd

Cooper has done excellently with the lads so he will take the game,” Clough added.

“We'll pop our heads in and wish them good luck. My message to the players is just have a go.

"D o n't s i t b a c k , l e t's go and have a go.

“The opportunity to play at the Stadium of Light, one of the best stadiums in the country, is a wonderful one. So let's go and enjoy it."

Mansfield Town have endured a torrid start to the season, 22nd in League Two and yet to win a competitive game.

They have a strong squad for the level, though, with fo r m e r m a n a ge r G ra h a m Coughlan heavily backed in the summer.

There have been signs of i m p rove m e nt s i n th e l a s t two games, too, with Cooper overseeing draws against

Walsall and Bolton Wanderers.

The winner of the tie will land £16,972 in prize money, a figure significantly reduced from last season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a further change, losing teams will land £5,657.

There will be no replay, with extra time and penalties settling the game if level after 90 minutes.