MURRAY OUT FOR 13 LUCKY STAGS
MANSFIELD manager Adam Murray is looking for a baker’s dozen to ensure the Stags don’t spend next term on the League Two breadline.
After winning the 2012-13 Conference title as one of Non-League football’s big spenders, budget cuts last season seriously affected Mansfield’s chances of building on their first campaign back in the League.
Murray took over from Paul Cox midway through and managed to stave off relegation, finishing fourth-bottom.
After announcing his retained list this week, the Field Mill boss says he is looking for an entire new team – and more – this summer.
The ex-Oxford midfielder released seven players, with further discussions planned with four others – Luke Jones, Matty Blair, Rakish Bingham and Liam Hearn – and John Dempster becoming full-time academy manager.
Murray said: “I thank all of the players for keeping the club in the League. It’s been a tough few months and everyone has given their all.
“We’re at a point now where I feel the whole club needs a fresh start. There have been some tough decisions made, but decisions which have been made in the best interests of the club.
“We now need a fresh energy, focus and a new impetus, as well as a new group to take us forward.
“There could be wholesale changes. I am looking in the region of adding around 13 new players. It’s a big overhaul but something that I feel is needed as I plan the future for Mansfield Town.”
Murray has just Joe Fitzpatrick, Dan Fletcher, Corbin Shires, Jack Thomas under contract, while options have been taken up on Reggie Lambe and Ryan Tafazolli.
New offers have gone to Junior Brown, Chris Clements, Liam Marsden, Jamie McGuire, Matt Rhead, Ritchie Sutton and Ollie Palmer, who is currently on loan at Grimsby.
Leaving Field Mill are Lee Beevers, Alex Fisher, Simon Heslop, Ricky Ravenhill, Michael Raynes, Martin Riley and Sascha Studer.