This is what Nigel Clough will tell his Mansfield players ahead of Sunderland clash

The former Burton Albion 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 goalscoring achievements, 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 short-term 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 opportunity. We met the players briefly this morning. We'll demand maximum effort, first and foremost - that's non-negotiable. We also like to attack as much as we can.

"We're hoping to be there [tomorrow], but Richard 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. Don't sit back, let'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 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 former manager Graham Coughlan heavily backed in the summer.

There have been signs of improvements in the last two games, too, with Cooper overseeing draws against Walsall and Bolton Wanderers.

Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson says his injury-hit squad is capable and confident of producing a result, but has warned against any complacency.

“The last two games, Mansfield have done well,” Parkinson said.

“I've watched both of them and they look like a team better than their current league position.

“They were one of the teams who got some players in before the salary cap really started affecting recruitment. It's been a disappointing start in terms of results but the last couple of games they have played some good football and looked a decent side.

“We'll have to be right at it to get through but if we are and we implement what we've spoken about in our team meeting and worked on on the training pitch, we'll have a great chance of progressing.

“But we're not taking on a poor side, they've got some good players.”

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 mintues.

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