Doncaster, Wimbledon, Colchester, Crewe, let’s have a catch-up with you… and Mansfield too
We’re off to Field Mill for today’s preview, where Mansfield’s owners are still trying to figure out how they can take that next step, after 10 consecutive seasons in League Two
Wednesday 5 July 2023
NEXT HOME GAME: Huddersfield - Saturday 22 July, 3pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Lincoln (in Spain!) - Friday 7 July, 4pm (Click here for our away day guide)
Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and any Mansfield supporters joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Wednesday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
Craig Priest from Mansfield Matters joins us today for a chat about the Stags, a team we haven’t beaten for over 15 years.
Finally, a huge thank you to Kingsway Carpets for sponsoring today’s edition. They’ve currently got clearance stock available in store, so if you need a new carpet at the moment, it’s definitely worth having a look.
Enjoy today’s issue.
Des Junior
Their place: Saturday 26 August 2023, 3pm
Our place: Monday 1 January 2024, 3pm
Last win at their place: Tuesday 14 October 2003, LDV Vans Trophy first round, 2-1
Last win at our place: Wednesday 9 April 2008, League Two, 2-1
Today’s Sky Bet title/promotion/relegation odds: Us – 6/1 11/8 50/1 Them – 11/1 5/2 28/1
Are you glad County lost the play-off final, or would you rather be playing Carlisle this season?
From a travelling perspective, yes. Sorry! Carlisle is always a long trek and even smashing them away last season didn’t compensate for a midweek trip.
From a competitive viewpoint, no. I don’t think Carlisle would have had enough about them to go again this season whereas you will. It’s going to be really competitive this year and you’re another name in the mix.
In terms of your summer transfer business, where have Mansfield been shopping?
A safe Tesco. We’ve picked up some good quality players (although not many) to add to what we already had and done so wisely.
With the current energy crisis, the government have ordered all Football League clubs to switch off one thing that uses power for the whole season. What are you choosing?
A few seasons ago I’d have said the scoreboard because it was an eyesore but it’s since been sorted. I’ll go with the ovens, because we couldn’t cook a decent sausage roll on a matchday if we tried.
Which team do you most want to beat this season?
Notts County, obviously, as is tradition.
MK Dons because we need revenge from the final day a few seasons ago when they leapfrogged us into third to seal promotion.
And I’d say Forest Green as well because a) it’s a horrendous place to visit and we go to them in February so it’ll more than likely rain, and b) two seasons ago we had to go back after a foggy abandonment in the 4th minute on my bloody birthday.
County haven't played MK Dons since 2009-10, so we're a little out of the loop. What's your current thoughts when it comes to MK Dons away – boycott the game, happy to attend, or reluctantly go without spending any other money on food, drink, programmes etc.
Reluctantly attend to support your team, but spend sod all other than the ticket and take every opportunity to remind them they’re a franchise waste of space.
The Conservative party are in disarray at the moment. They've contacted your club and asked your chairman and manager to join them, to bring some new ideas to the table. Which roles would they be most suited to?
Urgh! I hate politics questions. Nigel Clough can take a work and pensions role, based on him looking after his gang of former players historically by keeping them in work and bulking out their pensions.
We have co-owners in John and Carolyn Radford so I’ll have to pick for both. John can take business and trade, although his handling of the Danny Johnson situation leaves a lot to be desired, whilst Carolyn loves Instagram, so she’ll have to take culture, media and sport.
A quick nomination also for Stephen Quinn as prime minister – he wouldn’t take any shit.
There's a huge game at Field Mill this season. You're 1-0 up with 15 minutes to go when Just Stop Oil protestors invade the pitch and get the game abandoned. How are Mansfield fans reacting?
Sit back and watch Mez – our groundsman for donkey’s years and a club legend – and his team deal with them. I wouldn’t like to ruin a Mez pitch, put it that way.
Newport County, Notts County, Stockport County. Snog one, marry one, avoid one.
A little friendly smooch with Notts; after all, we’re not actually rivals in my opinion. Marry Stockport with James Jennings as best man. Avoid Newport and the worst ever manager to grace the Stags’ managerial hotseat in Graham Coughlan – how he got another job after the mess he left us in is beyond me.
Ryan Reynolds gets in touch and says he wants you to take him on a Hollywood-style night out when Wrexham visit. He wants the nicest meal in town, followed by the swankiest bar, and then the best hotel. What are your recommendations?
You’re asking the wrong person I’m afraid. I’ve never been on a night out in Mansfield and I don’t intend to start! Send him round to my gaff, I’ll put the kettle on and we can debate what the best biscuit is – what more do you want from a night?
There's a quote saying "Stockport Isn't Shit" which has taken off around our town, with the words proudly displayed in bars and on various bags and t-shirts. What quote would you use to promote Mansfield to people who think it's not that fashionable?
“It could be worse, you could be in Chesterfield sleeping with your sister.”
Which Mansfield player is most likely to end up in League Two's team of the season?
Alfie Kilgour. A class act at centre-back and if he can stay fit and form a good partnership with whoever, we shouldn’t be as leaky. Davis Keillor-Dunn will be another contender, and to be honest if he gets a chance, I’d whack a quid on James Gale, a proper raw young talent.
Early predictions for 2023-24?
Wrexham could win it. If they start well and keep the momentum going, they’ll take some stopping. Gillingham in 2nd (seriously, we better have put a promotion clause on Hawkins and Lapslie when we sold them last season). I’ve got to back Mansfield for 3rd, as I can’t put Notts County above us, although in my heart I’m yet to be convinced. I’ll go with County to win the play-offs, ahead of Accrington, MK Franchise and Notts.
Click on the links below to read the previous 2023-24 previews we’ve published so far.
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Today in SK
🍟 Food and drink
Fancy a few midweek drinks tonight? Nelson Tavern (SK1) have a great range of offers throughout the week, including £4.50 for drinks off the Doubles Bar, a comprehensive range of shots for £2, and 3 for £6 on Jägerbombs.
For those on a gluten-free diet, finding a nice portion of fish and chips to tuck into can be quite difficult. But on a Wednesday at Fishers of Cheshire (SK2), gluten-free meals are available. Open till 9.30pm.
Wine Wednesday at TRUNK (SK7) from 5pm. 50% off all bottles of wine from 7pm. Call 0161 222 9260 to book a table, and mention “The Scarf My Father Wore” to receive a 15% discount off the normal tapas menu.
The Scarf My Father Wore works closely with venues on a daily basis to bring you the most comprehensive guide to all of the best offers and events taking place across the whole SK region. Click on the links below for full details of everything taking place in your area over the next few weeks.
SK1 / SK2 / SK3 / SK4 / SK5 / SK6 / SK7 / SK8 / SK9 / SK10 / SK11 / SK12 / SK13 / SK14 / SK15 / SK16 / SK17 / SK22 / SK23
Photo of the day
Deepdale, Preston
Mike Flynn scrapping for the ball at Preston in April 1997, which turned out to be our final defeat of the campaign, before three consecutive victories clinched promotion.
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