ECHOSPORT talks to Mansfield Town fan Peter Allan ahead of tomorrow’s match at Roots Hall.

What have you made of Mansfield’s season so far?

“It’s been a strange season with Covid and watching games from the sofa rather than stadiums.

“The start for us was terrible.

“Under Graham Coughlan we didn’t win a game at all and we just looked void of any confidence or quality.

“It really was looking like we were on for a relegation battle.

“But since Nigel Clough has been appointed things have turned around drastically and we look like a complete different side.

“There seems to be balance and structure with the team that wasn’t there and there seems to be confidence now flowing in abundance.”

What do you feel are the other main factors behind the recent turnaround which has seen the team win their last four League games?

“Nigel Clough. There’s now a confidence around the club and the players clearly are enjoying playing football again.

“We seem to be able to see games out which wasn’t happening. earlier in the season when we would concede late on in games.

“We just look a lot more solid defensively.”

Nigel Clough has been in charge since the start of November. It sounds as though you’ve been impressed by him so far?

“I think he’s done a brilliant job.

“Before he took over we were really looking like relegation material and now we look like a team that should be in the upper regions of the table.

“I think it was also a real coup getting Nigel.

“He has a real pedigree at this level and I think players react to that. “He seems to be getting the best out of them which is the main thing.”

So what are the hopes for the rest of the season now?

“The dreamer in me says automatic promotion but I do feel that the play-offs are a serious possibility now.

“We’re seven points off the play-offs at the halfway point with 29 points.

“When Clough took over in early November we had six I think.”

One of your players every Southend fan will know well is Stephen McLaughlin. How has he been doing so far for Mansfield?

“He started a few games under Coughlan but has found himself on the bench recently so it’s been a mix bag really.

“He’s had a couple of decent performance and does try hard but his end product has been inconsistent at times.”

Who are the dangermen Southend will need to keep an eye on?

“George Lapslie for me, he’s been by far the best player.

“He’s signed permanently this week after being on loan from Charlton.

“He doesn’t stop running and can get you a goal from midfield, I think he’s got six this season already.

“Jordan Bowery is also one to look out for.

“He may not be prolific but his work rate and physical presence have been causing a lot of teams problems.”

What’s the team news for Saturday?

“Ollie Clarke is unlikely to play, he’s been injured with an knee injury but we will see.

“Nicky Maynard has made a few appearances from the bench in the last couple of games after injury so he might be in line for a start. “Also Stephen Quinn might make his debut after joining on loan from Burton.

“But I think it will more or less be the same starting 11 that beat Salford.”