Preston North End’s Carabao Cup opponents Mansfield say clash has come too EARLY for them

The fixture has been brought forward a week so as not to clash with the international break in early September.

And Coughlan believes his men will be nowhere near peak condition when they line up for kick-off against the Lilywhites.

It is still two weeks before their opening League Two fixture against Tranmere Rovers and Coughlan revealed he has used pre-season to ensure his team are ready for the visit of Rovers and the rescheduled cup fixture has thrown a spanner in his plans.

The Stags were beaten 3-0 by Rotherham in their opening pre-season friendly last Saturday.

“We are not ready for Preston,” said Coughlan.

“I think that’s clear, that’s plain, that’s obvious.

“We were obviously preparing for a September 12 start and we then get the information that our game against Preston is on September 5.

“So lo and behold all of a sudden the EFL have insisted on us playing tomorrow.

“We are nowhere near ready. I think only four or five of them have played 90 minutes so therefore I have got a squad of 12 or 14 players who have not had anywhere near 90 minutes.

“It’s not a nice scenario to be in. You are given a date, a timeline and then to bring that forward is running the risk of injury.

“It’s not ideal but we will get on with it, we’re adaptable and we’ll go across to Preston and give a good account of ourselves.

“We are a fit group of players, it’s just that match sharpness that we are missing so it’s advantage Preston.

“Yes they are a Championship team so I can see why the EFL want to look after them and not ourselves.”

Mansfield were in 21st spot in League Two last season before the Covid-19 pandemic brought a premature halt to the season with 10 games left to play.

Although well down the table, they were well clear of the danger zone when they played what turned out to be their final game of the 2019-20 campaign – a 2-1 win at Northampton Town on March 7.

Coughlan has been busy in the transfer market over the summer freshening up his squad. He has brought in 10 new players, mostly on free transfers and allowed several to leave.

“All in all we are in a decent place,” he said.

“We are building and have plenty of time between now and the start of the league season to build more.

“There will be one or two tweaks, but any manager will tell you that you are never pleased, you’re always wanting something more.”