Stags boss Stallard: Now I know how a manager feels

MARK Stallard says he now appreciates how much stress football managers feel after taking charge of his first Mansfield Town game along with fellow caretaker Adie Moses.

The duo are usually known for their playing prowess but both were injured for the clash at Wrexham and watched from the sidelines.

And Stallard admitted it was hard work just watching without being able to influence the game.

"It's frustrating because you can see what you want the lads to do from the sidelines but you can't do anything," he said.

"We got done from two set pieces and that is disappointing and makes it hard when you are chasing the game from the start.

"I think I went a little but greyer in the 90 minutes the game was on. It gets you going and it is a case of trying to transmit that onto the pitch.

"You always want to be out there as a player, nothing beats playing, but it has still been enjoyable."

James Kay was handed his debut in the 2-1 defeat to the Red Dragons and Stallard was pleased with what he saw.

He said: "I have to give a specific mention to James, who has come in during difficult circumstances when the team are a little low on confidence and are under a new management team and been magnificent.

"But all 14 who got on deserve credit and the young lads who travelled as well.

"They are part of the club's future and it is a great experience for them coming to a place like this."