OK so the pleasantries are done. Graham Coughlan is now a Stag after leaving Bristol Rovers who are chasing promotion to the Championship to come to little old Mansfield Town who very much need results to keep them in the football league.

It might have seemed like a strange choice for Coughlan who’s performances as Manager at the Memorial Stadium have opened eyes to those that might not have heard of him before? Even Stags fans have said “Graham who”? But the achievements of the six foot two inch Dubliner in Bristol are those that alerted John and Carolyn Radford to the potential of pulling up stumps in bringing him to a team a division lower than what he’s been managing at and to one with only a very slim opportunity of a playoff spot this year.

Coughlan who is based in Sheffield has been commuting to Bristol leaving his wife and kids at home as he goes about his daily business in charge of the League One club. The pull of Mansfield, all be it with financial incentive was one that had a more homely feel for Coughlan, eye opening to some perhaps, but visionaries like Coughlan can see more to it than just ‘money’.

The 45 year old was immediately impressed with the facilities at the clubs RH Academy, a step up to what he’s used to and with the Charirman’s ambition coupled with the Once Call Stadium being only 30 minutes from his doorstep it seemed the ‘right fit’ at the right time.

Coughlan though now needs to get down to business. Looking up the Stags are 12 points adrift of the playoffs but in facing seventh placed Northampton this weekend that bridge can be immediately reduced with a win and if results also go their way.

Looking down Mansfield are just seven points clear of bottom of the table Morecambe, focus number one for Coughlan should be in trying to stear the side well and truly away from any all be it slim relegation threat they have.

The Stags simple problems is that they have let too many goals in this season, whilst in recent weeks they haven’t scored enough. To improve the side defensively Coughlan will revert back to his philosophy at Bristol Rovers “hard work” whilst getting the best out of veteran striker Nicky Maynard and having Danny Rose returning from injury to score regular goals will no doubt boost the sides shooting power department.

In all Coughlan has a squad to choose from that is worthy of playoff recognition, a defence that can play football a midfield mixed with experience and exciting young talent, a strike force that knows how to score goals at this level, it is a squad that simply needs direction and getting back into good habits after failing under John Dempster.

Don’t get me wrong, this appointment is a gamble, as much for Coughlan as it is for the Stags but one which states intent over the rest of the division and one that says ‘look at us, we’re serious’.

If Mansfield get this right and Coughlan delivers the second half of the season for the Stags could be very exciting indeed.

Daniel Peacock (Editor)

You can follow Daniel and read more of his thoughts on Twitter @dannypea

*Main image @mansfieldtownfc Coughlan enjoys first day exposure at Mansfield Town FC.