Mansfield Town vs Colchester United

Mansfield Town’s latest signings,
attacker Jamie Murphy and
midfielder Matty Longstaff, have
been settling into life at Mansfield
after signing on deadline day.
The pair join the club on loan until
the rest of the season from Hibernian
and Newcastle United, respectively.
A product of the Magpies’ academy,
Longstaff joins the Stags with good
pedigree having scored twice for
the Toon in 14 Premier League
appearances.
The 21-year-old made his debut
for United in August 2019 against
Leicester City in the EFL Cup.
Two months later, the midfielder
secured a Premier League Goal of
the Month award for an outstanding
strike against Manchester United at
St. James’ Park.
Matty scored against the Red Devils
for a second time in the reverse
fixture at Old Trafford.
The Rotherham-born maestro signed
a contract extension with Newcastle
at the end of the 19-20 season,
playing alongside his older brother
Sean.
STAGS LAND DEADLINE DAY DUO
On his first few days’ training with the
Stags Matty said: “It’s been great.
“The manager has been great. It’s
good to meet all my teammates and
I’ve really enjoyed training,
“It was good to get playing with
them.
“I’m looking forward to the rest of the
season.”
Mansfield’s second deadline day
addition, Jamie Murphy, reunites
with Stags’ boss Nigel Clough who he
played under at both Sheffield United
and Burton Albion.
The former Scottish international
began his career at Motherwell,
making his debut in 2006 before
recording a further 175 appearances.
Jamie, who can also play in midfield,
scored 34 times for the Steelmen,
becoming the club’s all-time top
goalscorer in European football.
The Glaswegian left his homeland
in 2013, swapping Edinburgh for
south Yorkshire as he joined Sheffield
United on a permanent deal.
After two seasons with the Blades,
the Glasgow-born wideman joined
Brighton & Hove Albion. In the 2016-
17 season, Murphy made 37 league
appearances – scoring six goals - as
Brighton gained promotion to the
Premier League.
After a year-and-a-half in the English
topflight, the midfielder signed for
Glasgow Rangers where he spent
three years. During that time he
represented the club in the qualifying
stages of the Champions League.
A loan spell at Burton Albion in
2020 saw him again link up with
Stags’ chief Nigel Clough. Under the
manager, Jamie scored seven times
in just ten matches for the Brewers.
On working again with the gaffer,
Jamie said: “Obviously, having
worked with the manager before I
knew what he wants and [I’m excited]
for the opportunity to come down [to
England] and have a new challenge,”
said the forward.
“He’s good. He’s very fair. If you work
hard for him then he’ll work hard for
you on and off the pitch.
“You want to repay him. You want to
repay all the staff because they’re all
great, hopefully I can do that.”
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THE STAG | 9