CRAIG Mahon hopes to pick up a few pointers from Mansfield’s Nigel Clough – ideally after Curzon Ashton have caused an FA Cup shock.
The League One high flyers head to the Tameside Stadium on Sunday, November 3 for an eagerly awaited round one tie.
A crowd of up to 4,000 people is expected as Mahon’s National League North side tests itself against one of the sternest opponents they could have drawn.
And after the final whistle, the Irishman hopes to pick the brains of his opposite number.
He said: “We’re always willing to learn. We’re always looking to be better and hopefully we can pick up some pointers that he uses.
“I might even have a chat with him and just see what he says and if he’s got any tips or help.
“You can see that Nigel was a great player and is now a great manager. That’s something I can definitely look up to.
“He’s been there and done it. For myself, just being in the dugout and having someone like him alongside us will be a great experience for myself and my coaching staff.”
Mansfield may head to Curzon having taken to League One football like a duck to water following promotion but do not think Mahon’s men will roll over.
A change in rules, scrapping replays, may also play into their hands as the man in charge added: “When you go into the FA Cup, you want to be playing against one of the best teams and Mansfield definitely have quality, you can see that by the league table.
“But as it’s a home tie, especially this year with no replays, I’ve approached it with the lads as ‘It’s 11 v 11 on a grass pitch.’
“I know they’ve got their qualities and are full-time but it’s 11 v 11. They haven’t got anyone extra on the pitch, so why can’t we be the ones who get a win?”
Curzon’s first round place – which is rapidly becoming a regular occurrence – will see welcome funds come through the turnstiles with a bigger crowd.
Mahon will name himself on the subs’ bench as he insists, ‘I’m not going to be selfish,’ after a fantastic start to the season.
But he hopes the atmosphere generated by the bigger gate can inspire his side.
He told The Correspondent: “We’re Curzon, we don’t have the biggest fanbase but those that come sing their hearts out and support us at home and away.
“We sometimes thrive off being Curzon, or as some people call us, little old Curzon. That’s always been used against us.
“But while Mansfield will bring a lot, hopefully we can get the local community, fans from the area who haven’t got a match to go to, to come and watch and back their local team.
“Hopefully they’ll also watch us create a little but more history for the club.”