GRAHAM Coughlan is confident that his Newport County AFC squad have the character to stand up to the challenge on his return to Mansfield.

The Irishman got his Rodney Parade reign off to a winning start with a 1-0 home success against fellow League Two strugglers Colchester on Saturday thanks to Will Evans’ early header.

County got from facing a team at the bottom on home soil to tough trips to a pair of clubs likely to be in the promotion mix.

On Saturday they take on third-placed Northampton but first up is a Tuesday night date with fourth-placed Mansfield (kick-off 7.45pm).

Nigel Clough’s side lost 3-2 at Crawley on Saturday but are so far unbeaten at home in the league with four wins and two draws.

It is a return to Field Mill for Coughlan, who was sacked by the Stags in October 2020 after less than a year in charge.

The manager sidestepped the issue of going back to Mansfield, where the home fans are likely to give him some ribbing, but was happy to talk about the test that lies ahead.

South Wales Argus: BOSS: Graham Coughlan is returning to Mansfield with CountyBOSS: Graham Coughlan is returning to Mansfield with County (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“It’s a massive challenge and I am sure it’s one that the players will be up for. We will get them rested up and organise accordingly,” he said.

“With players like Jordan Bowery, Ollie Clarke, George Maris, Stephen McLaughlin, George Lapslie, Mansfield are a very, very strong team.

“They are top-quality players that are the bedrock of the team. They will be tough but are we showed on Saturday, we have a bit of resilience and character about us.”

It is also a return to Mansfield for assistant manager Joe Dunne, whose arrival was confirmed late on Friday evening ahead of the Colchester clash.

The 49-year-old Irishman will work alongside compatriot Coughlan, first-team coach Jarred Harvey and goalkeeping coach Jim Hollman.

The manager is confident that his right-hand man will help the club avoid a brush with relegation with his knowhow and also develop the first-teamers and promising prospects.

“Joe is experienced with good knowledge of the division and good knowledge of the players,” said Coughlan.

“Players will love working with him, he is tactically astute and, similar to me, has a history in development.

“If we can make the players better and develop them, pushing them onto the next level then we will be doing our jobs.”