Press news in...

We're at Colney awaiting Liam Manning's arrival. He should join us in just under 15 minutes...
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We start with fitness. Lucien Mahovo is back in training but will need some time before being available for matches. He could play for the under-21s to build match minutes. "I watched a lot of him before coming in," says Manning. "Physically he looks like a real athlete now. Credit to him." Jack Stacey is fully back in training now and available.

Elliot Myles and Gabriel Forsyth are both back on the grass after their injuries. Manning: "Both are doing well. What's really important for the lads is that they still feel like footballers. We're tying to get them up to speed with what we want to do."

On Amankwah Forson: "Still early stages. It's going to be a considerable period of time."

No injuries so far from the international contingent. Manning labels Josh Sargent "the best signing in the Championship" after City were able to keep him. "I'm aware of players in their squad but I know what Sarge can do," says LM of his USA struggles. "Most international teams would welcome someone of his quality. All he has to do is keep doing what he does here."

On Ben Chrisene after time with the England U21s: "I thought he was excellent at Blackburn. His personality has really grown since he's been here. He's a lot more vocal and confident now. He's able to build from deep and join attacks late. His all-round game is very good, defensively as well. There are elements to work on and some really positive signs."

Manning: "What we're chasing is consistency. That's the really big bit. With young players we chase the 'wow' moments, but the consistency is the big bit for me."

How has the international break been used and how does Manning assess the first block of games? "Naturally you look back at the end of a block, and we've had experiences that will make us better in different ways. We're always striving to be the best version of ourselves."

On experiences like Blackburn: "You can't replicate pressure or 25,000 people. It's completely different the moment you step on the pitch. Naturally you get some nerves, so they're good experiences that will bring the group together."

"Fitness-wise, he's good to go," says Manning of Pelle Mattsson. "He's competing for a start, but it's more getting him up to speed with what we want to do. He's trained really well."

Reflections on the transfer window: "First and foremost, delighted to keep Sarge. That's the biggest bit of business we could do. But if you look at the length of contracts, the blend of players, we've got a really strong squad. I'm really excited about what the group can do. I'm really pleased with the business we've done."

Sargent continued: "I don't know how you'd replace him to be honest, in terms of what he brings as a player and a character in the dressing room. He knows the players, he knows the club, he knows the area, he's settled. It's credit to the people above me in terms of the work that was done to keep him. We did everything we could."

"Nothing at the moment," says LM asked about whether there are things moving for Anis Ben Slimane and Shane Duffy.

On Coventry: "They're quite stable as a team. They haven't made huge changes as a team, so they're quite settled. But we've been good on the road."

Manning: "It's about how we continue to improve. We'll keep building and try to accelerate and increase that. The lads are improving all the time with the games and the work that goes on behind the scenes."

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That's all from Coolknee.

Posted By: DrDublin on September 10th 2025 at 14:39:53

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