Nigel Clough has highlighted the growing influence of summer signings Michael Smith and Liam Thompson at Mansfield Town. The manager believes there is more to come from the duo as they continue to settle into the squad, with their best form expected after the Christmas period.

Michael Smith, the 34-year-old forward who joined after being released by Preston North End, has already made a significant mark. He won the club's Player of the Month award for September and has scored two league goals this season. His physicality and ability to create chances have been vital for a Mansfield side currently 14th in League One with 11 points from eight games. Smith provided the assist for Nathan Daniel Moriah-Welsh's winner in the recent 2-1 victory over Bromley.

Clough sets six-month benchmark

Clough pointed to the example of defender Ryan Sweeney, who returned to the club over a year ago, to illustrate his typical timeline for player integration. "They’re settling in lovely," Clough said. "We always think it’s six months before we really see the best of a player." He noted that Sweeney, who lives locally, took four to six months to reach his current level of performance, setting a realistic expectation for new arrivals. Clough expects the pair's goal minutes and overall contribution to increase significantly once they are fully acclimatised.

Thompson's consistent presence

Alongside Smith, midfielder Liam Thompson has been a model of consistency, starting every League One match so far this season. His relentless work-rate in both attack and defence has quickly made him a favourite among supporters since his debut against Doncaster Rovers. This dependable presence is key as Mansfield prepare for their next challenge, a home fixture against eighth-placed Oxford United this week. The team's recent form shows one win, two draws, and two losses from the last five outings, placing them in the lower half of the table.

With the team looking to build momentum, the continued development of Smith and Thompson is seen as key. Fans can track their progress and the team's overall stats as the season continues. Clough's patience, guided by his six-month benchmark, suggests the best is yet to come from his summer acquisitions.

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