Mansfield caretaker manager Adam Murray was delighted with the response from the Stags' players as they ended a run of nine winless games with a superb 1-0 home victory over in-form Plymouth Argyle.
Murray and the the players only learned of boss Paul Cox's decision to go the night before the match and were in turmoil as they took on an Argyle side unbeaten in seven Sky League 2 games and boasting the division's meanest defence.But Vadaine Oliver's lobbed finish just before half time, the Crewe loanee's first goal for the club, proved the difference, though Kelvin Mellor did miss an open goal from two yards for Plymouth earlier in the half.
A delighted Murray enthused: "I said before the game I wanted to get my ideas across to the boys in a very short time. But I was scared of overloading them with information and complicating things.
"All credit to them, the boys carried that out and now it's a case of building on that. I need to work with them on structure and organisation and hopefully things will improve.
"I want to say a massive thank you to the lads. Obviously it's been a whirlwind few hours and to go out there and show that spirit, desire and ability to be brave on the ball was fantastic.
"It is about installing belief in how good those players are in there. We have a hell of a lot of ability and passion.
"But we can't change things overnight and turn us into Barcelona. That won't happen in six to eight hours."
On going for the job full-time, he added: "My head has been all over the place and my first focus was to make sure the players were right and prepared and make sure the staff were okay.
"Now I have to focus on another massive game on Tuesday.
"I will take it one day at a time as I have been in this game too long to get carried away with things and we haven't even started yet.
"It is a crazy game and you never know. What will happen lies in the coming weeks and the powers that be.
"Everyone knows the connection I have with the club and the fans.
"It is a tough one for me as I have really enjoyed playing this season and have been happy with my own performances.
"But I am passionate about coaching and my badges and we will have to see what happens."