Archived News from July 2002
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BOSS REFLECTS ON STRIKER EXIT
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Well we Finally know the fate of Last seasons star Striker, Chris Greenacre he has signed a three year deal with first division Stoke City.
City boss Steve Cotterill finally won the chase for Mansfield Town's sought-after young striker Chris Greenacre who becomes the manager's first signing. Chris says "I feel I can improve my game further and the manager has an excellent reputation as a coach and has a first-class coaching back-up team with him here. "My first task will be to establish myself in the side. I won't feel under immediate pressure and I would ask the fans to be patient while I come to terms with stepping up two divisions. But I am very, very excited by this challenge and I am really looking forward to playing for Stoke" After three seasons at Mansfield during which time he scored 49 league goals in 121 games and helped the Stags to promotion from Division Three last term, we are all very sorry to see Chris leave but Stags Boss, Stuart Watkiss draws consolation in the fact that he can now start work on finding Greenacre's replacement: "Now we know that has gone, we can finally get down to the job of finding a replacement. It's no secret that finding a striker to replace Chris is not going to be easy but there are a few I am interested in - I will not be panicked or rushed into making a signing just for sake of it any new blood to the club will have to be the right stock and fit into the team" To that end Watkiss has invited former Forest striker Bobby Howe to join the Stags in training. The 28-year-old former England Youth international has been given a free transfer by Swindon, who he joined on leaving the City Ground in January 1998. Also, Crewe midfielder Kevin Street has come to Field Mill to undergo training for the next few weeks. Street, who's primary position is centre midfield comes from Crewe after being nurtuered through the Crewe Youth System, one which Watkiss has the utmost respect. "Kevin is a versatile player who's primary place is centre midfield but he his capable of playing up both sides and out front if necessary, he has been brought up through the crewe Youth System which has proven to produce some very good players." he told the press this morning. " All the trialist look in good nick and not out of place in the team, although there is nothing definitley planned we will be taking a close look at the lads during the pre-season friendlies. This should show they could be on the Stags Squad next season we will just have to wait and see. But i am confident that I will have my Squad come August" added Watkiss. Talking of Greenacre's move to stoke Watkiss stated "I am sorry to see Chrissy leave but it's a good move for him, he will have a Super stage to play on and all at Field Mill wish all the very best for the Future" Source: mansfieldtown.net |
Latest | July 2002