Archived News from October 2005
|
EARLY TEAM NEWS
|
 |
|
GOLDEN CHANCE FOR MANAGER'S JOB
Evening Post, 21 October 2005 Caretaker-manager Peter Shirtliff sees tomorrow's game against Barnet as a golden opportunity to help him get the job full-time - and drag Mansfield Town off the bottom of League Two. An announcement about Carlton Palmer's replacement is expected early next week. Former Stags boss Billy Dearden and ex-Forest supremo Paul Hart have also been linked with the job. But Shirtliff believes he's a strong contender for the vacancy. "I have done the best I can with the players available and these sorts of issues take care of themselves," he said. "I am realistic and I know results have a big influence on whether I get the job or not. "But I am confident I have got as good a chance as anyone else. "I know the players and what is required so that could be something in my favour." He added: "I don't really know what the timescale is for the chairman but there is no point worrying about something you cannot control. "I will just prepare the team to the best of my ability. "I have enjoyed it and will enjoy things even if I don't stay. Life is too short not to enjoy it. "I have always wanted to be a manager and the only problem is that chances are few and far between. "We will have to see what happens and I am just concentrating on the Barnet game." The Stags go into the match against the Conference champions following back-to-back defeats, but they beat Shrewsbury 4-0 in their last league game at Field Mill. They will also be boosted by the addition of Manchester City midfielder Jonathan D'Laryea, who has joined the club on loan for a month. Shirtliff said: "I think we have improved in areas that are vital for us and, if we keep going in the right direction, the improvement will start to show as the season goes on." ----------- Stags debut for D'Laryea CHAD website, NEW boy Jonathan D'Laryea will make his Mansfield Town debut in Saturday's crucial home clash with fellow strugglers Barnet (3pm). The 20-year-old, with one Manchester City first team game under his belt against Arsenal, begins an initial month's loan on Saturday and will slot into the centre of midfield with Giles Coke or, more likely, Stephen Dawson, dropping to the bench. "He looks a very good player in training and will give us something different," said caretaker-manager Peter Shirtliff. "We need more of a physical presence." Stags could lift themselves off bottom spot with a victory. And, with an announcement over the full-time manager's post imminent, it could also give Shirtliff's own chances a huge boost. "I am doing the best job I can with the players available and it is an issue that will take care of itself," he said. "I am realistic and know results are a big influence on getting the job. "But I am confident I have as good a chance as anyone else. I know the players and what is required and that is something in my favour." Jason Talbot will not be involved on Saturday as he is still recovering from his concussion on Tuesday night. But Simon Brown, Adam Rundle, Richie Barker and Jon Olav Hjelde are all expected to be fit again after missing that midweek LDV Vans Trophy exit against Hereford. ------------ Alex: Confidence is low Teamtalk.com Mansfield defender Alex John-Baptiste has admitted the mood is downbeat at Field Mill with the Stags currently propping up the League Two table. Town have managed just one league win in their last 11 outings and the 19-year-old centre-half has confessed morale has been dented. He said: "We've tried to get on with things the best we can by working hard in training. "Confidence is a little low but all we can do is get on with it. "I don't know why we're at the bottom of the table. "Players have made mistakes at crucial times of the game but if we can eradicate these errors then we should start getting the consistency we showed in the pre-season and things should change." ------------ |
Latest | October 2005