Archived News from December 2005
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COKE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
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Coke in the spotlight
CHAD website, 20 December 2005 A QUARTET of big clubs are reported to be eyeing up a move for Stags' 19-year-old midfielder Giles Coke in the January transfer window. Southampton, Watford, Sheffield United and Norwich City are all said to be tailing the youngster. But Stags boss Peter Shirtliff said: "No one has phoned me about Giles - not one. "It is just speculation, maybe something to do with agents. "But it is part and parcel of the game and I don't get annoyed or excited about it. It is something there seems to be very little control over. "As far as I am concerned Giles is contracted to us for the rest of this season and we have an option for the following season. So why should he leave in January?" Shirtliff is hoping to have as many players available for the busy Christmas period as possible and he has extended the loan of Manchester City Jonathan D'Laryea for a third month and intends to do the same with Macclesfield striker Allan Russell when his current loan expires on 1st January. Also, midfielder Callum Lloyd is back at the club after a month at Nationwide Conference North neighbours Alfreton Town. But striker Adrian Littlejohn has been allowed to leave after hi s short-term contract expired. "Jonathan has done well and we have extended his loan for a third month," said Shirtliff. "He is a good type and he is enthusiastic around the place. "We now have him until the Shrewsbury game on 17th January and after that we will have to see what happens. He is still under contract at Manchester City for another 18 months. "I would like to keep Allan Russell until the end of the season if we can. "And we have Callum back from Alfreton. He didn't feature much there but he got a couple of games in which will stand him in good stead. He will go straight back into the squad for Christmas." But on Littlejohn, he added: "Adrian was signed on a short term contract which expired on 16th December. "He has now left the club and I believe he is in the process of joining another club on 1st January. "I just thought that with Alan Russell in the squad and one or two other options I wasn't going to be using him." Stags players were back in today after a couple of days off following Saturday's 0-0 draw with Peterborough United. "There has been a bit of cold and flu about so I just decided to clear the building for a couple of days," said Shirtliff. "It is important we try to restore energy levels as we have a big period ahead with four games in eight days. "Like everyone else, we will be looking for 12 points." Simon Brown continues to improve with his injured hamstring and Shirtliff is hopeful he will play some part over Christmas. |
Latest | December 2005