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Archived News from July 2006

BOULDING BROS AGREE TO SIGN/SHIRTLIFF HAPPY/BEARDO
25th July 2006 16:18


Stags confidence soars after pre-season form
CHAD website, 25 July 2006

STAGS boss Peter Shirtliff is urging the club's fans to keep their feet on the ground following the team's solid pre-season form.
An impressive 1-1 draw against Championship side Derby and a 1-0 'victory' against local rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday has sent optimism soaring amongst the supporters.
But Shirtliff yesterday warned that the Stags had to take their impressive pre-season form into the new season before dreams of promotion glory could begin.
He said: "Things have gone well so far and we more than held our own against Forest and put in a good performance against Derby.
"They had a lot of possession but didn't hurt us and I was pleased with both games.
"It was a disappointment that we couldn't finish the game against Forest but pre-season has been fine so far.
"But unfortunately it does not count for anything at the moment."
Shirtliff added that his main priority was fitness levels among the squad rather than peformances.
He continued: "At this stage I am just looking for good organisation and fitness levels ready for the start of the season.
"Confidence levels are good among the squad at the moment and optimism seems high among the fans, but we have to keep focused on the task ahead.
"We have had a solid pre-season and now have to build on this and continue to take the club forward."
And content Shirtliff is expecting another tough test against Sheffield Wednesday tonight (7.30).
He told Chad: "They are a Championship team and will present us with a similar challege to Derby.
"Wednesday are always a tough team and will provide us with another stern test."
l Stags expect to tie up the double signing of former player Michael Boulding and brother Rory shortly.
The former winger, who scored the equaliser against Derby, and his brother have agreed in principle to a 12-month deal and are expected to officially put pet to paper this week.
And the signings have been welcomed by boss Shirtliff.
He said: "Rory is young and is definately one for the future. He is an up and coming player and we have offered him a deal to reflect this.
"Michael is much more experienced and will be a good addition to the squad.
"He is a versatile player who can play both on the wing and up front.
"It is not always easy to come back into the game after a year out and he may find it difficult at the start."
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Boulding Brothers agee to sign
mansfieldtown.net, 25Jul06

The Boulding Brothers have both agreed to sign contracts with Mansfield Town. Both Rory and older brother Michael will be welcome characters at the club according to Stags' boss Peter Shirtliff:

"Both lads will be welcome additions to the squad each offering something. Rory is only a young lad, seventeen years old, I believe. He is one for the future and he has been offered a similar deal to the other young lads we have here (Austin McIntosh, Danny Sleath, Nathan Arnold and Chris Wood). He will be coming into that group of players which I see as the young up and coming. But Michael is different, he is more experienced and he will definitely be a good addition to the squad.

"I think that Michael's story is an interesting one with him retiring from football only to realise that he probably retired too early. You normally only get one shot at it and he probably regrets taking a year out although I am sure he had good time well he was doing it.

"It is not always easy to come back to football after a year or so away he'll find it tough initially getting back into the football. But he has kept himself fit.

"He originally joined us in training where he looked fit and I was impressed with his skills so I said to him that if ever he was looking at getting back into football full time bear us in mind"

The contracts should be drawn up and signed sooner rather tahn later with, as Peter Shirtliff says "it just being a case of crossing the T's and dotting the I's"


Shirtliff happy with Pre-Season
mansfieldtown.net, 25Jul06

Stags' boss Peter Shirtliff is happy with way that his pre-season is shaping up. A 1-1 draw to Derby County and a 75th minute win over Nottingham Forest have both shown some very positive moments from his players.

"I don't read too much into Pre-Season" said Shirtliff.

"I have been pleased though with what I have seen so far. But really Preseason counts for nothing. I am looking at fitness levels and organisational qualities and getting in the right preparation for the fifth of August at Shrewsbury." He added.

Another good test for Shirtliff's players will be at Field Mill Wednesday 26 July KO 7.30pm when Sheffield Wednesday are the guests of Mansfield Town FC.


"It was nice to get back on the pitch again..."
mansfieldtown.net, 25Jul06

Injury stricken Chris Beardsley is delighted to get back into training and has enjoyed his outings against Derby County and Nottingham, Forest.

Beardsley who broke his leg during the local Derby game against Notts County last season has worked hard to get his fitness levels back to a stage where he able to take part in competitive games again.

"It is good to be back" he said.

"It was nice to get back on the pitch again and play in a competitive game. It can be really lonely when you are trying to get back from an injury because most of the time you are training alone on the tread mill whilst the other lads are doing the ball work and playing in games. But you just have to get your head down and work hard. It is amazing how even running alongside your team mates makes you feel part of the team again.

"Because I missed most of last season with my injury I feel a bit like a new signing in the changing rooms at the moment but fortunately most of the lads here are from last season and I did manage to get a full Pre-season training and a couple of games under my belt with them so it was a bit easier than if we had signed a lot of new players in the Summer.

"It was particularly good to get some time against Derby County. Being my home town club it was a good opportunity for me to put last season behind me. I had been getting a few 'niggles' in my leg but thankfully I came through the game okay and I managed to get my foot to the ball and play competitive football again.

"I am under no disillusions it will take time to get back fully. Richie (Barker) and Simon (Brown) have been doing well and it is looking like they will be first choice but it is a long season and a lot can happen and I am sure that through the course of the season everybody will get their chance to play some part in the campaign" he added


MTFC Open Day
mansfieldtown.net, 25Jul06

Sunday 30 July 2006 MTFC will be holding their annual open day offering the usual opportunity to meet Peter Shirtliff and his players who will be in attendance from 12.00pm until 2.00pm.

 

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