{ the news }
 
An independent supporters' website dedicated to Mansfield Town FC
Archived News from November 2008

McEWAN: WE HAVE TO STAND UNITED
30th November 2008 22:08


26 November 2008
Billy McEwan tells mansfieldtown.net "We have to stand united..."
Read full story at mansfieldtown.net here

------------

No panic as road-weary Stags head for south coast
CHAD.co.uk, 26 November 2008, By John Lomas
STRUGGLING Stags head for Weymouth this weekend just a point from the BSP drop zone.
Full story at CHAD.co.uk here

A 1-0 defeat at Forest Green Rovers last weekend, despite dominating the game, sucked Mansfield back into the mire.

So as Stags - with just one away win all season - prepare for their ninth away game in 13 matches, boss Billy McEwan called for calm and unity.

But he also warned that some of his players were running out of time to persuade him not to wield the axe in the January transfer window.

"There is a long way to go yet, we are not even halfway. Some people may be panicking but we are not," he said.

"It is a thin line between success and failure and, apart from the FA Cup at Chesterfield, only once this season have we lost by more than a single goal and that was at Torquay. That's how tight it is.

"If Jason Lee's header had not hit the post and been scooped away by the keeper, or we'd scored the penalty or Mark Stallard's shot had not hit the keeper who didn't know much about it, then it might have been different at Forest Green last weekend.

"We just need a break. A litle bit of luck.

"It's a difficult time for everybody but we have to be united in the battle. It's not just about the players, it's about the fans too. We all have to support each other through thick and thin.

"Eventualy we will build this into a smashing club which players will want to join and fans will be proud to support.

"You need experience at this level and that is what I have. I know what it's all about and I have every faith in my own ability.

"Without experience we would have no chance. I have been in the mire before. I have tasted success and failure and I know which I like the best.

"Our time will come again here, though at the moment we are suffering a wee bit.

"This is not an easy league. When Dave Penney went down with Doncaster the following season they only just survived in this league. He couldn't stop the slide. But now look at them."

He added: "We need mental courage to go out there and want the ball - there is no room for anyone to hide.

"The players are all very aware of the situation as I have spoken to them about it this week.

"I love them all to bits and want them to do well. And you could never accuse any of them of not trying. But it's all about the end product and time is running out until the transfer window and they have to make my mind up for me. It is up to them - they have the chance.

"I am thinking all the time about January and how I can improve this squad.

"We can't carry on as we are doing - we have to do better."

Stags are hoping to utilise Bournemouth's Academy facilities on the way down to Weymouth on Friday to break up the journey as they would then be just 45 minutes from their overnight hotel.

"It is a long way down there which is a problem in this league - there are so many long trips," said McEwan.

"So to go overnight is the right and proper way to prepare and we are grateful we can do it. It doesn't guarantee victory but it gives them a bit more rest than getting up at the crack of dawn."

It is yet another away game for road-weary Mansfield and McEwan added: "After Salisbury we did have another home game lined up against Altrincham which was called off. It would have been tough but it was certainly winnable and might have given us a bit more confidence before two tough away games.

"Weymouth have had a lot of stuff happening off the field but it doesn't seem to be affecting them on the field. At home they are one of the league's top goalscorers, though they do concede a lot too."
There is a possibility he may be able to bolster his squad this week ahead of the Weymouth match.

But he warned: "I have been speaking to a club about a player this week but it's not that easy to take them on loan.

"You have to have a reason - it has to be an emergency which doesn't help us and if the player wants to come and his club agree then we have to ask the league if we can do it."

-----------------------

McEwan: I'll make fans proud
Evening Post, November 26, 2008

BILLY McEwan says he has every confidence he will make Mansfield a long-term success.
Full story at Evening Post website here

The Stags boss is well aware fans are unhappy at the team's precarious position just one point above the Blue Square Premier relegation zone.
But he is adamant he will get it right and bring the good times back to Field Mill.
"It's a concern where we are, but it is where you are after 46 games that matters," said McEwan.
"We have only once lost a league game by more than one goal once, at Torquay when it was 2-0.
"We need patience and perseverance and we have to stick to what we believe in.
"There might not have been a football club at all five months ago.
"I have the experience at this level and know what it takes. People can't just say after three months that I'm rubbish.
"We will have a smashing little club eventually. People will be taking about us, the fans will be proud of us and players will want to join the club."
McEwan was looking at a player last night and may sign him on loan if he impresses.
Adnan Ahmed should travel to the weekend's game at Weymouth after the Tranmere midfielder's loan was extended for a second month.

--------------------

Ahmed staying with Stags for second month
CHAD.co.uk, 25 November 2008, By John Lomas

STAGS are to extend Tranmere Rovers' midfielder Adnan Ahmed's loan spell for another four weeks.

Full story at CHAD.co.uk here

Rovers and the player have both agreed to the extension and Stags will be sorting out the paperwork before the weekend.

The Pakistan international's impressive first month came to an end at Forest Green on Saturday.

"Adnan has done well since he has been here though he is still short of proper match fitness," said boss Billy McEwan.

"It is not yet up to speed fitness-wise for what I need, but he is getting there and he does give us a bit of creativity in midfield.

"You cannot take him until the end of the season at the moment though I believe you can in January on a six-month loan.

"We need to clarify that as the rules change all the time and past experience has damaged us.

"But it's something we would be interested in doing if he keeps playing well."

------------------

Ahmed to extend Stags stay
EVENING POST, 25NOV2008
Mansfield have agreed a deal with Tranmere to extend the loan of midfielder Adnan Ahmed for a second month.

Full story at Evening Post website here

The former Huddersfield player has impressed since making his debut for the Stags at Torquay United on November 1. Ahmed's loan ran out after last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Forest Green Rovers, but manager Billy McEwan has wasted no time in ensuring he stays put. The deal will be officially ratified later this week but both the player and his parent club are happy to continue the arrangement. “I spoke to Tranmere about it last week and he will be staying with us,” said McEwan. “It is just for a month at the moment, but we would like to keep him for longer. “I think he is still short of proper match fitness, but he is getting there.”

 

Latest | November 2008