{ the news }
 
An independent supporters' website dedicated to Mansfield Town FC
Archived News from September 2002

INJURY NEWS
22nd September 2002 22:59


Christie out for four to six weeks
Larkin ok
Pilkington - we'll know more on Monday.
--------
Injury crisis mounts for Stags
CHAD website
Mansfield Town's injury crisis continues to mount after slumping to the foot of Division Two.
A 2-0 home defeat by bottom side Cheltenham Town saw the Robins leapfrog Mansfield to leave them stranded in bottom spot.
But, even worse, manager Stuart Watkiss - so desperate to get players fit again from his long injury list - saw two more senior professionals pick up serious injuries.
Striker Iyseden Christie hurt his foot in training on Friday and will be out for four to six weeks while keeper Kevin Pilkington looks to have broken a hand and will know the full extent of the damage and how long he will be out on Monday.
As far as the gme was concerned it was very much 'After the Lord Mayor's Show' for Mansfield after that superb midweek display at Luton.
Stags have now lost five successive home games and failed to score a home League goal for 383 minutes.
Second half substitute Andy White came closest when he forced keeper Steve Book to save a close range effort on 58 minutes. But, apart from a shot and a heder from Liam Lawrence, Mansfield had little to offer against a Cheltenham side who took control in the second half of a disappointing game.
Jamie Victory marked his 300th appearance with the opening goal for the Robins on 71 minutes. He turned in from close range from a Hugh MacAuley corner with home defenders claiming the ball didn't cross the line.
MacAuley fired home a decisive second six minutes from time as extra insurance for Cheltenham's second win in five days.
"If we were in this position with a fully fit squad then I would be under severe pressure," said manager Watkiss.
"But I keep saying things will not get better until we get players back from injury.
"I do expect more from the players I send out there, though. There is no competition for places right now so they know if they have a bad game they will keep their place which is not ideal.
"Most are on long term contracts as well so maybe I will have to get some out to bring new players in.
"But I won't resign or walk away, though I know people's patience will wear thin eventually. There is always a cut-off point whether it be the supporters turning against you or the chairman."
The fact the side were not roundly booed off at the end and the absence of any 'Watkiss out' chanting suggests right now the fans know the situation and are prepared to be patient.
Right now Wakiss will be urgently looking at more loan signings with a striker and a keeper top of his list before Saturday's trip to Northampton.

 

Latest | September 2002