Archived News from December 2008
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STALLARD, AHMED AND CLOUGH REACTION
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Videos of Stallard and Adnan Ahmed interviews are available to Stagsworld subscribers here
Mark Stallard interview from BBC Radio Nottingham here Adnan Ahmed interview from BBC Radio Nottingham here Burton manager Nigel Clough interview from BBC Radio Derby here Mark Stallard post match interview 
Adnan Ahmed post match interview 
----------------- Evening Post: Stallard: Stags did not do themselves justice against Burton http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Stallard-Stags-did-justice-Burton/article-575433-detail/article.html Mark Stallard felt Mansfield players failed to do themselves justice against Burton Albion in the final game of his and Adie Moses' stint as caretaker managers. The pairing were looking to sign off in style with three wins from as many league matches before handing over to new boss David Holdsworth. But it ended in disappointment as the Brewers ran out 2-0 winners on a bitterly cold night at Field Mill. "We thank the lads for their effort over the past two or three weeks while we have been in charge but maybe they let themselves down a bit in this game," said Stallard. "It was not for a want of trying but they know they have to be better than that. We were second all over the pitch. 3C/div%3E"We were beaten by the better team on the night and you don't go ten points clear at the top though luck – Burton are a decent team. We believe we are a decent team as well but we didn't perform. "Having said that we have probably seen the side that will win the Conference. No one else has dealt with us and shut us down like that, so credit to Burton." Stallard has been linked as a possible assistant to Holdsworth, who has said he will take his time before naming who will take on that role. While the former Notts County man played down that speculation, he says he learned a lot about management. "Who comes in as assistant is a decision for David to make. "For me, I am trying to get fit because I have not finished as a player yet and it has just been on hold because of the [back] injury. "I will do everything I can help to assist David and I would do that as a senior player anyway." I will do everything I can to help. "As far as roles themselves go, they will sort themselves out – that is something further down the line. "But it has been a great experience and I would like to thank the chairman and the board for giving me and Adie the opportunity. "We have given it 110% and I don't think there is anything more we could have done." In the meantime, Stallard insists he and Moses will have no trouble slotting back into being players. "We have been taking orders for the last ten years and the last two or three weeks hasn't changed that," he said. "The two of us have had a fair few managers over the years and that's not a problem. "David comes across very well and he has a lot of similar ideas to us. He wants professionalism, discipline, organisation and to get things sorted on the pitch." --------------- CHAD: Ahmed and Gamble's Mansfield Town futures up in the air http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Ahmed-and-Gamble39s-Mansfield-Town.4829590.jp By John Lomas ADNAN Ahmed met new boss David Holdsworth for the first time on Monday night unaware if he well ever play a match for him. The Tranmere midfielder's second month on loan finished after the 2-0 home defeat to Burton, as did keeper Paddy Gamble's spell from Nottingham Forest - and quick decisions will need to be taken on their futures. "My loan is up and I will soon find out what is happening," said Ahmed. "Everything has gone well so far for me personally here - they are a fantastic bunch of lads and I would like to stay if the opportunity comes. "The new manager seems very disciplined and thorough. He was talking to us about body fat and put down his marker straight away which is what we need as a team. "He was very hands on straight away which is a good sign. It up to players to help him and him help us. I am sure he will do a good job for the club." Before the kick-off Holdsworth admitted that quick decisions would have to be made over the two players. --------------- Stags caretakers sign off with defeat By John Lomas http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Caretakers-sign-off-with-defeat.4826368.jp MARK Stallard and Adie Moses ended their caretaker manager spell with a 2-0 home defeat to runaway leaders Burton Albion on Monday night - but Stallard would love to help new manager David Holdsworth. But Stallard admitted it had whet his appetite for management and he has offered his services in any way to incoming boss David Holdsworth, who will take over the reins in the morning. "We have enjoyed it massively and we have thanked the lads for their efforts over the last three weeks," said Stallard. "We did feel we let ourselves down a little bit tonight. It wasn't for the want of trying, but we were second best all over the park and it was the right result. They are now 10 points clear and you don't get that by luck. Burton are a decent team. But I still believe we are too. "Going on tonight I think Burton are the strongest team we have played. I don't think anyone we have played has dealt with us like that. "Credit to them. They have decent players and have been slowly evolving over the past four or five years." "He added: "Our new manager has come in now and he will have a look at what he has to work with. "He has a 10 day break to put his own regime in place and players will have to take that on board and improve. "But we had two decent performances before this and one disappointing result doesn't undo all the good work. "We think the players here are decent players. But we are not happy to settle for two wins and two defeats. We believe we can win every game and any player who doesn't think that won't be here for the duration. "It's all about that winning mentality. If you don't have it the game will find you out." Holdsworth will begin life at the Mill without an assistant, though his Ilkeeston assistant and former Stags youth chief Kev Philliskirk has been linked with a role at Field Mill. But Stallard would not rule himself out as a candidate if the chance came along later. "That is a decision for him to make," he said. "First and foremost I am a footballer and my playing days are not finished yet. They have been on hold for two or three weeks and being injured has meant I have been able to give my full attention to the dug-out. "I will do whatever I can which I would do as a player. Even when I am on the bench I want the team to win. "David has only joined us today. Roles will sort themselves out further down the line. "I have enjoyed it at the training ground and in the dugout and the buzz of the matches. I am a professional and I love the game and want to be involved in whatever way I can. "It has been a great experience and I have thanked the chairman and the board for the opportunity. We have given it 110 per cent. I'd like to think we have done things the right way and had the right attitude. "Now I have to focus on getting myself fit again and helping the new manager as much as possible. "I am going back to being a player first and foremost and want to score some goals and do well for Mansfield Town." Stallard feels it will be easy for him and Moses to slip back into their playing roles. He said: "We have been taking orders for the last 20 years so I am sure two or three weeks won't change that. It is a way of life and we have worked under a fair few managers in our time. You accept your position within the team and do your best." Holdsworth spoke to the team in the dressing room after the defeat and Stallard added: "He came across with points similar to what me and Adie believe in. He has been in the game 20 years and will be professional with his discipline and organisation. "There is no easy way round it. You can have a laugh and a joke - there are times to do that. But you have to work hard as a footballer. We are looking forward to working with him." ----------- |
Latest | December 2008