Archived News from June 2009
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STAGS SIGN STEVEN ISTEAD FROM ILKESTON
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Two year deal
Details here ---> http://www.mansfieldtown.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10325~1690251,00.html Istead signed for £5000 from Ilkeston, Andy Perry reveals ---> http://www.mansfieldtown.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10325~1704338,00.html ------------------ Stags snap up former Hartlepool United midfielder Steven Istead CHAD.co.uk, 10 June 2009, By Stephen Thirkill FORMER Hartlepool United midfielder Steven Istead has become the latest player to sign up to the Mansfield Town revolution. http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Stags-snap-up-former-Hartlepool.5353394.jp Istead has joined Stags from Ilkeston Town where he was attempting to re-build his career after a four-year spell with Hartlepool. The bustling midfielder, who can play in any position across the middle of the park, played 84 games for Hartlepool and was the youngest player and youngest goalscorer in the North-East club's history. He re-joins former boss David Holdsworth, who he says was the major factor in his decision to sign for Mansfield. "I'm really excited about this move and have been training really hard,"he said. "I first met David Holdsworth four years ago when we had a friendly against Gretna and we have stayed in touch ever since. "I came 500 miles from Peterhead to Ilkeston to play for David so at least it is not as far this time. It is great to play for someone that you respect. "He is a superb manager to play for. He expects high standards and a good attitude from everyone and he prepares well. "I did my research before I signed and this is a massive club for this level. There is a good squad here with excellent competition for places. "Players that have played in the league and are making their way back up are hungry. We are all really up for the challenge, I just wish pre-season started tomorrow." Stags' first-team coach Gareth Holmes told Chad Istead was just the type of player to help Mansfield in their promotion challenge next season. He said: "We are delighted to have Steven on board. David Holdsworth has been working really hard to get this signing completed. "Steven can play anywhere along the midfield and has a great work-rate. He is a good box to box player with a great attitude and we are sure he will fit into the club well." ---------------------- Istead joins Stags from Ilkeston Evening Post, June 10, 2009 MANSFIELD Town have added another piece to the jigsaw with the signing of Ilkeston Town's Steven Istead for an undisclosed fee. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Istead-joins-Stags-Ilkeston/article-1065935-detail/article.html The 23-year-old midfielder played for Stags manager David Holdsworth during his time in charge at the New Manor Ground. Istead, who started out as a trainee at Newcastle United and has agreed a two-year deal at Field Mill, also played for Hartlepool and then Peterhead, in Scotland, where he first came to Holdsworth's attention. Stags first team coach Gareth Holmes said: "The gaffer has been aware of him for some time and we are really happy to have him on board." ----------------- Stags' Istead driven by past heartbreak Evening Post, June 16, 2009 STEVEN Istead is determined to grab his second chance at full-time football with both hands – and help Mansfield Town back into the Football League. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Stags-Istead-driven-past-heartbreak/article-1077246-detail/article.html The midfielder suffered the heartbreak of failing to make the grade at his beloved Newcastle United, where he played for their academy. He was also released by Hartlepool United after having being their youngest senior player at 16 years and 189 days. Since then, Istead has been forced into the semi-professional game at Gateshead, Peterhead in Scotland and Ilkeston Town. But after signing for the Stags to link up with his former New Manor Ground boss, David Holdsworth, he has his sights on getting back in England's elite 92. "It was enjoyable last season as Ilkeston got to the play-offs and won promotion but it has always been a massive goal of mine to get back into the full-time game," said Istead. "When I was released by Newcastle and later Hartlepool it was a big blow. "I was still only 20 then but I'm more mature now and I have learned a few lessons from that time. "Hopefully, now I am back full-time, I can show that I have developed as a player. "Anyone who is involved in football wants to be the best. I'm ambitious to get back in the Football League. With a bit of luck, I will be doing that with Mansfield Town." Istead feels the security he has from a two-year deal will bring out the best in him. He said: "It shows that the manager has me in his plans and that gives you confidence." |
Latest | June 2009