Archived News from October 2009
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FA CUP PREVIEWS
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Gary Silk and David Holdsworth video interview ---> http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10325~1833884,00.html? ------------------ BBC Radio Nottingham interview with David Holdsworth ---> http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/mansfield_town/8320708.stm Holdsworth hails FA Cup tradition Holdsworth played in an FA Cup semi-final for Sheffield United in 1998 Mansfield Town manager David Holdsworth says the FA Cup is a competition that still deserves to be taken seriously. The Stags host Altrincham on Saturday in the fourth qualifying round, two weeks after beating them in the league. Holdsworth told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I've enjoyed it [the FA Cup] all through my career, I don't think any manager should take it lightly. "The occasion is for people who sit in the stands. The FA Cup is about tradition and about the fans." As a player, Holdsworth once had to man-mark his twin brother Dean, when Watford were drawn against Wimbledon in the third round of the FA Cup in 1996. "The last two balls drawn out were Watford and Wimbledon," he remembers. "To play against your twin brother in an FA Cup tie was a unique occasion I would imagine. "It was a hard one for my mum because she was telling me not to kick him. "It finished 1-1 and Dean didn't play in the replay - I don't know whether he was dropped because I played so well against him in the first game." ----------------- CHAD VIDEO: Williams hopes for FA Cup recall ---> http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/VIDEO-39Willo39-hopes-for-FA.5759243.jp Ryan Williams interview CHAD, 22 October 2009, By John Lomas STAGS winger Ryan Williams is hoping for a first team recall this weekend. The speedy winger has been a victim of David Holdsworth's formation change for the last two away games and ended up as a substitute. But in this exclusive Chad video interview, he tells of his acceptance of the situation, his hopes of a recall for the big FA Cup crunch with Altrincham on Saturday and recalls the bruising encounter between the sides at Moss Lane two weeks ago. -------------------- Duffy set to win fitness race CHAD.co.uk, 22 October 2009, By John Lomas ROB Duffy looks like he will win his race against time to be fit to face Altrincham in the big FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie at Field Mill on Saturday (3pm). http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Duffy-set-to-win-fitness.5759442.jp? Stags' top striker has been battling on in recent weeks, often thanks to painkilling injections, and ended up with two injuries after Saturdays' win against Eastbourne. On Monday he looked almost certain to miss out this weekend but boss David Holdsworth today said: "I believe Rob is fit and wants to play which is good news as he is an integral part of our team. "He has undergone intensive and extensive treatment this week and it looks to have paid off. Rob has a good character." The visitors had two men sent off in a bruising encounter at Altrincham two weeks ago when Stags won 2-1, despite some intimidation both on and off the field. But Holdsworth will not let vendettas go on and interefere with the main objective of being in the hat on Monday for the first round proper. "We are ball number 54 if we get through and I want to see us in the hat on Monday," he said. "I am not interested in what happened a couple of weeks ago. That's gone. My players must just make sure they come out of the blocks on Saturday. "A lot of things were said up there that day, some needless, but emotions ran high. "I respect their manager and the team and it would be foolish to underestimate them. "I don't want any needless reactions from my players. The referee managed things up there and sent two of their players off and we will leave it to the referee again." He added: "I love the FA Cup and I think the fans will have a wonderful day. No manager should take it lightly. Players must manage the occasion and play the game. The occasion is in the stands with the fans." Holdsworth must decide whether or not to stay with his 4-3-3 formation, which has worked so well in the last two games, or to revert to 4-4-2 and recall Ryan Williams with a full debut for new boy Craig Dobson on the other flank. "Both have their merits and I will look at how things are on Saturday," said Holdsworth. "With Burns and Little up front on Saturday Altrincham will play the long ball and we have to manage it." Holdworth is hoping his 17-goal partnership of Perry and Duffy will be looked after by the referee on Saturday after taking some bruising challenges this season but, due to their size, often not being given the backing they deserved from the officials. "They get manhandled sometimes without the protection needed," said Holdsworth "They are big physical boys but put themselves about in the correct way. "They need protecting a bit more. They get uneccessary treatment and a few referees need to remember it's not about their size but their reaction." Stags defender Gary Silk is also looking forward to Saturday's tie after being in the thick of things at Altrincham and said: "It was good to win those two away games after peple had started doubting us. But it will be nice to get back to Field Mill on Saturday. "It was quite a fiery game up there and I am sure it will be a lively game here on Saturday and one that the fans can enjoy. "I was involved in a couple of the incidents up there but I am not too worried about Saturday. "We will respect them. They are a tough team which they showed when they went down to 10 and then nine men. But I believe we have enough in our dressing room to beat them" After Loughborough University injuries forced them to cancel their friendly with Stags reserves this week, Holdworth has now fixed up an away reserve friendly with neighbours Notts County next Tuesday which will feature some trialists. -------------------- Stags' Perry – FA Cup gave me my big break Evening Post, October 23, 2009 IF it wasn't for the FA Cup, Kyle Perry believes he could still be sat at a computer this morning, rather than preparing to take on Altrincham tomorrow. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Stags-Perry-8211-FA-Cup-gave-big-break/article-1444039-detail/article.html? Two seasons ago, the Mansfield Town striker was working as a graphic designer for the Co-op when he was part of little-known Chasetown's history-making side. The Scholars battled through seven rounds of the FA Cup – more than Premiership clubs do to reach the final – and also beat Football League Staffordshire rivals Port Vale on the way. They eventually lost 3-1 at home to Cardiff City, who went on to reach the final, but not before putting the club firmly on the map and significantly boosting their coffers. The run was also a crucial steeping stone for Perry. It was his performances through the rounds which earned him a move to Port Vale, the team Chasetown had beaten. Although things did not work out entirely for him at Vale Park, as he was released at the end of last season, it did get him back into the professional game. And since moving to Mansfield in the summer, Perry has never looked back. "It was with Chasetown in the FA Cup that I made my name.," said Perry. "Before that, I just had a normal job and played semi-professional. "But I much preferred the football – it's always been about the football. "When I wasn't retained at Walsall I went into the non-league game, so it was the FA Cup at Chasetown that came along and made me. "We had the limelight on us and it was brilliant for the club, the players and the supporters. "For our game against Cardiff, there was an all-star cast with the likes of Trevor Brooking and Nick Hancock among others watching from the stands. "I scored a few goals in the early rounds and also set quite a few up too. "I laid on the goal in the win over Port Vale and it was after that game that I got a move there." Perry left the field early in Saturday's 2-1 win at Eastbourne because of cramp. But he should be fit for the eagerly-awaited fourth qualifying round tie with the Robins. The striker scored the opener when the side met at Moss Lane two weeks ago as Mansfield went on to win 2-1. Perry said: "I think I have got some of the lads buzzing with my story of what happened at Chasetown and it is something that everyone in the dressing room is looking forward to. "We have been in good form recently and it is good for us because we only have to get through this tie to get in the first round proper. "I think I have had to play something like nine games to get to the third round stage before, what with all the replays. "To be at this stage already means that everyone is bang up for it. "There were a few things said between both teams last time and it's going to be a fiery game – all or nothing. "I just want to go out and produce and I know the lads want to do the same." Already, Perry is dreaming of what might be, knowing that small teams can earn a crack at the big boys. "There are a few teams who I have a history with – and it would be nice to get the chance to try to knock one of them out," said the 23-year-old. "But there is no one I would like in particular if we beat Altrincham. The aim is to get to the third or fourth round because then you know you have every chance of taking on one of the big teams. "We want to do ourselves justice and make everyone in Mansfield proud. "It is an ideal time to play a cup game having had three wins in a row. "We have been looking for consistency and now hopefully we are getting that home and away." Perry has scored eight goals from 11 starts and three substitute appearances this season – all from open play – but still believes he can do better. He said: "It's going well, but I want to be doing more. I know I can do more. "I just want to play week in, week out and I'm confident I will score a lot more goals. "Putting myself in a situation where I got sent off didn't help. "But hopefully I will look back at the end of the season and have a bagful of goals." Including, he will no doubt hope, one or two FA Cup specials. ----------------------- Stags boss wants FA Cup shot at big guns Evening Post, October 23, 2009 MANSFIELD Town are dreaming of an FA Cup tie with big guns Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea, according to boss David Holdsworth. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Stags-boss-wants-FA-Cup-shot-big-guns/article-1445086-detail/article.html? The Stags boss takes charge of his first cup game since taking over at Field Mill when Altrincham visit Field Mill tomorrow. He is convinced Mansfield have it within them to reach the third round, where they would have the chance of being paired with football's biggest names. "I want to win the cup, but realistically, getting to the third round is an achievement we can make," said Holdsworth. "I have got every faith in the players, who have got a lot of motivation. It gives them the chance to earn a good reputation at Mansfield. "We will set our aims high. If we can maintain our fine form which I belive we can, then we can have a good run. "There is a tremendous team spirit and that is being reflected on and off the pitch at the moment." The Stags go into the fourth round qualifying tie in excellent shape, having won their last three games, including a 2-1 win over Altrincham at Moss Lane a fortnight ago. Holdsworth knows that fiery meeting – when Alty had two players sent off – will add spice to this tie but insists his team must keep their heads. He said: "We have to manage the occasion but play the game. "I'm not interested in what happened a couple of weeks ago (at Altrincham). We must show discipline. "I respect their players and their manager and I don't want to see any needless reaction from our players." Mansfield will play a friendly with a Notts County XI on Tuesday after their match at Loughborough University was cancelled. ---------------------- Duffy winning Stags fitness battle, says boss Evening Post, October 22, 2009 MANSFIELD striker Rob Duffy looks to be winning his fitness fight ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie with Altrincham. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Duffy-winning-Stags-fitness-battle-says-boss/article-1444259-detail/article.html? Stags boss David Holdsworth feared his top scorer, who picked up ankle and calf injuries against Eastbourne, would be ruled out. But the Welsh striker has responded well to intensive treatment this week and is back in the picture. "Duffers is a strong character and I'm delighted with him. He's come out today and run it off after the treatment we have given him," said Holdsworth. "We believe he is going to be fit and we want him to play because he's certainly an integral part of the team. As expected, though, Louis Briscoe (knee) and Kyle Nix (ankle) will not play. Holdsworth added: "We have only had very light training today on the pitch because we don't want to pick up any more injuries before the game." Mansfield have arranged to play a friendly against a Notts County XI on Tuesday. ---------------------- Stags skipper: There's more to come from me Evening Post, October 22, 2009 GARY Mills today pledged to rediscover his best form once he has fully settled into the Mansfield Town engine room. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Stags-skipper-s-come/article-1442945-detail/article.html? By his own admission, the central midfielder and skipper has struggled at times since his summer move from Stevenage. But he has now led the side to three consecutive victories. And he feels the more he plays, the more consistently he will perform. It was Mills' perfectly- delivered free-kick, flicked on by Luke Jones, that set up Mansfield's opener in their 2-1 win at Eastbourne. "As a team we are happy with the start we have made. But it has been a bit of a stop-start thing for me for one reason or another," he said. "The injury I had on the first day didn't help and the sending off I had was down to myself and disappointing. "But hopefully now I can get a good run of games and the fans will see the best of me." Mills is taking his role as captain very seriously after being chosen at the start of the campaign to lead the side. He is keen to ensure he doesn't lose his composure again, as he did when sent off at former club Rushden. Mills said: "I know I have to do things differently as captain. "I try to get round the lads and try to keep them calm when needed, like at Altrincham. "I need to lead by example and I know I let the side down at Rushden. "It's a great honour and you can't be doing silly stuff." ----------------------- Holdsworth promises Stags trialist a quick decision Evening Post, October 20, 2009 DAVID Holdsworth today promised trialist Richard Langley he will make a quick decision on the midfielder's Field Mill future. http://www.thisismansfieldtown.co.uk/news/Holdsworth-promises-Stags-trialist-quick-decision/article-1432816-detail/article.html The former QPR and Cardiff City man began training with Mansfield Town last week after asking for an opportunity. The one-time Jamaica international is on the comeback trail after damaging cruciate knee ligaments in the 2007-2008 pre-season while at Luton. He will play along with fellow trailist Kevin Thornton as a Mansfield side contests a friendly with Loughborough University today. "I won't keep Richard hanging around. I will make a decision as soon as I have had a good look at him," said Holdsworth. "It is very difficult to judge anyone on just one game and I never like to do that. "I have seen managers make big mistakes in that way because anyone can have a 'worldie'. "But saying that, Richard is a good character and has a good foundation because he is not carrying any timber. "I have got a good complement in the midfield area and we have looked very solid in there in recent matches. "But I am always looking to bring in quality and help maintain the high standards we have set so far." The game at Loughborough will also see new loan signing Ollie Hotchkiss given a run-out, while those first-team squad members who did not start against Eastbourne at the weekend are set to play at least 60 minutes. Holdsworth added: "Ollie only trained with us for one day after joining and that's why he wasn't involved at Eastbourne. "A practice match is just what he needs and some of the boys who didn't participate at the weekend also need a game. "We have to make sure we prepare right for Saturday's FA Cup game." The Stags take on Altrincham in that clash but are set to be without Kyle Nix (ankle) and Louis Briscoe (knee), while Rob Duffy (calf and ankle) is a major doubt. --------------------------- New scoreboard at Field Mill, October 20, 2009 ---> http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10325~1831445,00.html? New scoreboard at Field Mill Evening Post, October 20, 2009 MANSFIELD Town are to unveil their new scoreboard to supporters shortly before Saturday's FA Cup match at home to Altrincham. http://www.thisismansfieldtown.co.uk/news/New-scoreboard-Field/article-1436955-detail/article.html It is the latest improvement made at Field Mill in recent months. The scoreboard will be erected in the space adjacent to the Bishop Street Stand, (nearest the Quarry Lane End) on Thursday afternoon. The official 'switch on' will be made at 2.50pm on Saturday. Chairman Andrew Perry, Dean Foulkes of the Stags Supporters Association and a representative of the scoreboard's sponsor Greene King will be present. Team news, birthday wishes and other announcements will now be written in lights both before and during home matches. It will be the first time the club can boast of a scoreboard since Field Mill was re-built in 2001. "The unveiling of the scoreboard is something which I am sure our supporters are looking forward to," said Perry. Stags write their name in lights CHAD.co.uk, 20 October 2009 MANSFIELD TOWN are set for another landmark day when they unveil their new scoreboard to their supporters shortly ahead of kick off in Saturday's FA Cup match at home to Altrincham. http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Stags-write-their-name-in.5748558.jp? As the promotion bandwagon rolls on off the pitch, huge strides are behind made off it, with this the latest improvement at Field Mill in recent months. The scoreboard, which will be erected in the space adjacent to the Bishop Street Stand, (nearest the Quarry Lane End) will be erected on Thursday afternoon. The official 'switch on' will be made at 2.50pm on Saturday. Chairman Andrew Perry, Dean Foulkes of the Stags Supporters Association and a representative of the scoreboard's sponsor Greene King will be present. Team news, birthday wishes and other announcements will now be written in lights both before and during home matches. It will be the first time the club can boast of a scoreboard since the Field Mill stadium was built in 2001. Chairman Andrew Perry told mansfieldtown.net: "The unveiling of the scoreboard is something which I am sure our supporters are looking forward to. "It is another sign of the on-going improvements that are being made at Field Mill." --------------------------- Duffy is major doubt for FA Cup CHAD.co.uk, 19 October 2009, By John Lomas TOP scorer Rob Duffy is a major doubt for Mansfield Town for Saturday's mouthwatering home fourth qualifying round with BSP rivals Altrincham. http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Duffy-is-major-doubt-for.5746176.jp Duffy has soldiered on with painkilling injections in his ankle in recent weeks and bagged his ninth goal of the season in Saturday's 2-1 win at Eastbourne. But boss David Holdsworth today admitted: "He only has a slim chance on Saturday as he now has two injuries. "He has aggravated his ankle and also injured the calf on his other leg. "But he is desperate to play if at all possible after taking a lot of stick at Altrincham from their bench two weeks ago. "It would be a big blow to lose him. I think Rob and Kyle Perry deserve to be picked out for special praise for the way they are playing right now. "They have been outstanding and produced wonders, yet they didn't cost this club a penny. "They could probably go elsewhere and earn more money. They are a pleasure to work with." He added: "Rob had his critics for his lazy running but no one would criticise him the way he was chasing things down in the last 15 minutes on Saturday. His work rate was fantastic and him and Kyle are a real handful together." Kyle Nix and Louis Briscoe will both miss the tie. Nix turned an ankle in a pothole while training while Briscoe slipped down his stairs at home and hurt his knee. "We will have to wait and see how we go with them," said Holdsworth. "If they do need the injuries scanned then I hope we can do so, but I respect we are not a club blessed with money and scans cost money. "If it means we can't scan them and their rehabilitation will take longer then that's what will happen. They would have a scan in an ideal world." Both could be out for at least month or longer. Scott Gardner and Lee Gregory are also having treatment for minor knocks. But loan signing Ollie Hotchkiss will be in the squad for the first time after his first full week's training with the squad. Players needing match fitness plus trialists and youngsters will play in Stags' friendly at Loughborough University tomorrow (Tuesday). Ex-QPR winger Richard Langley, and former Coventry City midfielder Kevin Thornton will hope to impress. And ex-Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth Argyle defender Peter Gilbert may also play as part of his rehabilitation from injury. Stags boss Holdsworth has been allowing him to join in with training though Gilbert is hoping to get fixed up with a Championship club once fit and there seems little prospect of him linking up with Mansfield. However, Langley is a possibility and Holdworth said: "Richard looks very fit and isn't carrying any timber. I won't keep him hanging on though I don't like to judge a player on one game. I have seen managers make big mistakes before doing that. "I do have good competition already in that midfield area, but you always look to add quality to your squad if you can. He asked for an opportunity here which I am happy to give him as it is very tough out there right now." --------------------------- Duffy doubtful for Stags' FA Cup clash Evening Post, October 19, 2009 ROB Duffy is struggling to be fit for Saturday's FA Cup tie at home to Altrincham, boss David Holdsworth confirmed today. http://www.thisismansfieldtown.co.uk/news/Duffy-doubtful-Stags-FA-Cup-clash/article-1432056-detail/article.html The Stags' top scorer has calf and ankle injuries sustained in the latter stages of the 2-1 win over Eastbourne, in which he scored the winner. "I would say at this moment there is a 90 per cent chance Rob will be out with the two injuries he has." said Holdsworth. "Of course, he is desperate to play, especially with the form he is on and the goals he is scoring. "I thought he led the line superbly well at Eastbourne and he would be a big loss to us. "Rob doesn't always get the credit he deserves, but the players certainly appreciate his efforts. "But at the same time if he doesn't make it, there are a lot of other players looking for a game." Kyle Nix (ankle) and Louis Briscoe (knee) are both almost certainly out of the clash with the Robins too. But though Scott Gardner will not train today after picking up a bang, he hopes to be in contention for the weekend. He added: "It is frustrating as a manager and for our physio that we can't always afford to have scans done. "But if we can't in the cases of Kyle and Louis, then we have to respect that because we are not a club rolling in money. "They could be out for two or three weeks of even longer, but we are not really sure without the scans." Mansfield will play a Loughborough university side tomorrow and expect to field those players who didn't start on Saturday together with some youngsters. Trialists Richard Langley and Kevin Thornton will also be involved. --------------------------- |
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