Archived News from January 2010
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MORRIS LEAVES/PETERS TO JOIN/CLARE BACK/NIX ONMEND
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Holdsworth sums up 2009 (video interview) ---> http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/FromTheBoss/0,,10325~1919134,00.html ----------------- video highlights of the York game ---> http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/Highlights/0,,10325~1919415,00.html ----------------- Morris set for Hereford return / Peters to sign in January 31 December 2009 http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10325~1919628,00.html? The stay of loan forward Lee Morris from Hereford United is unlikely to be extended after the deal expires in January. Meanwhile, long-term trialist Anthony Peters looks set to move to Field Mill in the New Year, manager David Holdsworth revealed today. Morris, 29, has made three starts, and appeared the same number of times off the bench, since joining us on loan from Legaue Two Hereford a month ago. 6 ft 4 in American Peters looks to sign permanently for us in January when the transfer window re-opens. The 26 year old, who can play in central defence, midfield, and attack, previously played for Cleveland City Stars in the United States and is currently in talks with manager David Holdsworth about a permanent move. In other news, goalkeeper Ed Eley will go back to parent club Grimsby Town next month. Midfielder Steven Istead, currently on loan at Alfreton, will continue to be loaned out in the New Year. Manager David Holdsworth is actively seeking a loan club for Scott Gardner, who is lacking match practice. The transfers of Andy Burgess, Jon Challinor, and Michael Brough will be officially made next month, after successful loan spells. Oliver Hotchkiss has expressed his desire to stay permanently at Field Mill and his loan spell looks to be renewed. Fellow midfielder Kyle Nix is expected to make a return to the squad by the end of January. Meanwhile, David Holdsworth signalled out special praise for youngsters Tom Naylor and Grant Ryan, stating they could be a more regular part of the manager's plans next season. With the transfer window soon to be re-opened, Holdsworth has three-four transfer targets in mind to further bolster his squad, but says he may look to sign only one/two players, with the addition of Peters. We will keep you right up to date with the comings and goings here on mansfieldtown.net. David Holdsworth signed off the calendar year by wishing this message to our supporters: "I would like to thank the fans for their support and wish them a happy and safe New Year's Eve. "Their support in 2009 is very much appreciated and hopefully 2010 can be as fruitful as the previous 12 months." ----------------- Clare loan move 'was right for Stags' Evening Post, January 02, 2010 DARYL Clare's strike rate since being sent out on loan proves it was the right decision to let him temporarily leave Mansfield Town. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Clare-loan-right-Stags/article-1662814-detail/article.html? That's the view of manager David Holdsworth who has seen the hitman net eight goals in as many league games playing for Blue Square Premier rivals Gateshead. Clare returns to Field Mill back to full fitness and in tip-top form. And Holdsworth insists that is exactly what he wanted when he allowed the experienced front runner to move north in search of first team action. "The Gateshead loan has served a good purpose – the reason we sent Daryl out was for him to get form and fitness," he said. "People questioned the merit of the loan, but now it has been proved to be right. "It has also given him confidence and I'm hoping he's ready to come backó and fight for his place because a fit Daryl Clare is an asset to anyone. "Gateshead obviously wanted to continue their relationship with Daryl because he has acquitted himself well. "But he was brought here for a reason and now he has confidence, he is an option for me. Hopefully he can score the goals I brought him here for." Clare has made just three starts and eight substitute appearances for the Stags this season, scoring twice. But Holdsworth says there is a valid reason for that. He added: "In the first place I allowed it because of the emergence of KP (Kyle Perry) and Duffers (Rob Duffy) – they were in tremendous form. "They are both in double figures, which has not happened at this club for a number of years. I would be stupid not to consider Daryl now, any manager would. "He comes back into the squad as of today." Craig Dobson has become a free agent after Mansfield decided not to renew his contract and his loan spell at Kettering has run out. ---------------------- Clare back as Holdsworth ties up transfer deals CHAD.co.uk, 31 December 2009, By John Lomas AS Daryl Clare returns to fight for a place at Field Mill this week, Stags boss David Holdsworth is planning a meeting with chairman Andy Perry to discuss bolstering his squad in the January transfer window. http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Clare-back-as-Holdsworth-ties.5949831.jp? Clare has bagged nine goals while out on loan at Gateshead and, although the Tynesiders want to extend that, Holdsworth expects to see Clare banging on the first team door at Field Mill. Clare's return in one of several ins and outs that need sorting out now the window is re-opening with loan spells ending for several players already in the building and decisions to be made on others who are out on loan. Holdsworth also wants to strengthen the defensive department and has his eye on three players right now. "I don't need new players, I am very happy with my squad," he said. "But if I can improve the squad then I will do and I will be sitting down with Mr Perry when he returns from holiday to have a chat about where we are regarding a player or players. Clare's return is one that is exciting supporters and he added: "The sole reason Daryl went to Gateshead was to play games, get confidence and score goals. "Some people questined the merit of the loan but the decision has been proved to be the correct one. "With Gateshead hovering dangerously above the drop zone I know they are very keen to continue their relationship with Daryl. "But I brought him here for a reason and now he has the confidence and sharpness in front of goal that I wanted. He can play a massive part in our season. "He was only kept out by the emergence of Rob Duffy and Kyle Perry who have both scored double figures, something Mansfield haven't had for a number of seasons. "It was very ambitious of me to have that many strikers and Daryl will now provide me with another option. I would be stupid not to consider that as any manager would be. Hopefully he will come back here and score goals. It seems midfielder Stevie Istead will stay out on loan, either at Blue Square North neighbours Alfreton Town or elsewhere. "Stevie has been unlucky at Alfreton as he has only played three games there and has been ill recently," said Holdsworth. "He will probably stay there another month though we have had a number of clubs enquiring about him due to his nature and his strength. "But where could I put him in my team at the moment?" Kettering Town have decided not extend winger Craig Dobson's loan but, with his loan spell at Stags already up, the player is now a free agent with Holdsworth disappointed with his impact during his brief time at the Mill. Young defender Scott Gardner has also been told he can leave the club if someone comes in for him in January as, at the moment, he is down the full-back pecking order and there is no reserve team. "The lad needs games and I can't give them to him right now," said Holdsworth. "If he can get regular football I won't stand in his way, equally I am happy for him to remain here if that doesn't happen. "Gary Silk is playing his best football I have seen, not only attacking-wise but he has improved his defending as well. "With Michael Brough and Jon Challinor able to cover that position it is hard to see Scott getting a game, though I would have no hesitation in playing him if I needed to. He is a good kid." After a disappointing month on loan and with Clare's imminent return, Lee Morris will return to Hereford with a slight groin strain and no extention to the month. Of the otherloanees already at the club, Challinor and Brough will sign until the end of the season while Andy Burgess has a deal until the end of next season. Holdsworth is also hoping to keep Leeds midfielder Ollie Hotchkiss until at least the end of the season and maybe the end of next season if possible. "I will be speaking to Leeds this week," he said. "I am really encouraged by the fact Ollie wants to stay here. He is really enjoying his football and is improving with every game. "I want to extend his loan to the end of this season and beyond and I am encouraged by what his agent has said so far. It would be a tremendous coup for us." American 6ft 4ins utility player Anthony Peters is '99 per cent certain' to sign for the remainder of the season this week too. He has been training at the club for a few months but, having played for Cleveland in the USA this season, was unable to sign until January, though international clearance has been passed. Peters can play as a central defender, a holding midfield player or up front. ----------------------- Nix on the mend as Stags face blank weekend CHAD.co.uk, 31 December 2009, By John Lomas STAGS midfielder Kyle Nix is hoping to be back in contention by the end of January. http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Nix-on-the-mend-as.5943942.jp The midfielder turned an ankle in training in October but is making good progress. "It will be wonderful to have him back in the fold," said manager David Holdsworth. "He scored a wonderful goal for us at Barrow and was just finding his feet here and settling in well when he was injured. "It was a blow to lose a player I worked so hard to get out of Bradford. "Kyle is not joining in training yet or runing on treadmills but has stepped up his reflexology and bio-mechanics and we are pleased with his progress. We are going to need a big, fit squad for the rest of the season." Ryan Williams (dead leg) and Michael Brough (shoulder) are with him in the treatment room but, with no game this weekend, are expected to be fine by the time Luton Town arrive on 9th January. Holdsworth added: "I would like to take the opportunity to wish our fans a safe and happy New Year's Eve and thank them for their support in 2009. I hope we can make the next year as successful as the last. "It is frustrating not to have a game tomorrow as we would have welcomed one but it does give us a chance to injury and illness to disappear and we will work hard on the training ground." ----------------- Nix's Stags comeback going well Evening Post, January 04, 2010 KYLE Nix could be back in action for Mansfield Town as soon as the end of the month. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Nix-s-Stags-comeback-going/article-1667467-detail/article.html? The midfielder, who had an operation on a damaged ankle, has stepped up his rehabilitation. Former Bradford City man Nox is still not able to run on the treadmill and has yet to join in training. But his reflexology and biomechanics work have gone well, leaving Holdsworth optimistic he could return slightly ahead of schedule. Nix was originally penned in for a February return. "Kyle is making really good strides after his operation and it looks as if he will be available by the end of January and, if not, in February," said Holdsworth. "Although we suffered defeat in his last game at Barrow, he scored a wonderful goal and I felt he was just starting to find his feet and settle in. "It is frustrating when you work hard to get a player at the right time and then they get injured. "We have missed the little fella and it will be a bonus to have him back. "Towards the end of the season we are going to need a strong squad and he is someone who can play behind the front three away from home, as well as in a normal midfield role." Holdsworth announced his decision to make Scott Garnder available for transfer at the end of last week. He said: "As a player you need regular football and we can't give him that at the moment when we don't have a reserve team. "Gary Silk is playing the best football of his career, not just going forward but he has improved his defensive skills as well. "We also have Jon Challinor and Michael Brough who can play there so we are not short on cover." ------------------------- Stags clarify future of ten players Evening Post, December 31, 2009 MANSFIELD Town boss David Holdsworth today outlined his plans for the New Year by revealing the futures of TEN players. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Stags-clarify-future-players/article-1662494-detail/article.html? American trialist Anthony Peters is '99 per cent certain' to sign in the January transfer window. The 6ft 4ins central defender cum holding midfielder has previously played for the Cleveland City Stars in his homeland. Ollie Hotchkiss is keen to stay at Mansfield for the rest of the season and Holdsworth is hopeful of sealing a deal to do so. The Stags boss is also keen to sign up the Leeds United man for 2010-2011. Right-back Scott Gardner is being made available for transfer after struggling to break into the Mansfield side because of the form of Gary Silk. Lee Morris will return to Hereford United after failing to impress in his short spell at Field Mill. Daryl Clare is poised to return to the Stags and fight for his place after a successful loan spell at Gateshead. Cambridge United have settled up their contract with midfielder Jon Challinor and he will join the Stags until the end of the season. Michael Brough is expected to sign for the rest of the season after Torquay United agreed to let Mansfield take over his contract. Steven Istead is likely to remain on loan for the foreseeable future, with current club Alfreton Town keen on retaining his services. Youngster Ben Turner has enjoyed his spell at North Ferriby and is to be given more senior action whether with the Humberside club or elsewhere. Goalkeeper Ed Eley is to return to Grimsby Town after his loan spell following the return to fitness of Tim Sandercombe. --------------------------- Revolving door policy aids Stags' recovery Evening Post, Thursday, December 31, 2009 IT has been a year of change at Field Mill – in so many different ways. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Revolving-door-policy-aids-Stags-recovery/article-1657015-detail/article.html? The most obvious and significant shift has been in terms of results. After just a handful of victories in 2008, Mansfield have rediscovered the art of winning regularly. The introduction of David Holdsworth as manager has been a key development, with his leadership and tactical nous having a real impact. Another big plus has been the club's efforts to reach out to the community, with their cut-price season ticket offer a particularly commendable gesture. But what has continued to change at the club more than anything else since January has been the playing staff. Holdsworth has made no secret of the fact that he will never settle for what he has got, nor will he have favourites. He is incessantly on the look-out to add new talent to the personnel he had at his disposal – and has made the signings to prove it. Holdsworth promised things would change swiftly following his appointment – and he was not wrong. Curtis Woodhouse, Alan Marriott, Louis Briscoe, Scott Garner, Curtis Shaw, Anthony Howell, Rob Duffy, Tomi Ameobi (loan) and Dan Whatsize all joined in time for their new boss' first game in charge. A 1-0 home victory over Crawley ensured it was a winning start for the former Sheffield United and Birmingham City defender, a timely success with the Stags hovering dangerously close to the Blue Square Premier drop zone. That was the start of a six-game unbeaten run – four of them wins – that quickly erased fears of a second successive relegation and briefly raised hopes of a late play-off push. Holdsworth's first defeat as Mansfield manager came at Oxford but three wins from the next four games meant the Stags' momentum was maintained. There was no shortage of activity off the pitch either as the likes of Scott Gardner, Paul Mayo, Ryan Williams, Gianluca Havern and Neil MacKenzie arrived. And, prior to the game at Cambridge United in early March, Daryl Clare was unveiled as a big-name capture. However, Mansfield's hopes of a top-five finish were scuppered by a drop off in their away form. Following the 1-0 win at Rushden and Diamonds at the end of February, they suffered five consecutive defeats on the road before clinching a 2-2 draw in their final away fixture of the season at Woking. In contrast, the home form was imperious as Mansfield remained unbeaten in the ten games they played at Field Mill after the turn of the year – six victories and four draws. The most impressive of those was undoubtedly on the final day against Stevenage Borough, who went on to win the FA Trophy. The Hertfordshire side had been beaten just once in their previous 30 matches but went home empty-handed as Scott Garner and Aaron O'Connor netted in a 2-1 success. By that stage, Holdsworth had already let a number of players leave with Jason Lee the first to go in January, departing for Kettering. And by the time the 2008-09 season drew to a close, Gavin Hurren, Alex Jeannin, Michael Blackwood, James Kay, Jamie McGhee, Chris Wood, Warren Burrell, Ryan Goward and Lewis Trimmer had also been jettisoned. In the summer clear-out, Paul Mayo, Aaron O'Connor, Adie Moses, Alan O'Hare, Luke Herriott, Curtis Woodhouse, Mark Stallard, Curtis Shaw, Anthony Howell, Gianluca Havern, Neil MacKenzie, Jason White and Nathan Arnold were also shown the door. That left the way clear for a summer recruitment drive that began in earnest early in the close-season and continued apace throughout the summer. Luke Jones, Jake Speight, Paul Heckingbottom, Gary Mills, Luke Graham, Tim Sandercombe, Craig Armstrong, Steven Istead, Kyle Nix, Kyle Perry and Jason Bradley were added to the squad before the start of the new season. Performances in friendlies suggested Mansfield could get off to a flying start and they certainly did that with a 4-0 thumping of Crawley. Mansfield lost their next game at Luton Town 4-1, but that was their only defeat in their first eight league games as they quickly established themselves as promotion contenders. Next to arrive were Blair Sturrock, Lee Gregory and Craig Dobson, while Levi Porter also joined on loan from Leicester. The Stags were hit by three losses in a row in September, but soon bounced back and by the year's end are handily placed in the play-offs with 44 points from 25 games. Of late, Mansfield have begun to find their feet on their travels but, conversely, they have struggled at Field Mill as teams have started to pile men behind the ball when they visit north Notts. It is those struggles on home turf that has led to perhaps the biggest disappointment of the calendar year – a decent cup run. After beating Altricham 3-0, Mansfield reached the first round of the FA Cup to play Forest Green but lost a home replay to a last-minute winner. And while hopes were high of a Wembley visit in the FA Trophy, they were dashed at the very first hurdle as Tamworth won 2-0 at Field Mill just a couple of weeks ago. Ahead of the transfer deadline for temporary signings at the end of November, Holdsworth once again strengthened his hand by bringing in Ollie Hotchkiss, Michael Brough, Jon Challinor, Andy Burgess and Lee Morris. Some of those signings will become permanent in January and their impact could well go a long way to defining Mansfield's destiny in 2010. Prior to the same deadline, Dobson, the long-serving Jonathan D'Laryea and Luke Graham all moved on. In all, Holdsworth has signed more than 30 players permanently or on loan since taking the helm. And he has also demonstrated his aptitude for disposing of those who are no longer required by culling almost as many. That is not to mention the long list of trialists who have passed through the gates, with Paul Farman, Alton Thelwell, Jay Smith, Spencer Weir-Daley, Elijah Reid, Neil Collett, Bradley Jones, Ross Wilkinson, Rob English, Clint Easton, Michael McBride, Chris Orvington, Paul Tocco, Danny Bacon, Andrew Boyce, Kyle Wilkie, James McQuilkin, Anthony Peters and Richard Langley among them. Some would argue that Holdsworth's policy of tinkering is counter-productive at times, not allowing players the time to settle. But it is difficult to pick fault with the gaffer's record, winning 23 of the 48 matches over which he has presided (11 draws, 14 defeats). But now the key thing for Mansfield is to build on the foundations that have been laid down over the past 12 months. Those who know the club well appreciated it would not be easy to get things going in the right direction again after relegation from the Football League. But now the ethos and ambition have been changed for the better, such good work must not go to waste. Holdsworth, of course, will be determined to ensure the focus remains strong into the New Year and that his squad retains their play-off challenge. Earning promotion back to the Football League is going to be extremely tough to achieve with the likes of Oxford, Luton, Stevenage and York all just as eager to take their place in the country's elite 92. But if the Stags want to continue on their current upward curve, they realistically have to be looking at that as their next step. -------------------- |
Latest | January 2010