Archived News from June 2010
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STAGS TARGET ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
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Stags boss David Holdsworth targeting an attacking midfielder
Evening Post, June 11, 2010 MANSFIELD Town boss David Holdsworth has made a goalscoring midfielder top of his wish list. http://www.thisismansfieldtown.co.uk/news/Holdsworth-targets-attacking-midfielder/article-2291800-detail/article.html? He has already brought in five new faces this summer in Adam Smith, Chris Smith, Steve Foster, Kevin Sandwith and Paul Stonehouse. But Holdsworth still wants to wants to strengthen the middle of the park. "We need goals from midfield and wide areas, which is why I have brought in Stonehouse and (Adam) Smith," he said. "Briscoe and Williams scored five goals between them last year, which is not good enough. "Attacking midfield players is another area to look at. Nixy (Kyle Nix) is fit now, which is important because he is a tremendous player. "But you have got two sitting, defensive midfield players other than that, so an attacking threat from midfield would be the ideal situation." Mansfield were forced to play midfielder Steven Istead at right-back to cover for Gary Silk at the end of last season. Holdsworth wants to ensure he is not caught short again. He said: "That's an area that will be covered very soon with a new signing. "A right-back and a flexible defender is something you do need. We have identified a player." Striker Jake Speight, although under contract, has been offered improved terms for next season. But after requesting a transfer, he has yet to commit. "I've had a couple of enquiries about Jake but there is going to be a large fee around his neck," said Holdsworth. Fans can pay on the gate for tonight's performance by the X-Factor finalists at Field Mill, where doors open at 5pm. Tickets are £20 for adults (with one child free) and £5 for U16s and students. ------------- Holdsworth in talks to sign another defender CHAD.co.uk, 08 June 2010 By Ashley Booker MANSFIELD TOWN boss David Holdsworth has revealed he is in talks to sign another defender - just days after completing his fifth signing of the close season with the capture of versatile Paul Stonehouse from Forest Green Rovers. http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Holdsworth-in-talks-to-sign.6346756.jp The 22-year-old, who can play at centre half, left back or left midfield,put pen to paper on a one-year deal on Thursday. He follows fellow defenders Chris Smith, Kevin Sandwith and Steve Foster as well as winger Adam Smith into Field Mill and Holdsworth says he hopes to bring in another fresh face soon - possibly a right-sided defender. "That's an area that will be covered very soon," he said. "We need a covering defender that can do that job. Young (Tom) Naylor will come into our squad this season definitely, but you don't want to put too much burden on a younger player. "You want to bring him in and give him that opportunity without hurting the boy. We're certainly very pleased with his progress but at right back a flexible defender is something you do need. "I've been talking to the chairman about it. We have identified a player and I've interviewed a player. It's just having the ability to bring him in at the right time. I'm in discussions with the chairman and board here frequently about this. "I've (targeted) players that can come in and I've been working very hard with the chairman and the board. We're making small steps and we're very pleased with it." Holdsworth wants to work with a smaller, 'flexible' squad for next season and has already seen the departures of John Shaw and Luke Graham - while Paul Heckingbottom has followed Shaw to the North East by signing for Gateshead, where he spent the end of season on loan. But one player the Mansfield boss wants to keep at Field Mill is Jake Speight, who topped the club's scoring charts last season with 17 goals. Speight, who is under contract, has been offered new terms and Holdsworth says the Stags have not received a bid from other clubs. Added Holdsworth: "I've had a couple of phone calls from managers and one manager wasted my time. If (someone) comes in with a bid we'll evaluate it but I want to keep Jake Speight." ------------------------- |
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