Archived News from November 2002
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GADSBY SET FOR STAGS SWITCH
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Plus latest injury news on Larkin, Scott (pictured), Jervis, Hassell
-------------- Gadbsy lined-up to face Magpies CHAD website MATTHEW Gadsby looks set to join Mansfield Town on a free transfer from Walsall in time to play in Saturday's local derby at Meadow Lane (3pm). The 23-year-old defender trained with Stags pre-season and played in the friendlies but was recalled by the Saddlers at the 11th hour which infuriated Mansfield. Since then he has only been used once as a substitute by Colin Lee all season and, with Stuart Reddington joining Conference side Burton Albion on a permanent basis this week, Stags boss Stuart Watkiss decided to go back in for a player he has always kept an eye on. Gadsby is due at Field Mill tomorow (Friday) morning with everything agreed between the two clubs and player. He has been at Walsall since he was a trainee and Watkiss said: "I am very pleased to get Matthew here. "First and foremost he is a central defender but he can also play at full back or in midfield. He is a very versatile player." Gadsby goes straight into the squad for the Notts game and is almost certain to start in the centre of defence with skipper Neil Moore suspended and on-loan Tony Vaughan struggling to be fit with a back problem. Striker Colin Larkin will also be in the squad after looking sharp in an hour of action in a reserve friendly at Aston Villa yesterday (Wednesday). Larkin is returning from his second hamstring lay-off this season. Dion Scott managed to get 75 minutes under his belt in the game and David Jervis 45 minutes in their fitness bids. Stags lost 3-1 against a Villa side boasting five internationals, Chris Beardsley the goalscorer. Saturday's game at Meadow Lane is not all-ticket and Stags fans can get in by paying on the gate on the day. "If we win we go level on points with Notts which is a great incentive," said Watkiss. "Equally if Notts win they will go six points ahead of us which is a great incentive for them. "I hope our fans give Billy Dearden a good reception as he did a lot for this club while he was here. Knowing Billy, Notts will be up for the battle, organised and disciplined and it has all the makings of a tight and very close local derby." Stags' youngsters gave a good account of themselves before losing 2-1 at home to a powerful Barnsley in the FA Youth Cup second round last night, Lance Mulligan on target. ------------ Evening Post, 07 November 2002 Matthew Gadsby could complete a move to Mansfield Town in time to face Notts County at Meadow Lane on Saturday. The Walsall defender, who initially joined Stags in the summer in a three-month loan deal from Walsall, only to be called back by Saddlers boss Colin Lee the day before the season started, will make a permanent move from the Bescot Stadium. Gadsby, who was 23 in September, joins the Stags as Stuart Reddington looks to make a permanent move to Nationwide Conference outfit Burton Albion. Neither deal has been completed but all parties have been able to agree the two deals. Gadsby, who has made 37 appearances for the Saddlers but has not featured this season, is due at Field Mill tomorrow to finalise his move. Manager Stuart Watkiss said: "We were very disappointed when he left us and I have always said that I wanted to bring him in. "It is a permanent move and I definitely think it is one that improves the squad. "He might not be that experienced in terms of the number of games he has played but the fact he has played at First and Second Division level means he knows what to expect and knows what we are up against. "The centre of defence is his best position but he can also play at full-back or even in midfield. "Hopefully everything will be sorted out tomorrow." Watkiss said he still firmly believed 24-year-old Reddington had the ability to make a living in the lower leagues. He said: "Stuart is a smashing lad and I still think he is capable of being a very good player in the lower leagues. "He found the step up difficult but I'm sure that, under Nigel Clough, he will be able to go on." Watkiss received a boost yesterday when Colin Larkin came through a practice game against Aston Villa and he will force his way into the squad for the big showdown with the Magpies. Dion Scott got 75 minutes under his belt following his shoulder operation in the summer and David Jervis played 45 minutes after the foot injury he picked up in the derby defeat against Chesterfield in August. Villa won the behind-closed-doors match 3-1 but their side did include five internationals. The youth team bowed out of the FA Youth Cup at Field Mill last night, losing 2-1 to Barnsley. ---------------- http://www.ananova.com Stags set to sign Gadsby Mansfield Town are poised to sign Walsall defender Matthew Gadsby within the next 24 hours. Gadsby was on loan at Field Mill before the start of the season but was recalled to the Bescot Stadium just before the Stags' opening game with Plymouth. The 23-year-old will help to bolster a depleted Mansfield rearguard that has been further weakened with Stuart Reddington's impending departure to Conference side Burton Albion on a full-time basis. "We're hoping to sort everything out on Friday," said Stags manager Stuart Watkiss. "It's just a case of sorting out all the personal details, but we're confident of bringing him in." ----------------- mansfieldtown.net reports that: Colin Larkin, Dave Jervis and Dion Scott (pictured) played in yesterday's behind closed doors reserve game. Larkin is said to have looked sharp during his 60 minutes on the pitch. Dion Scott managed 75 minutes and was looking good although, as expected a little out of shape. Meanwhile Bobby Hassell is very, very hopeful of returning to training next Monday and may even figure in the Wednesday Reserve game against Grimsby Town at Clipstone. Allen Tankard is hopeful to return into the training camp towards the end of next week. For full details visit http://www.mansfieldtown.net ------------- |
Latest | November 2002