Archived News from November 2012
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MATLOCK PREVIEWS/ OWENS TO SOUTHPORT / PILKS STAYS
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Owens joins Southport on loan
mansfieldtown.net, 22nd November 2012 Defender Andy Owens has joined Southport on loan until 12 January 2013. http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/owens-joins-southport-on-loan-502325.aspx The 23-year-old, who joined us from the Merseyside club in the summer, hasn't featured for us since our Blue Square Bet Premier defeat at Gateshead earlier this season. Owens returns to Haig Avenue in time for Southport's FA Trophy clash at Stafford Rangers this weekend, and has received permission to play in the competition for the Sandgrounders. Meanwhile, George Pilkington has turned down a loan move to Rotherham United. Speaking at today's press conference, manager Paul Cox revealed that Pilkington has stated he would rather stay and fight for a place in the first team at One Call Stadium. The loan window closes at 5.00pm tonight -------------------- Owens told the Non-League Paper, 25Nov12: "There were a few quarrels over wages and who would be paying what. It got to the point where I said I'd make up the difference myself but the chairman told me not to worry about it and it was resolved. I was told there was interest from Chester, Hereford and Cambridge as well but I know all the lads at Southport which swayed it for me. I need to be playing matches, you just can't keep up the same level of fitness in the reserves. The idea is for me to come out on loan and show Mansfield what I can do. They kept teling me to be patient and that I will get a game but the chance never came so I asked to go out on loan. If they don't want me back, then we will sit down and look at extending the loan to the end of the season." --------------- Stags defender Owens returns to Southport on loan on deadline day chad.co.uk, Thursday 22 November 2012 OUT-of-favour Stags defender Andy Owens has rejoined his former club, Southport, on loan as a central striker with the latest loan deadline window expiring tonight. http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-fc/stags-defender-owens-returns-to-southport-on-loan-on-deadline-day-1-5158702 England C international Owens (23) joined Mansfield in the summer but has been unable to force his way into the first team . “I wanted to get the lad some games and Liam (Watson) wanted him to play as a big barndoor centre forward which he played there for them last season,” said manager Paul Cox. Owens returns to Haig Avenue in time for Southport's FA Trophy clash at Stafford Rangers this weekend, and has received permission to play in the competition for the Sandgrounders. However, centre half George Pilkington has turned down a loan move to Rotherham United. “He is a model pro and has said he would rather stay here and fight for his place which is pleasing,” said Cox ----------------- Marriott close to return Alan Marriott could be available for selection within the next few weeks, manager Paul Cox revealed today. video interview with Paul Cox http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/marriott-close-to-return-502892.aspx The 34-year-old goalkeeper has been sidelined for two months following an innocuous training ground collision, causing a dislocated shoulder. But Marriott has surprised most by making a quick recovery to resume training recently. In his weekly press meeting, boss Cox said: “Billy [Turley, goalkeeping coach] told me that he's chucking himself around like a mad man in training. “What he hasn't done at the minute is 'contact' work. I'd like to think I can get him a behind-closed-doors game next week or the week after to see if he's up to it. “He's doing normal goalkeeping training which is really positive for the club. “I thought Shane was excellent the other night [at Macclesfield] but we need two goalkeepers at the club and can't be walking a tightrope if one gets injured.” Cox has made enquires to bring in a new goalkeeper ahead of Saturday's FA Trophy Round One tie at home to Matlock Town. “It has to be right though, I don't want to upset the apple cart by bringing someone in,” he added. Anthony Howell may make a return to the squad after missing out in midweek with a knee problem. Exodus Geohaghon is also available for selection after serving a one match ban, whilst John Dempster will watch from the stands for the final time as he serves the last of a three game ban --------------------- Marriott close to a return in goal for Mansfield Town chad.co.uk, Thursday 22 November 2012 ALAN Marriott is closer to a return from injury than previously thought. http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-fc/marriott-close-to-a-return-in-goal-for-mansfield-town-1-5158710 The Stags keeper, who dislocated his shoulder towards the end of September, is now back in non-contact training and working hard. Manager Paul Cox said he may still bring in a loan keeper as cover for Shane Redmond or even sort a 'work experience' for a Premier League youngster in the meantime. “Alan is back working with the goalkeeping coach and chucking himself about all over like a madman, which is good news,” said Cox. “He hasn't done any contact work yet, just technical stuff. But he is diving, jumping and catching which is really positive. “I would like to get him a behind-closed-doors friendly next week or the week after and see if he is ready to play again. “But take nothing away from Shane. I thought he was excellent with that he had to do the other night.” ----------------- Stags look to avoid repeat of 1976 shock Friday, November 23, 2012 Nottingham Post MATLOCK Town enjoyed one of the biggest days in their history when they travelled to Mansfield Town and knocked them out of the FA Cup. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/story-17402637-detail/story.html It was 1976 and the season the Stags won the old Division Three and promotion into the second tier of English football. But current boss Paul Cox has warned his players to maintain their hunger to ensure there is no repeat of that 5-2 upset almost 36 years ago in tomorrow's FA Trophy first round tie. Matlock are in the Evo-Stik Premier and Cox knows only too well the threat posed by lower league opposition, after Slough took them to a replay and penalties in the FA Cup before the Stags won on penalties. He said: "A lot of people will point their finger to the fact it is a home win. "The Slough experience has been good for us and we need to take that into this match. "There are no easy games in football and non-league football has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years . "I want us to keep our mind-set and work ethic. If we do that we have a good chance." Stags full-back Andy Owens has re-joined ex-club Southport on loan until January 12 --------------- Slough ties the perfect preparation for Trophy test for Mansfield Town chad.co.uk, Friday 23 November 2012 STAGS manager Paul Cox believes the two recent games against minnows Slough Town in the FA Cup have provided the perfect preparation for Mansfield Town's Saturday's FA Trophy first round banana skin against NPL neighbours Matlock Town at the One Call Stadium (3pm). http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-fc/slough-ties-the-perfect-preparation-for-trophy-test-for-mansfield-town-1-5158727 Stags needed penalties to go through after 220 minutes of football failed to separate the two sides. Now Matlock will arrive hoping to repeat the upset they caused in the FA Cup in December 1976 when, after Stags had twice had to come from behind, the Gladiators grabbed three goals in the last hour to pull off a shock 5-2 win at Field Mill. “The Slough games have been a good experience for us and we have to take that into this game,” said Cox. “Non-League football has come on leaps and bounds in the last five or six years. Look at their (Matlock) manager (Mark Atkins). He won the Premier League 20 years ago (with Blackburn Rovers). “If we start to believe the hype and take our foot off the gas pedal on Saturday, football has a habit of kicking you up the backside. “We have to be ruthless. These are tough games and real banana skins. “Some players have tired legs and minds right now after two games in three days. But I want to see them come thick and fast now as the boys just want to play and look like they are enjoying their football.” Anthony Howell could be back in the squad after missing out in midweek with a knee injury. Centre half Exodus Geohaghon is also available again after suspension. Admission is just £10 adults, £6 concessions and £4 U11s --------------- Boss Cox refuses to get carried away at Stags Friday, November 23, 2012 Nottingham Post PAUL Cox is delighted to see Mansfield Town putting together an unbeaten run. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/story-17402670-detail/story.html But despite six games without defeat and some improved performances, culminating in Tuesday night's 3-0 win at Macclesfield, he is not getting carried away. Cox said: "We got some flak earlier in the season and I am sure it is just around the corner again. "But the big positive for me is there seems to be an energy about us at the minute. "I don't get too high or too low but there is a long way to go yet. "We have had a couple of good results but nobody is singing from the rooftops. We have to improve." Cox admits management can be a crazy business, as witnessed at the very top as Roberto Di Matteo was sacked by Chelsea a few months after winning the Champions League. He said: "You are damned if you do and damned if you don't and sometimes I question why I stay in the game because it is absolutely mad. "But it is a drug, it is a job I love doing and what a lot of other people love doing. There are a lot of good people in work and a lot of good people out of work. "It is one of those businesses. I am lucky enough to be in a job but sometimes you do question why you are in it." ------------------- Meikle hungry for success video interview Ben Hutchinson & LIndon Meikle are speaking to Jason Harrison (Mansfield 103.2) 22nd November 2012 Winger Lindon Meikle is determined to make sure that we stretch our unbeaten run to seven games when we entertain Matlock Town in the FA Carlsberg Trophy First Round on Saturday. The 24-year-old, who grabbed his first goal in over three months during our emphatic victory over Macclesfield Town in midweek, believes there is an excellent spirit within our squad at present. “It's starting to feel right,” said Meikle. “There's a good togetherness in the squad and all the players want to work hard. I've been saying all season we need that game to stuff someone, but now it's come, and hopefully we can push onwards from here. “If we can keep that fight and hunger then we can beat any team in this league,” he claimed. Saturday's clash with Matlock promises to be an intriguing affair against a side which infamously dumped us out of the FA Cup back in the 1976/77 campaign. And our flying winger has stated that we will have to be at our best in order to emerge victorious against the Gladiators. Meikle continued: “I see the FA Trophy as just another game, which we've got to win, so that we keep our rhythm going and keep a winning mentality. “When I was at Eastwood, we played against Wrexham, and I know what it's like to be the underdog. It's a cup final and there are loads of reasons why they will step their game up.” -------------------- Meikle believes Macclesfield win can kickstart Mansfield Town's season chad.co.uk, Saturday 24 November 2012 LINDON Meikle believes the superb showing at Macclesfield Town on Tuesday night can really kickstart the season. http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-fc/meikle-believes-macclesfield-win-can-kickstart-mansfield-town-s-season-1-5158778 Stags' powerful display earned them a convincing 3-0 win – the first away win for three months – and England C winger Meikle said: “We needed to stuff someone like that. “It's taken a long time to come but now I hope that can be our 'Neport' like last year and we can kickstart the season and get going from here. “Every team I have been in with the gaffer always comes good by Christmas time so I hope it's now onwards and upwards. “We were solid back to front at Macclesfield and, after scoring two goals this week, you can see it in Matt Green's face that he is getting his confidence back in front of goal.” Meikle is now preparing to face NLP neighbours Matlock Town in Saturday's home first round FA Trophy tie, saying: “It's another game we've got to win to keep the rhythm going. “We know it's their cup final and a chance for their players to be seen. One or two of them will live locally there are lots of reasons why they will step up from the normal level of their games. “It is going to be a tight game like Slough in the FA Cup.” Stags are now just seven points off top spot in the table with a game in hand and Meikle added: “We have a good chance to win it. Everyone has to keep the faith and believe.” ------------------ Stags star Ben Hutchinson yearns for a return to the top chad.co.uk, Friday 23 November 2012 HAVING tasted the high life at the top, Stags striker Ben Hutchinson says he would love to return to football's big time one day. http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-fc/stags-star-ben-hutchinson-yearns-for-a-return-to-the-top-1-5158747 Hutchinson is rebuilding his career with Mansfield Town after his early surge to the top, playing for clubs like Middlesbrough and Celtic, saw him quickly end up on the football scrapheap. His arrival in the side has coincided with the formation of a six game unbeaten run and he said: “I am just pleased to be playing. “It was a frustrating start so it's good to be involved. I just kept my nut down and was determined to force my way into the team. “I heard a few whispers that a few people didn't want me here this season. But the gaffer has been right behind me from the start. “A few things could have been different in my life, but I don't regret anything really. “It was a great experience. I have done some good things and I am just trying to get back there now. “Playing for a club like Celtic, you can't help but follow them afterwards. They instil themselves in your blood. It's like a drug. “I want to try to get back to that level. Once you know what it feels like you want to get that feeling back.” ------------------ No regrets as Hutchinson gets into the groove Saturday, November 24, 2012 Nottingham Post BEN Hutchinson insists he has no regrets about his rollercoaster career. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/story-17411958-detail/story.html And rather than dwell on the past, the former Celtic striker wants to be a success in the present with Mansfield Town. The 24-year-old moved from Arnold Town to Premier League Middlesbrough as a 19-year-old, before sealing a move to Celtic where he played Champions League football. But from those highs, he is now back in the Blue Square Bet Premier with the Stags and is looking to rebuild his career. He has started the last six games, scoring twice as Mansfield remained unbeaten going into today's FA Trophy first round tie with Matlock Town (3pm) at the One Call Stadium. But he is just delighted to be back playing regularly. Hutchinson said: "I am not trying to dwell in the past. There are things I could have done differently looking back now. But I have no regrets, I did some great things and it is about trying to get back there now." Hutchinson has been playing in the hole behind the striker and has proved a success. It is a position he took up as a youngster working with Paul Cox, now his boss at Mansfield, in the youth set-up at Eastwood. And he said: "When I played for the gaffer when I was younger (at Eastwood) that is the position I played so I am happy with that. "I am pleased to be playing football again because it was frustrating at the start of the season when I was not in the team. "I kept my nut down and was determined to force my way into the team and luckily I have done that. "I want to keep consistency with my performances." Mansfield's performances have started to pick up since Cox trimmed down his huge squad. It has seen Stags move up to seventh in the league and into the second round of the FA Cup, when they travel to Lincoln in a week's time. But Hutchinson also wants FA Trophy glory and says they will not be taking Evo-Stik Premier side Matlock lightly today. "It is good to be in all competitions and we just want to win every game we play," he said. "I am always happy to play and to score goals makes me happy. I need to keep my performance level high and work hard. "I always believed our squad was good enough to challenge for the title or to get into the play-offs. "The gaffer wanted to bring in a lot more players and you have to give players time to gel. "The team, as it is now, is starting to gel and there is that togetherness and everybody seems to have each other's back. "It seems to be knitting into place but we have to keep our consistency and work hard for each other to continue doing well." -------------------- Thompson hoping to make his mark Friday, November 23, 2012 Nottingham Post AFTER over a year of injury and frustration, John Thompson is determined to take the chance before him and cement his place in Mansfield Town's defence. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/story-17402307-detail/story.html The Irishman was voted man of the match by the fans on his return for the Stag's 2-2 draw with Luton last Sunday and followed it up with another impressive display in the 3-0 win at Macclesfield on Tuesday night. And he now hopes he can repay their support through his performances on the pitch. "It was great to be back playing again, I really enjoyed it," said the 31-year-old Thompson. "The fans have been unbelievable with me; I've never had fans be so supportive. "I think they appreciate how frustrating it's been for me since I've been here and that each time I go out on the pitch I give 100 per cent. "I haven't really had the chance to prove myself to them, through no fault of my own, but I hope to be able to do that now." Thompson suffered a horrific facial injury last pre-season in a friendly at Ilkeston FC which kept him out for the majority of his first campaign after joining from Notts County. And a host of summer signings meant a frustrating start to this season for him too. But a three-match suspension for John Dempster means manager Paul Cox has had to shuffle his back four. "Last season was virtually a write off for me," he said. "This season has been a case of waiting for my chance and now the ball's in my court. "I want to stay in the team because I need to be playing week in week out at this stage of my career and I know I can do that," he said. Comfortable at both right-back and centre-half, Thompson insists he is happy playing in either position as long as he is playing. He believes that after a mixed season so far for the Stags, they are now starting to look like a side capable of mounting a promotion push and he wants to be a part of that. "The Luton game was a good performance," said Thompson, who is hoping to make a third start in the space of a week at home to Evo-Stik Premier side Matlock Town in the first round of the FA Trophy tomorrow. "Although we didn't manage to get the win, it was probably the happiest I have seen the fans leave this season, "It was a big test because, along with us, Luton probably have the strongest squad in the division. "The manager has trimmed down our squad a little in the last few weeks and the atmosphere in the dressing room is better for it. "We're more of a close-knit group and looking like a team rather than individuals, which counts for a lot on the pitch. "I think our performances and results will show that because there's still a great opportunity for us to get promoted." ---------------- |
Latest | November 2012