Archived News from February 2014
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COX BACK TO SQUARE ONE IN STRIKER SEARCH
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Cox on search for new acquisition
mansfieldtown.net, 4th February 2014 Manager Paul Cox admits it may be ‘difficult’ to add a new player to his squad in time for Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two match at home to Southend United. Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/cox-on-search-for-new-acquisition-1339902.aspx#MTTQFKIRpOtDI0bm.99 Despite being unable to sign any players on permanent deals during the transfer window, our boss can bring in new faces on loan over the coming weeks. Nevertheless, in spite of a continued search by Cox and his backroom team, the quest to find a ‘fox in the box’ type-striker, who will fit into our squad, is taking its time. “I think it will be difficult be Friday,” said Cox. “We’ve been at a number of games over the past week, but I think we’re playing catch up with people now. “We had a number of players in our sights but a lot of them have signed for other clubs, so [we have to] start the search again. “The problem we’ve got is that the better players will have gone during the transfer window, either on loan, or on loan with a view to a permanent deal. “So we’re going to have to re-jig our targets now.” He continued: “We’re still looking for someone who can score goals. I think it was hard building into the transfer window, and it’s going to be even harder now. “A fresh face would do us the world of good, but it’s finding that player who is going to improve us, fit into the dressing room and help us in certain areas of the field. “Deals were done during the window, so we’re going to have to have a look at the whole range of players who are out there now. “We may look at some younger players, but you have to be careful because sometimes when you take these players on loan they aren’t ready physically or mentally for what’s going to be a tough end to the season.” Our boss also confirmed that full-back Lee Beevers was close to going to hospital after last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Plymouth Argyle. “His shoulder popped out, but they managed to pop it back under medication,” said Cox. “It’s another [injury] where we’re going to have to wait and see how it settles down, and whether he’ll need an operation or he can just resume playing.” The full interview will be available later today on Stags Player. ----------------- Stags boss Cox back to square one in player search chad.co.uk, 04 February 2014 Mansfield Town manager Paul Cox today admitted it would be tough to find the right loan player quickly after the club’s change of heart over making a signing. http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/stags-boss-cox-back-to-square-one-in-player-search-1-6417068 Cox had some decent names lined up over the January transfer window, but was told late on that he would not be allowed to bring anyone in due to financial restraints. However, once the window was shut and Cox was ready to soldier on with the current squad, the club did a U-turn and he was told he would be able to bring in a player when the emergency loan window opens this Friday. Fans will be hoping he can pluck a rabbit out of a hat for Saturday’s visit of promotion-chasing Southend United. But Cox said: “I think it will be difficult by Friday. The staff have been at a number of games this week but we are now playing catch-up with people. “We had a number of players in our sights. But the majority of them have now signed for other clubs or gone back into their first teams and we are starting the search again. There were a lot of deals done in the window and, for whatever reason, we couldn’t. So we are planning for a different scenario now. “The problem we have got is that the better players have gone in the window in permanent deals or on loan, so we have to re-jig our targets. We are still looking for someone who scores goals. “It was hard building into the transfer window and it will be ever harder now. I won’t make any bones about it, it will be tough. There is not a lot out there at the minute. “Bringing someone in by Friday will not be the be all and end all. But a new face would be good. “We are going to have to look at what is out there including the younger ones, the U21s and reserve team players, but we have got to be careful. We must make sure we bring in the right person, if anybody. “With respect, if we bring someone in on loan who is not ready physically or mentally, it would be tough.” He added: “There may be one or two go out if we have to free up a bit of money. But I am mindful of the fact that if we don’t bring anyone in, I need to keep the squad as strong as possible as, if we got three or four injuries, we would be down to using the kids. “It is tough in our predicament. Anyone from 10th down can by pulled into a battle and to blood the kids in that scenario would be harsh on them.” Cox admitted the club’s change of heart on bringing someone in had taken him by surprise. He said: “It was a bit of a shock as I had just got my head round the fact I would have to work with what I had got. So our decision-making has gone from one extreme to another. But nothing really surprises me as I have been in football long enough. You just have to get you head down and get on with it.” ------------------- |
Latest | February 2014