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Archived News from May 2017

STAGS SIGN LEE ANGOL
22nd May 2017 21:13


(Two year contract with the option of a third - see below)

Stags sign highly-rated Posh striker
mansfieldtown.net, 18th May 2017

Mansfield Town chief executive Carolyn Radford is delighted to announce the capture of sought-after Peterborough United striker Lee Angol for an undisclosed fee.

The Stags have beaten significant competition to sign the highly rated talisman.

The 22-year-old joins manager Steve Evans’ new-look squad, and is sure to play a significant part in the Stags' next campaign. The youngster has chosen the Stags over a number of established clubs who all sought his signature.

After being schooled at Spurs, Angol joined Wycombe, before making a move to Luton Town.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/2016-17/stags-sign-highly-rated-posh-striker-3719853.aspx#dho5hEq73oLQ4r5H.99Striker Angol Joins Stags

A hugely successful loan spell at Boreham Wood saw the striker net 32 goals in all competitions, as well as scoring in the play-off final to help the club into the Conference National.

The livewire frontman was soon snapped up by Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2015 and he quickly became the Posh's leading goalscorer in their League One campaign.

An injury prevented the gifted youngster from once again being top of the goal charts and towards the end of the season he sought only to regain match fitness in competitive football. He subsequently joined Lincoln City for a substantial loan fee and in the main scored the goals and produced the performances which saw the Imps promoted to League Two. Lincoln City will be disappointed, amongst many, that the player has decided his future should lie at the One Call Stadium.

Chief executive Carolyn Radford said: “Full credit must be given to manager Steve Evans who has, over the last number of days, been able to convince young Lee that his future should be with us at Mansfield Town Football Club.

“Both the chairman and myself have taken the opinion of many good judges in football which is clear that they see Lee as a player who should be playing in the Championship within the next two years and hopefully we can give him the platform to achieve that with our club.

Manager Steve Evans said: "Today we have signed another talented young player. Once again, I will not speak about what he will do as his abilities will shine through when he takes to the grass in a Stags' shirt."

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Steve Evans told Mark Stevenson: "The signing (of Lee Angol) is quite incredible. If somebody had said to me a month ago that Lee Angol was going to be playing for me at Mansfield Town, I'd have thought they were bonkers.
But the opportunity came up and the chief executive and the chairman gave me the support to try and make it happen."
https://twitter.com/mansfieldtownfc/status/865277440192598018

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twitter Sidekick Management @SidekickManagem
https://twitter.com/SidekickManagem/status/865260480599920641

Absolutely delighted for our man @AngolLee on his move to @mansfieldtownfc today. Time to kick on again now! #SidekickManagement
Lee Angol signs for Mansfield Town on a two-year deal from Peterborough United, with the option of a third.

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twitter
Peterborough Supporter: Do we have a sell on clause (for Angol) should Mansfield sell him in future?

Darragh MacAnthony @DMAC102 (Peterborough chairman)
Of course plus plenty more for when they are successful. Both deals were excellent deals executed by our DOF (director of football, Barry Fry)! More to come.

Peterborough Supporter: Was Steve Evans involved much?

Darragh MacAnthony @DMAC102 (Peterborough chairman)
Of course, he wanted 3 of our players & was involved putting deals together with Baz (director of football, Barry Fry)/Mansfield CEO.

Darragh MacAnthony @DMAC102 (Peterborough chairman)
Just spoke to Baz (director of football, Barry Fry), said @mansfieldtownfc CEO @CarolynRadford reminded him of Karen Brady & was a Hard negotiator but excellent to deal with!

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Goals are what I live for, says new talisman
mansfieldtown.net, 19th May 2017

New Mansfield Town striker Lee Angol says he is excited about the proposition of adding to his impressive career goals’ tally at the Stags.

The 22-year-old, who signed yesterday from Peterborough United, has a career goals ratio of almost one in every two matches.

He became Posh’s top scorer in 2015-16 in League One and previously netted 32 goals in all competitions for Boreham Wood in the Conference South.

And after putting pen to paper for the Stags, he said: “From [being] young, I’ve always loved scoring goals. Whenever I’m on the pitch, all I try to do is score goals. As many as I can score in one game is what I strive to do. That is what I love doing.

“I’ve had a few sub appearances here and there in League Two, but this is [my opportunity] to show League Two what I can do. I’m excited about this challenge. It’s one I’ve not really had before so I can’t wait to hit the ground running and start. It’s a different step for me, a new challenge and something I’m looking forward to.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/2016-17/goals-are-what-i-live-for-says-new-talisman-3720755.aspx#lvfArz4axL8xCf3e.99

“I’m very excited. I can’t wait to put on a shirt and get off to a good start and maintain it. Hopefully it’s a successful one.”

The 6ft 3in marksman described his playing style: “I think sometimes I can be misunderstood. People see my size and see me and think ‘he could be that target man’. I’m not really that target man who just holds up the ball. I’ve got more to my game. I like to come short, get on the ball, half-turn, spin. Of course, I love finishing. Goals are what I live for.

“I have [set] targets for myself, but that’s for me to know. I set little targets for myself. If I keep setting my little goal targets and I keep achieving them [then I'm satisfied].”

The ex-Tottenham hotshot said he was impressed by the positivity at One Call Stadium ahead of 2017-18.

“The first thing I noticed [when at the ground] is the positive vibe around the place. Everyone has a mentality of moving forward, from the gaffer to the people on reception. It’s exciting to be around.

“I’ve heard a lot of things about this club’s ambition. I’ve spoken to the gaffer. He’s ambitious and so am I, so everything clicks. I’m trying to develop and learn a lot. I know the gaffer here has a lot of experience. He can help improve me."

StagsPlayerHD subscribers can view Lee Angol's first interview.

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Mansfield Town complete the signing of Posh striker.
theposh.com

Lee Angol has agreed a switch to League Two side.

Peterborough United front man Lee Angol has completed a move to ambitious Sky Bet League Two side Mansfield Town for an undisclosed fee with the paperwork completed on Thursday afternoon.

https://www.theposh.com/news/2017/may/striker-angol-joins-stags/

Angol, who spent time with Lincoln City in the National League last term, helping the Imps to promotion, will link up with manager Steve Evans at Field Mill.

The 22-year-old joined Posh from Luton Town after catching the eye during a loan stint with Boreham Wood, but found first team opportunities limited after picking up an injury in pre-season last year.

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TRANSFER NEWS: Angol joins the Stags
Thursday 18 May 2017

Posh striker Lee Angol has joined League Two club Mansfield Town. The 22 year-old hitman signed for Steve Evans’ side for an undisclosed fee today (May 18). Angol joined Peterborough United from Luton in July 2015 - again for an undisclosed fee - and scored twice on his debut for the club in a 5-1 victory at Oldham on 12 September 2016. He went on to score 11 goals in 38 games for the club that season. Last July, however, Angol fractured his ankle in a pre-season friendly at Boston and required surgery to place a pin in his leg. After regaining his fitness he made eight starts last season and scored just one goal. In March he was loaned to National League club Lincoln City until the end of the season. He again scored a hat-trick on his debut in a 4-0 victory away to Braintree Town and completed the loan spell with 13 appearances and six goals. Upon his return to Posh, Angol was transfer-listed by the club. Mansfield chief executive Carolyn Radford said: “Full credit must be given to manager Steve Evans who has, over the last number of days, been able to convince young Lee that his future should be with us at Mansfield Town Football Club. “Both the chairman and myself have taken the opinion of many good judges in football which is clear that they see Lee as a player who should be playing in the Championship within the next two years and hopefully we can give him the platform to achieve that with our club. Evans said: “Today we have signed another talented young player. Once again, I will not speak about what he will do as his abilities will shine through when he takes to the grass in a Stags’ shirt.”

Read more at: http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/posh/transfer-news-angol-joins-the-stags-1-7967632

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Lincoln City unveil retained list; Lee Angol joins Mansfield Town
By Mark Whiley, May 18, 2017, lincolnshirelive.co.uk

Meanwhile, striker Lee Angol (below), who had a successful loan spell with the Imps at the end of the season, has joined Steve Evans' Mansfield Town for an undisclosed fee after being transfer-listed by Peterborough United.

Read more at http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/lincoln-city-unveil-retained-list-lee-angol-joins-mansfield-town/story-30340962-detail/story.html#FRCkYq5Yc64jLcCA.99

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Football, Finances And Infrastructure: whither Lincoln City?
lincoln.vitalfootball.co.uk

Within the last few days, the summer transfer window has been thrown open with a resounding crash in the brave new world of League Two. As far as Lincoln City is concerned, the retained list has been released and our thoughts are already occupied with trying to identify which players might be heading up the A46. Wish lists have been drawn up by us all in the belief that players will be falling over themselves to play for Lincoln City now. However, literally within the last few hours, there has been a rude awakening: City have been comfortably outbid by other League Two clubs for two players Danny Cowley ideally wanted to retain. Cowley confirms that Terry Hawkridge has doubled his money by joining Notts County (and doubled his contract term as well), and that he could not have got even half way towards matching the financial offer made to Lee Angol by Mansfield Town. It may be silly money, but money talks.

So we shake our heads sadly and say farewell to two of the players who dragged us over the line three weeks ago. It would appear that the setting of a sensible budget has left us unable to compete. That may come as a considerable shock to some of us, but there is an immediate reality-check here: the vast majority of clubs next season will have budgets either equal to or larger than our own.

We have encountered numerous clubs in very recent times with far more spending power than us, so we should not be too surprised. The boom and bust mentality of some clubs continues to beggar belief, and it is the same culprits every time. We may have waved goodbye to the immediate threat of AFC Fylde, Eastleigh, Ebbsfleet, Salford City and even to little Billericay, bankrolled to a ludicrous extent by steel magnate and Dagenham & Redbridge reject Glenn Tamplin; and we may consider ourselves unfortunate that Dale Vince and his merry band of vegans have followed us into the Football League - it is anyone's guess how much money he is about to throw at achieving his ridiculous Championship fantasy. But now we face a whole new raft of big spenders - proponents of Rolls-Royce ambitions on bicycle wages - who present a far bigger obstacle to Lincoln City's progress up the League than the Jim Parmenters ever could.

So should we be doing the same thing? After all, we have all that lovely money burning a hole in Kevin Cooke's pocket. Think what damage we could do with the £2.5 million from the FA Cup run and the solidarity payment still to come. We are all eager to continue the roller coaster ride of the Cowley revolution into the Football League and sweep majestically through League Two in no time at all. Is that a realistic ambition? Yes, probably. We have perhaps the best young English manager in football and sackfuls of Krugerrands in the bank for him to spend. We already know he is the right man to give it to, so why not set him free? He says he has expensive tastes where players are concerned, so let the man indulge! Is that the right thing to do?

Let's consider the flip side of today's events. Notts County have secured Terry Hawkridge for what appears to be extremely good money; that is quite surprising for a club which reportedly is £9.5 million in debt. Does that make sense? Not really. I can see only more problems ahead down Meadow Lane.

Mansfield Town threw a stupendous pile of cash at winning the Conference a few seasons ago. It worked in that sense, but they have had to cut their cloth severely ever since. Until now, that is. Out of the blue, Mr Radford is suddenly talking very big talk once more and supporting his notoriously extravagant manager with substantial piles of cash. Offering Lee Angol more than twice the amount Lincoln could afford, and on far smaller gates than Lincoln does not make a lot of sense either. Field Mill could be changing to Failed Mill before long.

Read more: http://www.lincoln.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=492394#ixzz4hYkclgHE

Splashing the cash on players obviously presents an advantage provided player selection is right, and you have the right manager to mould those players into a team. It is not as easy as it sounds - just ask Eastleigh. In December 2016 owner Stewart Donald wrote off £4.85 million in losses accumulated over the last 5 years. This season, his team of overpaid misfits finished just 7 points clear of relegation and a massive 42 points behind champions Lincoln, who had a small percentage of their budget. It most certainly was not for the want of trying: Eastleigh munched their way through four managers in the space of seven months while serving up to their supporters the football equivalent of Russell Brand (rambling, disjointed and as close to unwatchable as a party political broadcast by the Unwatchable Party). They have learned the hard way that money does not guarantee success, and success is not a right.

Here's another thing to consider: last season should not have happened. Lincoln City did not have one of the bigger budgets in the National League, yet they swept the big spenders and four big Football League clubs aside to create real football history. Sean Raggett made the Gazzetta dello Sport team of the week, interviews with Danny Cowley were shown on television in Australia, and even former England internationals waxed lyrical about the Imps on BT Sport and the BBC. None of the bankrolled clubs could manage any of that. We must be getting something right, and there is no reason why it cannot happen again. It is not just about money.

So let's take a wider view of the whole picture, which is something that Mansfield and Notts County are probably not doing.

To build a solid sustainable future for any club, it is essential that developments in infrastructure off the pitch keep pace with ambitions on it. To neglect one in deference to the other can only end in failure. Lincoln need so many things: a new ticketing system, a new training ground and a new stadium are all prerequisites if it is to become the club we all want it to be. What would happen if City went straight up to the Championship, only to find that no one could buy a match ticket, the players had nowhere to train and the new stadium was still 'five to ten years' away? Is that where we really want to be? On the other side of that particular Krugerrand, how many of City's long-suffering supporters would look forward to trudging off to a sparkling new 15,000-seat stadium, only to find Billericay Town the opponents on the opening day of a new National League season? Had Shakespeare been a Lincoln City supporter, he might have shaken his head sadly and concluded, that is the stuff on which nightmares are made.

A sense of balance has to be our main priority. If it takes a couple of years before we can challenge at the sharp end of the League Two table, then so be it. The new training centre is on its way, and that will help the club to attract a more ambitious type of player. Danny and Nicky made it a condition precedent to renegotiation of their contracts, leaving us in no doubt that they understand implicitly the need to build the club and its infrastructure in the shortest term. They will not walk away from Lincoln City because they have less money to spend than Steve Evans, so we have time on our side too. We must not be tempted to break the budget simply to emulate the spending of our neighbours. Sensible use of the FA Cup windfall over a number of seasons is the way to go.

The interesting thing here is that the Cowleys are completely in control of their football club, and that does not just relate to the playing side. They are running the whole show - on the pitch and off it - and directing those around them to create what they want it to be. Can the same be said for the majority of clubs in League Two? I honestly doubt it. So let those other clubs go right ahead and spend money they do not have. It may give them an advantage in the short term, but we need to implement a long-term strategy. If we get it right off the field, success on it will follow. The two are holistic, symbiotic, they have to be addressed simultaneously and afforded equal attention. The majority of clubs do not see things that way, and that gives us an advantage.

But the biggest advantage of all - and one that cannot be replicated by any other club in League Two - is that we have Danny Cowley at the helm. He will not be worried that Lee Angol has simply chosen the wrong club, and Terry Hawkridge has gone to one which is on its financial knees. He may be a tad disappointed, assuming that he really did want the two of them to stay of course, but he will simply move on to the next target. Consider the 22 players he signed last season and put your trust in his judgement; accept that he is driving this club forward at a breathtaking rate of knots; and get that season ticket ordered, because the adventure is just beginning.

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