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Archived News from August 2018

FLITCROFT, WALKER, KHAN, FLYNN REACTION
10th August 2018 11:22




Stags' boss cites unity as reason for resounding victory
mansfieldtown.net, Saturday 04 August 2018

Stags' boss David Flitcroft has praised his side's unity following their emphatic 3-0 victory over Newport County AFC this afternoon.

Tyler Walker opened the scoring for the Stags in the 12th minute, before a second-half brace from midfielder Otis Khan capped off a superb performance by the amber and blue.

The manager was quick to point out defender Hayden White's miraculous goal-line clearance, saying it 'epitomised' the physical condition that his players are in and the desire they have to come to the aid of their team-mates.

"I think Hayden White epitomises the spirit and that togetherness and unity that we're trying to grow.

"At the time people may think they are small things but when you've done the work through the summer and in the pre-season, physically, he can get to that ball [to clear it off the line].

https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2018/august/flitcroft-post-newport/

"He's backed up Logan because it's an open goal. Hayden has drove into that area because he physically can.

"I think it was an outstanding performance. The lads we've brought in have felt really comfortable and settled in. We did our business early and that's allowed us to welcome those boys and let them play in pre-season games and feel the crowd.

"I said when I signed Otis, that he's exciting. He gets you off your feet. He's got the ability to score goals. I just didn't expect a headed goal from him!

"I'm really chuffed with how the new boys have settled. There was a real togetherness in that performance.

"I think it gives them [the players] belief. I think they're trusting what we are doing. That's been evident in pre-season. There's a lot to gain from a good pre-season campaign. I think we've shown today, without getting carried away, that the preparation has been good.

"The lads are feeling good about themselves. They've worked very hard [in pre-season]. It's important that they feel good about themselves today because that was an excellent performance from the squad."

The Stags' boss was also pleased to see the work that he has done on the training ground in pre-season replicated in a matchday situation.

"When we did come under threat, Conrad Logan was outstanding. He made some fantastic saves. He's epitomised everything I've believed in, in terms of preparation. He's had a really good pre-season.

"I saw some of the work we did on the training ground [during the match]. Some of the phases, some of the passing moves.

"I was surprised at times how much space they gave to Mal Benning. For me, Mal can hurt you, he can unlock you. He's got three or four different passes. He had a lot of space today and he utilised it superbly.

"The pleasing aspect is seeing what we've been working on for six weeks now. I've talked a lot about the physicality, but some of the passing work we've done and the way we moved them round the pitch and hurt them [was pleasing to see].

"A lot of work that we've done was evident today. We kept going and going. The three subs that came on ran anything down. They came on to give us impact and energy. I'm delighted."

The manager added that he is keen to develop his younger players this season, and has complete trust in striker Jordan Graham and defender Lewis Gibbens, who were both included in today's squad.

"Developing players is key. I look at my career and I had five or six years with Keith Hill as an assistant manager who was highly passionate about developing young players.

"Young players give you a sincerity and an honesty. I didn't want to put a player on that didn't deserve to come on, to just tick a box.

"If you look at the England team and the way that they performed. A lot of that team have come from the EFL. I think there's too much emphasis on the Premier League. Our EFL is really strong. Probably 90% of that England squad who performed so well at the World Cup have spent time in there or come from there.

"I'm delighted that Jordan [Graham] has had some game time. Would I be worried about putting Lewis Gibbens on? No chance. I'd put him on at the drop of a hat."

It was also revealed that the club have accepted a bid from Grimsby Town for striker Lee Angol.

"On Lee Angol, we've accepted a bid from Grimsby. They spoke to Lee yesterday and his representatives, and they're currently working on that.

"Lee's had the weekend off to think about the potential move. We'll know more probably on Monday. That's something that we might progress on Monday, but we might not."

The manager also took the time to set the record straight on striker Danny Rose.

"With Danny Rose, I thought that through the back end of the week it was turning into a circus with the media. I thought that our professionalism was outstanding. We've received a bid that's not good enough. The chairman has made that quite clear.

"If he wants to move, it'll be at the chairman's valuation. That's really important.

"I think some of stuff that has come out from the club that's bid for him, certainly from a personal point of view, I try and remain professional. It was sort of a personal attack on me and my relationship with Danny Rose.

"Just to set the record straight with Danny. I put him in the team and gave him his debut when I was at Barnsley. He helped me secure the job, so I have nothing but admiration for Danny.

"When I went to Bury, I signed him. I convinced the chairman to spend good money on Danny. I got promoted with him. I spent time with him in Spain. In League One then, I had to stay in the league. I brought Leon Clarke and Tom Pope in, two League One top-hitters.

"I explained that to Danny that when I got those in, it's important that he goes and plays games and sets his career alight.

"He then moved to Mansfield, yes I was the manager that sold him then. I didn't see him as a third-choice centre-forward. He came to Mansfield and the rest is history, he was outstanding.

"I've had a fantastic relationship with Danny Rose. Every game he was available last season, I played him. I'd like to say that if Rose goes on and does fantastically well, I've played a part in that.

"When someone comes at you in a personal attack, with a slur, I think it's important that the truth is told."

iFollow Stags subscribers can watch the manager's interview in full by logging into mansfieldtown.net/ifollow.

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David Flitcroft delighted with pre-season work after Mansfield Town win on opening day
chad.co.uk, by SPORTS REPORTER, Saturday 04 August 2018

David Flitcroft praised the work done by his side in pre-season after they cruised to a comfortable 3-0- opening day win over Newport County

Flitcroft said: “It was a very good start to the season. We are trying to grow a togetherness and spirit and we showed that today. “It was an outstanding performance, the new lads have settled in.

Read more at: https://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/sport/football/david-flitcroft-delighted-with-pre-season-work-after-mansfield-town-win-on-opening-day-1-9285251

“We did our business early and that has given them to time to grow into it and see what it means to play for the club. “I said otis khan was an exciting player with the ability to score goals and he has shown that today, he hurts you and excites.

“There was a real togethernes and unity in that performance. Conrad logan was outstanding when we came under threat. “You get a result like this off a really strong pre-season. This was a really good team performance and it is nice to see the hard work coming off.

“We kept going and going and a lot of the things we have worked on was evident today. I am delighted.”

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Mansfield Town boss David Flitcroft praises desire and fitness of his players
chad.co.uk, by SPORTS REPORTER, Saturday 04 August 2018

Boss David Flitcroft praised the desire and fitness levels shown by his players in yesterday’s 3-0 win over Newport County. Stags got off to a flyer as they put the Exiles to the sword to claim three deserved opening day points. And the delighted manager was quick to signal out the fine goal-line clearance by Hayden White in the closing stages of the win.

“I think Hayden White epitomises the spirit and that togetherness and unity that we’re trying to grow,” he said. “At the time people may think they are small things but when you’ve done the work through the summer and in the pre-season, physically, he can get to that ball and clear it off the line.

Read more at: https://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-boss-david-flitcroft-praises-desire-and-fitness-of-his-players-1-9285307

““He’s backed up Logan because it’s an open goal. Hayden has drove into that area because he physically can. ”The lads are feeling good about themselves. They’ve worked very hard in pre-season. It’s important that they feel good about themselves today because that was an excellent performance from the squad.”

“There was a real togetherness in that performance.“I think it gives them belief. I think they’re trusting what we are doing. “That’s been evident in pre-season. There’s a lot to gain from a good pre-season campaign. I think we’ve shown today, without getting carried away, that the preparation has been good.”

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David Flitcroft keen to bring young players through at Mansfield Town
chad.co.uk, by SPORTS REPORTER, Saturday 04 August 2018

David Flitcroft has stressed the importance of developing young and hungry talent at Mansfield Town. He was speaking in support of a new EFL initiative requiring club’s to include home grown talent each week in their matchday squad. Youngsters Jordan Graham and Lewis Gibbens were named in the Stags squad to face Newport, with Flitcroft keen to stress they are not just there to make up the numbers.

“Developing players is key. I look at my career and I had five or six years with Keith Hill as an assistant manager who was highly passionate about developing young players,” he said.

Read more at: https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town/david-flitcroft-keen-to-bring-young-players-through-at-mansfield-town-1-9285314

“Young players give you a sincerity and an honesty. I didn’t want to put a player on that didn’t deserve to come on, to just tick a box. “If you look at the England team and the way that they performed. A lot of that team have come from the EFL. I think there’s too much emphasis on the Premier League. Our EFL is really strong. Probably 90% of that England squad who performed so well at the World Cup have spent time in there or come from there.

“I’m delighted that Jordan [Graham] has had some game time. Would I be worried about putting Lewis Gibbens on? No chance. I’d put him on at the drop of a hat.”

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Mansfield Town accept Lee Angol bid from Grimsby - and David Flitcroft sets the record straight over Danny Rose saga
chad.co.uk, by SPORTS REPORTER, Saturday 04 August 2018

Boss David Flitcroft tonight confirmed Mansfield Town have accepted a bid for Lee Angol from Grimsby Town. The striker has been subject to transfer interest over the last week and was left out of Saturday’s 3-0 opening day win over Newport County.

Flitcroft said: “We have accepted a bid from Grimsby and they are currently working on that. “Lee has had the weekend off to think about the move so we will know more on Monday or Tuesday on that. It might progress on Monday or it might not.”

Read more at: https://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-accept-lee-angol-bid-from-grimsby-and-david-flitcroft-sets-the-record-straight-over-danny-rose-saga-1-9285300

And he also spoke of his disappointment at what he described as the personal nature of comments made by the club interested in buying Danny Rose. “The Danny Rose situation was turning into a media cirucs, the bid we received is not good enough and if he wants to move then it will be at the chairman’s valuation and no-one elses.

“The stuff that came out from the club who bid for him is disappointing. I try to remain professional, but when the comments made are personal against me it is important I set the record straight.

“I have nothing but admitiatiuon for Danny. I signed him for Bury for good money, I got promoted with him and spent time in Spain with him.

“In League One when I was at bury I sold him to Mansfield so he would get game time. “He has been outstanding at Mansfield and see him as a main man not a third choice striker. I have had a fantastic relationship with him and have played him in all the games when he has been available.

“If he moves on and goes on to be a success I would like to think I haved played a part in his career and that success, “I think its important the truth is told when there is a personal attack.”

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Goalscorers dedicate dominant win to fans
mansfieldtown.net

Goalscorers Otis Khan and Tyler Walker dedicated their side’s resounding victory to the fans after overcoming Newport County 3-0 at One Call Stadium.

Walker netted the Stags’ opening goal of the 2018-19 season in just the 12th minute after profiting from some pinball football in the Exiles’ penalty area.

His team-mate, Khan, used this as a building block as the midfielder went on to bag a superb second-half brace that put the result beyond any doubt whatsoever.

On-loan forward Walker immediately turned attentions to the Stags’ faithful and added that Mansfield aimed to make a statement of intent this afternoon.

“We wanted to come out here and get a win for all fans as we knew there was a lot of them that came here to watch us,” he said.

https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2018/august/walker-and-khan-post-newport/

“We also wanted to make a statement and I feel like that’s what we did.”

Khan commented on the nature of the game, in particular with regards to how much better the second-half panned out in relation to the first.

“I don’t think we could have planned that to have gone any better. I think we showed a real statement as to what we’re about, too.

“The first-half wasn’t that good but in the second-half we got going and our quality shone through.”

Khan then gave credit to Walker as the latter’s fine cross allowed the former to head home in emphatic fashion, giving the Stags a two-goal cushion at the time.

“I know he [Walker] has got the quality to provide that kind of ball and I knew that if I got myself in the box he’d find me,” said Khan.

“It’s a surprise [to score a headed goal] as I’m not the tallest but to be fair, the other day in training, we were doing a lot of heading drills that have clearly paid off today.

“The second goal though was all about getting into the pockets and getting a shot away” he added.

The duo wrapped up proceedings by praising the fans for their tremendous support throughout the whole game.

“As players you can’t really tell the fans how much they mean to be a 12th man but you could really hear that today,” said Walker.

“Hopefully we can put on more performances like that for them throughout the season.”

“The fans didn’t stop supporting the team for 90 minutes and I can’t wait to be in front of them again” Khan said proudly.

And he won’t have to wait long as David Flitcroft’s side are back in action next Saturday when they take on Yeovil Town at Huish Park in their second outing of the Sky Bet League Two campaign.

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Tyler Walker delighted with dream debut for Mansfield Town
chad.co.uk, by SPORTS REPORTER, Saturday 04 August 2018

Striker Tyler Walker hailed a dream debut after getting off the mark in a comfortable win for Stags. The Forest loan star opened the scoring with a cool 12th minute finish, before Mansfield wrapped the points up thanks to a brace from Otis Khan.

A delighted Walker said: ”It was a dream debut for me. The first goal was important as it was an even contest to that point and I am just glad I was able to get the goal for the boys. “We wanted to come out and get a win for the fans. We also wanted to make a statement and it feels like we have done that.”

Read more at: https://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/sport/football/tyler-walker-delighted-with-dream-debut-for-mansfield-town-1-9285320

And the striker was also keen to praise the work of the rest of the team in getting the win. “We have done all the work in pre-season and we wanted to win today, I was just doing my job. “All the lads have done their job at the back and there is a reat togetherness in the team. We are all trying to do our job for the team.”

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Michael Flynn: Mansfield were stronger than us
southwalesargus.co.uk, By Andrew Penman

NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn blamed poor defending from his side as they went down to a 3-0 opening day defeat at Mansfield Town.

Flynn was not happy with the way the Exiles allowed Stags debutants Tyler Walker and Otis Khan to score but he admitted that Mansfield were the stronger side.

Walker, son of former England defender Des, stabbed home the first goal on 12 minutes and the hosts led 1-0 at the break.

Khan, signed this summer from Yeovil Town, then took centre stage as he headed in Walker’s cross on 56 minutes and curled in a brilliants second eight minutes later to put the game to bed.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/16398907.newport-county-boss-michael-flynn-frustrated-after-3-0-defeat-at-mansfield-town/

“I think the worst period was the 20-minute spell in the second half when they got their second goal,” said a frustrated Flynn.

“We lost the battle in that 20 minutes and they punished us. They scored two goals and really went for the jugular.

“It was frustrating because I thought in the first half, even though we were losing, we were playing quite well.

“But you can’t have 20-minute periods like we did in the second half where we were second best all over the pitch.

“How can you have a free header in the box? Khan is 5ft 7ins.

“And then he had time on the edge of the area and he picked out his spot where he was going to hit it.

“You can’t have that time. We didn’t get that time.

“It was too easy for them to score. I think there was a foul for the first one but the other two were poor defending from us.”

Padraig Amond and substitute Josh Sheehan went close late on but it was not County’s day and Flynn praised Mansfield’s performance.

“They went right to the end,” he added. “Podge went round the keeper and should have scored but their man cleared it off the line.

“Then Josh Sheehan should have scored but the keeper makes a save.

“But they’re a strong team and credit to them for finishing us off.

“They were stronger than us and you’ve got to give the opposition credit at times.”

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POST-MATCH | Mike Flynn reflects on opening day defeat to Mansfield Town
newport-county.co.uk

Mike Flynn believes his Newport County AFC side must hone in on the spells of positive play during the defeat to Mansfield Town and use them as a springboard for the rest of the season.

The Exiles started the game in Nottinghamshire on the front foot but were hit by a sucker punch after 12 minutes as Tyler Walker bundled home from close range to give Mansfield the lead on his debut.

Just after that, the home side had to rely on the very best reflexes of goalkeeper Conrad Logan to keep their early lead, the Stags shot stopper getting his angles right to save Padraig Amond’s bullet header and the follow-up rebound.

Andrew Crofts, Matty Dolan and Jamille Matt all tested Logan before the half-time whistle, while at the other end Craig Davies hit the base of the post with a curling effort from outside the area.

The match was finely poised as the teams returned from the tunnel for the second half, but it was unfortunately Mansfield who again found the net on another two occasions to take the game away from County.

It was a day for the Stags debutants at the One Call Stadium, Walker this time turning provider as his superb cross found Otis Khan in the centre who headed home on 56 minutes to double the home side’s advantage.

The former Yeovil Town midfielder - who commanded a transfer fee when making the move to Nottinghamshire - then completed the scoring with a sublime strike after 64 minutes, picking his spot before curling an unstoppable strike into the right corner from just outside the area.

Despite the scoreline, County certainly never gave up and almost sparked a mini-revival in the closing moments of the contest.

Padraig Amond’s quick reactions took him past the onrushing Logan but he was denied by the quick-thinking of defender Hayden White who cleared the attempt off the goal line, before substitute Josh Sheehan saw a curling close-range effort tipped past the post by the Stags shot stopper.

https://www.newport-county.co.uk/news/2018/august/flynn-post-mansfield/

Ultimately, there was to be no way back for the Exiles as they started the 2018/19 campaign with defeat in Nottinghamshire, but Flynn could still take encouragement from the glimpses of defensive solidarity and creative intent on show by his side at the One Call Stadium.

He affirmed: “I think the worst period in the game was the 20-minute period in the second-half where they scored the two goals because we lost the battle really.

“They punished us, scored the two goals and really went for the jugular.

“It was frustrating because first-half I thought even though we were losing 1-0, we were playing quite well.

“Yeah, I do think [the opening goal came against the run of play.] Even after that, I thought we reacted well but unfortunately, you can’t have those 20-minute periods in a game like we did in the second-half.

“We were second best all over the pitch in that time frame, we shouldn’t have allowed the free header and then he had time on the edge of the area to pick his spot.

“You can’t give the opposition that time, we didn’t get that time because you could see they went right to the end. Even when Podge took it around the goalkeeper, their man clears it off the line.

“Mansfield are a strong team and credit to them for seeing us off.”

The success on the opening day of the season for the home side was the first for them since 2016, when they coincidentally beat the Exiles 3-2 at Rodney Parade.

County have of course also beaten the Stags to kick-off a new campaign, having been on the right side of a seven-goal thriller in the season that saw both clubs promoted to the Football League in 2012/13.

Encounters with the Stags usually produce a host of goals (29 in 11 League Two meetings) and Flynn wanted to praise his opponents post-match.

He continued: “Mansfield were stronger than us. You have to give the opposition the credit sometimes, you can’t just say that we were bad.

“They got on top of the game, had the 20-minute spell and we didn’t manage to see it out. We will have to come to places like this where you’re going to have that type of period in a game and you have to see it off.

“We weren’t able to do that today, but we go on to next week now.”

County will have the opportunity to immediately bounce back and secure their first victory of the season when they entertain Crewe Alexandra at Rodney Parade next Saturday.

The Railwaymen will head to South Wales sitting atop of the League Two table after the opening fixture, following their emphatic 6-0 success over Morecambe yesterday.

But Flynn believes his side will rise to that test and set the ground running for the home campaign this season.

He added: “I think I’ve said before that Crewe Alexandra always start the season well, but we have to react now and get ready for that test next Saturday.

“I’m not going to overreact to this result because I wouldn’t have overreacted if we had won here either.

“The boys dug in deep today, put a shift in and like I said, it was that 20-minute spell that cost us.

“We’ve got to get together, stick together like we’ve said we are going to do all season and go again next weekend.”

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Newport County boss Michael Flynn says Mansfield Town were too strong
chad.co.uk, by SPORTS REPORTER, Saturday 04 August 2018

Michael Flynn admitted Mansfield Town were too strong for his Newport County side. Tyler Walker gave Stags a cracking start with a cool finish to give them a 12th minute lead. And fellow debutant Otis Khan doubled that lead with a 56th minute header, before wrapping the game up on 65 minutes with a fine long-range effort.

Flynn was quick to admit that his side had been punished durin that period. “I think the worst period was the 20-minute spell in the second half when they got their second goal,” said a frustrated Flynn. “We lost the battle in that 20 minutes and they punished us. They scored two goals and really went for the jugular. “It was frustrating because I thought in the first half, even though we were losing, we were playing quite well. “But you can’t have 20-minute periods like we did in the second half where we were second best all over the pitch.

Read more at: https://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/sport/football/newport-county-boss-michael-flynn-says-mansfield-town-were-too-strong-1-9285303

“Mansfield are a strong team and credit to them for finishing us off. They were stronger than us and you’ve got to give the opposition credit at times.”

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We will stick together, vows Exiles boss
southwalesargus.co.uk, By Andrew Penman

MANAGER Michael Flynn vowed that everyone at Newport County AFC will stick together after Saturday’s opening day defeat at Mansfield Town.

Two goals from Otis Khan and one from Tyler Walker earned the hosts all three points and condemned County to another defeat at Field Mill after last season’s 5-0 humiliation.

The Exiles put in a much better display than on that dark night in February and could have made a game of it late on as Padraig Amond and substitute Josh Sheehan went close in the Nottinghamshire sun.

“It wasn’t as bad as last season - we could have lost 10-0 that night,” said Flynn.

“It’s easy to criticise when you’re not here and, to be honest, I’m not interested in any negativity.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/16399765.newport-county-boss-michael-flynn-wont-overreact-to-3-0-defeat-at-mansfield-town/

“The boys dug deep and put a shift in and it was a 20-minute spell that cost us.

“I’m not going to overreact and I wouldn’t have overreacted if we’d won either.

“We’ve got to stick together and we go again.”

Flynn did admit that the Stags were the better side, particularly at the start of the second half when Khan bagged a brace.

And he expects a reaction next Saturday at Rodney Parade against Crewe Alexandra, who beat Morecambe 6-0 at home at the weekend.

“You’ve got to give the opposition credit at times,” said the Exiles boss. “You can’t just say we were bad or we were terrible.

“They got on top of the game and had a 20-minute spell and we didn’t manage to see it out.

“You’re going to have those periods in games and you’ve got to see it out. We weren’t able to do that and we go on to next week.

“I’ve said before that Crewe always start well but we’ve got to react now and get ready for it.”

Robbie Willmott and Mark O’Brien missed out at Mansfield but both could be available to face Crewe.

“Robbie and O’Brien were both injured but I’m hoping they will both be fit next week,” said the manager. “I’m hoping we'll have a full squad next week.”

County announced their 10th signing of the summer just three hours before kick-off on Saturday with former Birmingham City and Barnsley goalkeeper Nick Townsend arriving on a two-year deal.

And Flynn is excited by the prospect of the 23-year-old competing with Joe Day for a starting spot.

“He’s a very good goalkeeper,” he said. “He played in the Championship last season and I think it’s a big coup for us because he is very talented and he will push Joe.

“He can 100 per cent challenge Joe and I think it’s going to be a very good battle.

“And what it has done already is raise the level in training because he’s not just a good goalkeeper, he’s a winner as well and he’s demanding the high standards that we all want.”

County are also set to announce the appointment of a new goalkeeping coach after James Bittner departed to work with the Reading under-23 side.

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Latest | August 2018