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Archived News from January 2004

CURLE AND TILSON REACTION
24th January 2004 19:36


We had to work for 90 minutes matching Southend's commitment and desire and application for the game, and I was proud of the players today, who came together and dug in.

Today was a game where the players had to face up to the ugly side of the game with the work rate, the commitment, the passion, the desire to do that little bit extra, get in front of blocks, stay with runners, all the things that are described as the horrible side of the game. They showed a desire to do that side of the game.

The wind helped Southend in the first half and they were able to get men up and around the box and mentally we had to be switched on. And physically we had to be prepared to match Southend's battle and we did. Probably in the game you could have described it as being a stale mate.

(On the penalty) Sometimes referees give them, sometimes they don't give them. You could say it's a little bit of controversy but I don't want to walk away today talking about negatives.

The back lads today were superb. Luke and Rhys Day stood up to the physical challenge, prepared to put themselves in for the battle and they came out on top.

Both Vaughan and Disley will be doubtful for Tuesday. Neither of them was 100% fit anyway. But they were prepared to put themselves in the shirts and go out today and give everything they had. We managed to get an extra 10 minutes out of Vaughany when he said that he was struggling but it shows his commitment that he wanted to stay on.

I thought Baptiste did exceptionally well in the midfield, probably a spoiling role rather than a creative role and it did allow Macca that little bit of freedom. I thought Jake Buxton has a dodgy ten minutes in the first half but it was important today that he played through that. In the second half I thought he gave a very accomplished performance.

Scunthorpe will provide a different type of test but give Southend their credit. To go away from home and play like that, with that desire and commitment, I don't think they'll be down the bottom when the end of the season comes.

The players will be in tomorrow doing their warm down, and the preparation starts now with the players preparing themselves in the correct manner for Tuesday.

There has been a lot of speculation coming out of Rotherham via their media. I spoke to Ronnie Moore earlier this week regarding one of their players and Liam's name was not mentioned. If Rotherham want to do business and they make an offer that is suitable for Mansfield Town and the chairman decides it is enough money to warrant a transfer, then Liam will go. If not, it's a case of Liam has to earn his right to be in the team and hopefully play at the top of his game. I've got a squad of 23 players, 2 or 3 have got injuries, and all other players will be up for selection.

Transcribed by Martin Shaw.
Interview by Adam Summerton, Mansfield 103.2
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TILSON: “THEY WORKED THEIR SOCKS OFF”
Southend official website
BLUES caretaker boss Steve Tilson was a disappointed man this afternoon as he saw his side return empty handied from the Field Mill Ground after losing 1-0 to Mansfield Town:
“I couldn't fault them” said Tilson.
“We dominated the game from start to finish really. They got an early penalty which really shouldn't have been awarded and from there they just held on.
“Again we didn't take our chances and that's cost us the game ultimately. The lads are obviously very disappointed with the result as we had the majority of possession and territory.
“Again they worked their socks off and came away with nothing and there is only so much of that you can take.

 

Latest | January 2004