STAGS TO SIGN SCOTT/1ST FRIENDLY
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MANSFIELD boss Stuart Watkiss is confident he will be able to seal the
signature of defender Dion Scott in the next few days. After denying rumours that the 21-year-old had already signed for Stags last week, Watkiss hopes to tie up the loose ends imminently. Scott played in the Stags reserves' 1-1 draw at Rochdale two weeks ago and Watkiss has been hopeful of tying up a deal after he was released on a free transfer from Walsall. He has played just once for the Saddlers first team but had a successful spell on loan at Nationwide Conference champions Boston United earlier this season. Watkiss said: "I have spoken to Dion and contract talks are well advanced. "Hopefully, everything is going to be sorted out in the near future." Apart from David Kelly and Scott Sellars, who were signed on short-term contracts towards the end of the season, Scott would be Watkiss's first permanent signing since taking over from Billy Dearden in January. With Adam Barrett having left the club on a free transfer and skipper Les Robinson being placed on the transfer list, Watkiss will be looking to boost his defence before Stags start their first campaign in Division Two for ten years. In the meantime, he is confident Wayne Corden will sign his contract by the end of the week. The winger was offered a three-year deal towards the end of the season after being an ever-present in the promotion campaign. Watkiss said: "Hopefully it is all going to get sorted by the end of the week. "Wayne will be given a copy of the contract tomorrow just to dot the Is and cross the Ts and it should be back with us by Friday." Young defender Jamie Clarke, who has been offered a two-year deal after completing his scholarship, will also be signing this week. Stags have also been able to announce a friendly with Nottingham Forest at Field Mill on Saturday, July 27 (kick-off, 3pm). Last year, Stags fixed up friendlies with Sunderland and Middlesbrough and encouraging performances went a long way to boosting the confidence of both players and supporters. Watkiss said: "I'm delighted we are going to get the opportunity to play against a team of Forest's quality and the fact it is a local game should mean it is a special occasion. "We have got some good young footballers and it will be interesting to see how they get on against some of the excellent players Paul Hart has at his disposal." Ticket information for the match has yet to be finalised. Source: Evening Post |
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