Archived News from June 2004
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Stags release seven players
CHAD MANSFIELD Town boss Keith Curle began his summer clearout last week by releasing seven players on free transfers, while 13 others were sent away with new contract offers. MANSFIELD Town boss Keith Curle began his summer clearout last week by releasing seven players on free transfers, while 13 others were sent away with new contract offers. Perhaps the most surprising victims of the squad cull are experienced defender Tony Vaughan and Iyseden Christie - top scorer of two seasons ago - who have both been told they have no futures at the club. Also shown the exit door are fellow strikers Laurent D'Jaffo and Andy White, along with defender Jamie Clarke, plus young forwards Chris Beardsley and Craig Mitchell. Thirteen other players - including regular first-teamers Liam Larwence, Tom Curtis, Rhys Day, Lee Williamson and Bobby Hassell - have contract offers on the table and have been given 30 days to sort out their futures. The rest of them are Adam Eaton, Craig Disley, Jake Buxton, Junior Mendes, Luke Dimech, Dave Artell, Jason White and Neil MacKenzie. Four youth team players - Pete Ryles, Andy Jones, Mark Hurst and goalkeeper James Coates - who was on the bench for last Monday's nailbiting play-off final - have also been released. Curle said he was hoping to bring in around five new players before pre-season - but stressed he was going for 'quality' not quantity in his bid to launch another promotion challenge. And he said that young players like Beardsley and Mitchell should aim to bounce back from their initial disappointments as they will be given another chance."It has probably been the hardest day I have had as a manager," he said. "It has been particularly difficult because I have got a lot of belief in all of the players here. "Hopefully some of the younger players in a year's time will look back and say it's the best decision I made for them. "The players who have been offered contracts have been made realistic offers. What people don't realise is that a large chunk of this squad were on second division wages but we will be starting next season as a Division Three club. "I am confident the players will sign because sometimes, it is not all about money, it is about the working environment," he added "And with the professionalism that surrounds this club now - I am sure the players will want to be part of it." |
Latest | June 2004