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Archived News from August 2004

JAKE PEGS HIS PLACE IN STAGS` SIDE?
19th August 2004 14:25


JAKE PEGS HIS PLACE IN STAGS' SIDE?
Evening Post, 19 August 2004

Keith Curle has hinted that Jake Buxton could be an integral part of his plans this season.

But the Stags boss has decided not to offer a contract to Marvin Robinson, partly because he does not think the former Derby striker is fit enough.

Robinson featured in a 3-1 defeat against Leicester City's reserves on Tuesday, with Alex Neil on target for the Stags.

And although Robinson did not do enough to impress Curle, Buxton certainly has.

The left back was handed his first start of the season at Chester on Saturday.

Adam Eaton, who played at left back in the Stags' first two games, was fit for selection, but Buxton justified his place with a man-of-the-match display.

"Adam was a yard off the pace and there's a lot more to come from him," said Curle.

"Jake came in and gave a solid performance, with that little bit of youthful enthusiasm.

"He was determined and crisp in the tackle, and had a spring in his step."

The 19-year-old, who was born in Sutton-in-Ashfield, made only his 16th Stags appearance and scored his second goal for the club.

Curle added: "He had a spell last season when he came into the team and played exceptionally well.

"Hopefully, this time around he will get a run of more than seven or eight games and keep learning."

The 5ft 11in defender said: "I scored on my debut last year at Leyton Orient and there weren't many fans there, but this time we had a good away following.

"I've kicked off a bit later than the other lads, but it was good to be in the squad and in the side."

Buxton added: "It's nice for me to start the season. You're always mad if you're not in the side at the start of the season and I was hoping to get a chance."

The full back, who started out as a trainee at Field Mill, kicked off a run of seven starting appearances in a row at Brisbane Road last season.

Now he wants to stake his claim as the first choice left back for the rest of this campaign.

 

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