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Archived News from March 2005

PREVIEWS AND TEAM NEWS
25th March 2005 17:29


SHARP EXIT BY MURRAY
Evening Post, 25 March 2005

Mark Roach on the latest comings and goings at Field Mill

Murray's fee is believed to be £7,000, with a further payment of £13,000 if Carlisle win promotion this season or next.

"I needed to make drastic changes," said Palmer. "I've got fees for Murray, Asamoah and MacKenzie - all players who came in on free transfers.

"I've agreed a budget with the chairman for next season - and I've already agreed a deal with a Premiership full-back who can play at centre-back. He is taking an £800-a- week wage cut to come here in the summer.

"I've got the nucleus of a very good young side. We'll have Jelleyman, Artell, Baptiste, Buxton and a new lad in defence next season, Brown, McLachlan, Rundle, Coke and a new player in midfield, with Callum Lloyd in the frame, and Barker and Larkin up front.

"At some point between now and the end of the season I will give Jason White a game but I am loathe to play him in a home game because of the atmosphere.

"I want a blend of good young players with energy. Attitude is important in the lower leagues.

"I want a team with ability and mental strength. I asked Adam Murray if he would be able to give me what I wanted next season and he said he didn't think he could.

"His fitness was up and down and so were his performances.

"If he was one of our best players, he should have played like one of our best players. His ability was not in question, but he was inconsistent.

"It's all about improving the squad. I guarantee that if I get the sack next season, Mansfield Town will be in a better state than when I came in.

"The way forward is to get in good, eager young players."

Luke Dimech has confirmed he is one of those who is leaving Field Mill.

Other contenders for the axe include Alex Neil, Rhys Day, Adam Eaton, Tom Curtis and Kevin Pilkington.

Initial talks have taken place between Palmer and Pilkington over a new contract but a deal has not been finalised.

Luke Beckett, Simon Yeo, Junior Agogo, Luke Rodgers and Sammy Clingan were other targets.

"I need to clear the decks so I can build for next season - and I will be signing Giles Coke and Adam Rundle until the end of next season," added Palmer.

"We've got a new first-team coach coming in the summer to work alongside me and Paul Holland.

"I don't think the supporters can argue with what I'm doing."

Dave Artell could be back in action within the next two weeks. Jake Buxton has also declared himself fit for selection tonight.

Mansfield from: Pilkington, McNiven, John-Baptiste, Buxton, Neil, Rundle, Coke, Lloyd, McLachlan, Barker, Larkin, White, Dimech, Brown, Barrowman, McIntosh.

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Latest | March 2005