Archived News from May 2005
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McNIVEN FAREWELL TO STAGS
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McNiven farewell to Stags
CHAD website SCOTT McNiven will play his last game for Mansfield Town as the season ends at Leyton Orient this Saturday (3pm). The 26-year-old right back has missed a large chunk of the season fighting testicular cancer and, although he has played seven times since that, he is still some way short of the fitness he had before his problems. "I have decided to release Scott and the football club wishes him all the best," said manager Carlton Palmer. "He is a smashing kid who loves his football and I know I have not seen the best of him since he came back. "He has been through a very tough time and is still some way short of full fitness. I have no idea how long that fitness will take to return and, on his wages, I cannot afford to wait. "I need someone in now who is fully fit. It's been a tough decision but one I've had to make." Palmer and the players have today off with Palmer meeting up with a Championship player who is expected to drop down to join the Stags. At Orient this Saturday, Palmer said he is considering giving a debut to another one of the youngsters to have a look at him for next season. The match will bring to an end one of the most traumatic seasons at Field Mill for many years. "It's been a difficult season because of the Keith Curle situation," said Palmer. "But, depending on the result on Saturday we could finish six or nine points off the play-off positions. "Either way it has been a respectable season, all things considered, and the the only reason we've come this close is down to the youngsters I've brought in. "If it's nine points in the end then we have missed out on the play-offs by just three wins. We should have had at least three more wins but I blame the players who I have let go. If they had shown more desire I believe we would have got there." Stags fans are reminded to buy a ticket for the game from Field Mill before 4pm Friday as it is all-ticket on the day for away fans. 05 May 2005 |
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