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Archived News from May 2005

PREVIEWS AND TEAM NEWS
6th May 2005 14:55


Final league position: A reminder from last week's Stagsnet report, that last week's win saw the Stags leap back into the top half of the table and into 11th place. 11th place remains the hghest the Stags can finish. But defeat at Leyton Orient could see the Stags finish as low as 18th, depending on other results.
Martin
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PALMER AIMS TO END ON A HIGH
Evening Post, 06 May 2005
MARK ROACH

Mansfield Town will secure a top half finish if they win in London tomorrow - and victory could see the Stags end the campaign just two wins short of a play-off spot.

"To have a chance of ending the season six points off the play-offs is good considering the situation here when I came in," said Stags boss Carlton Palmer.

"We would not have done as well if I had not made the changes I did. We had one or two players who lacked desire and I brought in hungry young players.

"It all bodes well, although I am disappointed not to finish higher. I think the fans can see what I am doing, but I need time."

Scott McNiven, Colin Larkin and Luke Dimech - whose contracts expire in the summer - have been told their services are no longer required.

Alex Neil was also told he was surplus to requirements, but Palmer changed his mind about the midfielder after he turned in some good performances, and offered him a new deal.

However, Neil is not happy with the offer as it is less than he is earning now - and is unlikely to stay unless he is offered an improved deal.

The Stags boss has brought in a host of new players and is promising more arrivals in the summer.

Former Sheffield Wednesday defender Peter Shirtliff will be appointed as Mansfield Town's new assistant manager.

Current assistant Paul Holland will remain on the coaching staff, although he may take charge of the youth team again.

Meanwhile, defender Adam Eaton is hopeful of being fit for pre-season after his groin operation.

"Things seem to be going okay and there are no problems," he said. "I'm doing a bit of light jogging on the treadmill and I've got plenty of time to be fit for pre-season."

Palmer, who was discussing a deal with a Championship defender this week, is considering handing a debut to one of the club's young players tomorrow.

Tomorrow's match is all ticket for Stags fans.

Mansfield: White, Neil, John-Baptiste, Dimech, NcNiven, Brown, Coke, McLachlan, Heron, Runbdle, Barker, Lonsdale, Curtis, Day, McIntosh, Lloyd.

ORIENT LINE-UP
Evening Post, 06 May 2005
Leyton Orient will leapfrog the Stags if they win tomorrow. Manager Martin Ling has a small squad to select from and looks set to use the same 16 he named for Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Wycombe.

Leyton Orient: Harrison, Miller, Mackie, Zakuani, Lockwood, Barnard, Simpson, McMahon, Duncan, Alexander, Steele, Palmer, Saah, Echanomi, Morris, Carlisle.
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BBC.co.uk:

Leyton Orient manager Martin Ling will name an unchanged squad at home to Mansfield.
Defender Mark Peters misses out once more due to a foot injury, while Jabo Ibehre will not feature against the Stags due to a troublesome knee injury.

Mansfield's Gareth Jelleyman (ankle) is out and Tom Curtis is unlikely to be risked so soon after ankle surgery.

Jake Buxton (hip) and Dave Artell (ankle) remain sidelined, while Adam Eaton is recovering after surgery.


 

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