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Archived News from August 2006

BOULDING INTERVIEW
18th August 2006 14:20


BOULDING EXPECTS GRIMSBY BOOS
Evening Post, 18 August 2006
Michael Boulding is hoping to silence the Grimsby 'boo' boys in the best way possible tonight - by helping Mansfield to their first away win of the new season.

The 30-year-old winger-cum-striker had two successful spells with the Mariners either side of stints with Aston Villa and on loan at Sheffield United.

He is expecting a frosty reception from the Grimsby faithful after requesting a transfer during the 2003-2004 season and moving on to Barnsley - just when he was hitting top form.

"When I moved to Barnsley I had to go back to Grimsby and play there about ten days after the transfer and the fans didn't react well," said Boulding.

But he says it will not affect him, adding: "It is part and parcel of the game. People pay their money and they can say what they want as far as I'm concerned.

"I was popular when I was there but probably leaving during the middle of a season and going to another club in the same division changed that. In hindsight it was a bad move, but you live and learn.

"But that is all in the past and I am a Mansfield Town player now and we are looking to go there and pick up points."

Sheffield-born Boulding has made an instant impression after returning to the professional game following a year out to concentrate on his business interests.

He scored his first goal of the campaign in the 2-1 win over Milton Keynes Dons and has caused problems for all Stags' opponents with his pace playing as a left winger.

Boulding said:

"I don't think we have got out of second gear yet and I don't think it will be until about ten games into the season that you will be able to look at the league table and start to gauge the teams a bit more."

Grimsby have not enjoyed the best of starts, but Stags boss Peter Shirtliff is expecting a difficult game at Blundell Park.

Central defender Jon-Olav Hjelde (hamstring) and midfielder Giles Coke (ankle) will definitely miss the trip, despite making progress with their injuries.

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Boulding expects hostile reception at Grimsby
CHAD website, 17 August 2006

STAGS winger Michael Boulding is expecting a hostile reception when he returns to his former club, Grimbsy Town, tomorrow night (7.45).
Boulding, back with Mansfield for a second spell, also had two successful spells with the Mariners.
And the fans there were far from happy with him when he left them for Barnsley mid-season.
"It is ironic I am going back there with Stags so quickly as, when I left there for Barnsley, I was back there for a game within 10 days.
"I got a hot reception as they were not happy I had left them mid-season for another club in the same division. In the end they were probably right and it was a bad move, but you live and learn
"I could get another similiar reception tomorow. But it won't really affect me.
"People pay their hard-earned money and so can shout what they want as far as I am concerned."
Boulding had decided to quit the game last summer but soon missed it.
"I was working for a property company in Sheffield and was heavily involved with that, though I still stayed fit and in shape," he said.
"Towards the end of last season I started training with Rotherham and played in a couple of reserve games and started to really regret packing up.
"When you have been a professional sportsman all your life you miss the adrenalin rush. You cannot replicate that buzz of a matchday just before kick-off in the tunnel.
"With my brother Rory coming to Mansfield Town I was invited to come here and do pre-season by Ivan Hollet who I knew from my days here with him and Billy Dearden.
"The longer I was here, the more I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere was good and, although the only drawback was dropping down the divisions, I decided to sign and I think I have made the right decision."
Although Stags remain unbeaten after pre-season and the first three League games, Boulding feels there is much more to come from this young side.
"I don't think we have got out of second gear yet and you can start judging teams more by the league table after 10 games," he said.
Stags will again be without injured midfielder Giles Coke while central defender Jon Olav Hjelde is a major doubt with a tight hamstring. A late decision will be made on him but Jake Buxton is likely to start his first game of the season in his place.

 

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