Archived News from August 2002
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CURLE TRAINING WITH STAGS
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Veteran Curle to join Stags
CHAD website FORMER England international Keith Curle has agreed to bring his vast experience to Mansfield Town's defence. The 38-year-old will sign a week-to-week or month-to-month contract which will allow him to leave if a suitable management or coaching post comes up. "It will be a deal that suits both parties," said Mansfield manager Stuart Watkiss. "Keith does want to get into that side of the game and if something comes along then he will be free to leave us. "From our side of the fence, it will be brilliant to have someone of his experience on board, especially with us being quite lightweight at the back with injuries and Walsall recalling Matthew Gadsby. "Keith trained with Stockport pre-season and I believe Carlton Palmer was keen to get him on board but it wasn't viable." Curle is unavailable for tomorrow night's (Tuesday, 7.45pm) mouthwatering trip to Wigan Athletic as he is completing a two-match ban following the infamous Sheffield United v West Brom debacle last season. However, it is hoped he will be on board in time to play in the reserves' friendly at Rushden and Diamonds on Wednesday afternoon and be in contention for Saturday's game at Wycombe Wanderers. Watkiss and his players are looking forward to their first big Second Division adventure at the JJB Stadium tomorrow and Watkiss said: "This is a tremendously difficult game for us. "Unfortunately, after Saturday's win over Plymouth you really don't want to have to change the side. "But I believe I will have to tinker with formation and personnel. If we go to Wigan with the same shape as Saturday then I think we will be asking for trouble. "Wigan have a super stadium and I understand they won in a canter at Cheltenham on Saturday, going 2-0 up and then playing the second half in second gear. "That is what we up against and the difference between the clubs was underlined when they paid £1.2m for a striker and we paid £150,000 for one. "Having said all that we will go up there with a positive line-up and give it a go. We want all three points." ----------- mansfieldtown.net Watkiss will no longer be pursuing his interest in Lee Sandford, but has hinted that he has another defender as well as Curle in mind, who will be available on a free transfer and on a longer deal. |
Latest | August 2002