Archived News from June 2007
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STAGS TARGET BEN FUTCHER
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FUTCHER KEEPS STAGS WAITING
Evening Post, 04 June 2007 Mansfield are hoping prospective signing Ben Futcher decides they are the right club for him. The giant former Peterborough central defender has been offered a deal by Stags boss Billy Dearden. But Mansfield face competition for the 6ft 7in stopper, 26 yesterday, who is also wanted by other clubs. Futcher is now mulling over a move to Field Mill after being shown around the club and the new training facilities at Welbeck. Dearden sees him as an ideal replacement for Jon-Olav Hjelde, who has quit Mansfield to return to his native Norway. "I have spoken to Ben three times and shown him around, now we're just waiting to see if he will come," he said. "He is a smashing lad and he would strengthen us in the central defensive department and bring good competition after losing Jon. "Ben is going on holiday for two weeks and has told me he wants a long think about it. "It could be we find out before then because we can keep in touch on the mobiles. "But he just wants to make sure the next club he chooses is the right one for him because he has had two or three over the last couple of years." Futcher has a reputation as being a danger from attacking set pieces, with his height an obvious advantage. He began his career at Oldham and has since played for Doncaster, Lincoln, Boston and Grimsby, making more than 200 senior appearances. Meanwhile, the Stags hope to hear if their application to join the Pontin's Holiday League has been successful in the next few days. Dearden said: "If West Brom had been promoted to the Premier League, then their reserves would have entered the Reserves Premier League and we would have been accepted into the Pontin's League in their place. "I'm not sure if they will take an extra team, but I am still hopeful of playing in either the Central or East sections and I would be disappointed if we don't get in." STAGS TARGET FUTCHER Evening Post, 04 June 2007 Billy Dearden today revealed he is trying to bring giant former Peterborough central defender Ben Futcher to Mansfield. The 6ft 7ins 25-year-old was one of several players released by the Posh at the end of last season. He is now mulling over a contract offer from the Stags after being shown around the club and the new training facilities at Welbeck. Futcher began his career at Oldham and has since played for Doncaster, Lincoln, Boston and Grimsby, making more than 200 senior appearances. Boss Dearden sees him as an ideal replacement for Jon-Olav Hjelde, who has returned to his native Norway. "I have spoken to Ben three times and shown him around, now we're just waiting to see if he will come," said Dearden. "He is a smashing lad and he would strengthen us in the central defensive department and bring good competition after losing Jon. "Ben is going on holiday for two weeks and has told me he wants a long think about it. "It could be we find out before then because we can keep in touch on the mobiles." Futcher has a reputation as being a danger from attacking set pieces. Callum Lloyd has joined Kettering. |
Latest | June 2007