Archived News from March 2009
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COMMENTARY LINK+PREVIEWS
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If you can't get to Field Mill on Saturday, then Stagsworld will bring you exclusive full match commentary.
Commentary will NOT be available anywhere else (eg on BBC website, as BBC Gloucestershire are not providing commentary). In case of any difficulties logging in, follow this link and enter your username and password directly. For a 30 day free trial to Stagsworld, click here. A reminder that Stagsworld subscribers can watch video footage of ALL the goals from EVERY Stags league and cup game this season. To view the goals, StagsWorld subscribers should go here and sign in. -------------- Silk and Arnold video interview, 12 March 2009, courtesy of Stagsworld freeview here ------------- CHAD VIDEO: Nathan Arnold on fans, fatherhood and the future http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/VIDEO-Nathan-Arnold-on-fans.5066958.jp 12 March 2009 STAGS winger Nathan Arnold was last weekend's match-winner against Lewes - despite some fans having a go at him earlier in the game. Now is a pivotal time in the young winger's life, having just become a father and his Stags contract about to run out and his future employment unsure. Today in this exclusive video interview Chad caught up with Nathan to discuss, fans, football, fatherhood, and the future ahead of the Forest Green game on Saturday. -------------- Harvey: Wins will come soon Friday, March 13, 2009 thisisgloucestershire.co.uk Jim Harvey has called for more of the same from his Forest Green players ahead of tomorrow's Blue Square Premier trip to Mansfield Town (3pm). While accepting a win is overdue – Rovers have racked up five consecutive league draws and eight in their last nine matches – Harvey feels his side's long unbeaten run commands respect. Oxford United were the last team to get the better of the Nailsworth outfit way back on January 20, while play-off hopefuls Wrexham were fortunate take a point on Tuesday night. Harvey is therefore approaching his club's first-ever competitive game at Field Mill with confidence. "I don't think many people had us down for a result up there apart from ourselves, and the boys were very disappointed not to walk away with three points," he said. %3Cbody%3E%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22adDiv%22%3E%3CA%20HREF%3D%22http%3A//ads.anm.co.uk/ADCLICK/CID%3Dfffffffcfffffffcfffffffc/AAMSZ%3D452x118/POS%3D/SITE%3DTHISISGLOU/AREA%3DSPORT/SUBAREA%3DFOOTBALL/ARTICLE%3D765761/acc_random%3D5287370996/pageid%3D/RS%3D%22%20target%3D%22_new%22%3E%3CIMG%20SRC%3D%22http%3A//iad.anm.co.uk/anmdefaultad.gif%22%20ALT%3D%22%22%20border%3D0%20style%3D%22margin-bottom%3A%200px%3B%22%3E%3C/A%3E%3C/div%3E"We didn't look like conceding anything. Maybe we needed to control the ball a little bit better going forward, but everything was going very smoothly. "To concede late on like that was so disappointing, as once again the effort was first class and I couldn't have asked for any more from the lads. "We can't do any more than we're doing at the moment, and the lack of wins is not through lack of effort, organisation or ability. Maybe luck is going against us, but if we continue to play as we are those wins will come." Rovers looked set fair for their first away league win of 2009 when Andy Mangan netted on 75 minutes at the Racecourse Ground, taking his season's tally to 20 in all competitions. There were suspicions of offside about Jefferson Louis' equaliser four minutes from time, but it stemmed from a rare mix-up between central defenders Mark Preece and Lee Ayres. The pair had been rock solid up to that point, and Harvey has given them his full backing. "Those two boys haven't played a lot of games together and that understanding and communication only comes with time," said Harvey. "To dwell on that is a bit unfair as the two of them were outstanding." Relegated from League Two last term, the Stags' turbulent season has included the deduction of four points for fielding an ineligible player and the sacking of manager Billy McEwan – replaced by David Holdsworth. They are nonetheless comfortably ensconced in mid-table, despite defeat at Cambridge United in midweek. Rovers are set to name an unchanged XI, with Jerry Gill (head) and Les Afful (knee) ruled out through injury and John Hardiker banned. FOREST GREEN (PROBABLE): T. Burton; A, Lawless, M. Preece, L. Ayres, P. Stonehouse; P. Lloyd, D. Jones, L. Fowler, C. Platt; D. Brown; A. Mangan. ------------------- Stags favourite Silk content with life under Holdsworth Evening Post, March 13 NOW is the time supporters begin to think about who they will vote as their club's player of the year. And in Mansfield's case, many fans will look no further than dependable right-back Gary Silk. The consistently good form of the 24-year-old was one of the few bright spots during the latter stages of Billy McEwan's reign as Mansfield manager. Like everyone else at the club, though, Silk has had to prove himself anew following the appointment of David Holdsworth as manager. But he has done that and more with a string of excellent displays that have clearly made a positive impression. %3Cbody%3E%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22adDiv%22%3E%3CA%20HREF%3D%22http%3A//ads.anm.co.uk/ADCLICK/CID%3Dfffffffcfffffffcfffffffc/AAMSZ%3D452x118/POS%3D/SITE%3DTHISISNOTT/AREA%3DFOOTBALL/SUBAREA%3D/ARTICLE%3D767032/acc_random%3D1340503236/pageid%3D/RS%3D10484.10340.10232.10236.10244.10281.10307.10323.10364.10319.10420.10427.10428.10429.10450.10464.10486.10504.10508.10513.%22%20target%3D%22_new%22%3E%3CIMG%20SRC%3D%22http%3A//iad.anm.co.uk/anmdefaultad.gif%22%20ALT%3D%22%22%20border%3D0%20style%3D%22margin-bottom%3A%200px%3B%22%3E%3C/A%3E%3C/div%3EHoldsworth said at the start of the week he is keen to quickly sort out the futures of some of his players who are out of contract in the summer. And he has since suggested that Silk could be one of the first with whom he begins negotiations. Silk is pleased with his recent form and feels the added competition introduced by the new gaffer has spurred him on. Scott Gardner briefly kept Silk out of the side for the game with Kettering before he sustained a thigh injury. But the former Portsmouth trainee has responded brilliantly since then to make him one of the first names on the Mansfield team sheet. "The gaffer has brought in quite a few new players and a couple in my position (Gardner and Gianluca Havern) – and that has helped," said Silk. "It has inspired me and pushed me to the next level. "I think my performances have definitely got better under the new manager. It's been good working with him because he is very organised and positive in everything he does. "The other thing is that the team spirit is brilliant at the moment. "We are working harder than ever, but at the same time we are now having a good laugh with it." Mansfield suffered only their second defeat under Holdsworth at Cambridge on Tuesday night but that disappointment has been tempered by the signing of striker Daryl Clare. Silk said: "It is the kind of signing that gives everyone a big lift. "The manager is looking to improve the squad all the time and the competition is healthy and he is also looking to keep the players he wants." As a defender, Silk was disappointed Mansfield conceded two goals for the first time under their new boss at the Abbey Stadium when Jai Reason's strike sealed a last-gasp 2-1 victory for Cambridge. He is hoping it is back to clean sheets for tomorrow's visit of Forest Green Rovers after five shut-outs in a row at Field Mill. The chief threat from Jim Harvey's Rovers side may well come from Andy Mangan, the former Bury and Accrington striker. He had the unenviable task of replacing the prolific Stuart Fleetwood up front but has responded with 16 goals, including six in his last five games. Silk said: "Forest Green have shown some good form so we are really going to have to make sure we are on top form ourselves." Curtis Woodhouse is rated 50-50 for the match with tendonitis in his knee that caused him to miss the trip to Cambridge. ------------------- Stags boss vows to bring best out of hitman Clare Evening Post, March 13 DAVID Holdsworth believes he can bring out the best in Daryl Clare at Mansfield Town. The proven hitman signed for the Stags on loan from Rushden and Diamonds until the end of the season on Tuesday with a view to a permanent move. That ended a difficult spell in Northants for Clare, where he played just 12 games after requesting a transfer. But Holdsworth feels he can motivate Clare to rediscover his best form. "I have ideas and preparations that can help him and I can extend his career by making him super-fit," he said. %3Cbody%3E%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22adDiv%22%3E%3CA%20HREF%3D%22http%3A//ads.anm.co.uk/ADCLICK/CID%3Dfffffffcfffffffcfffffffc/AAMSZ%3D452x118/POS%3D/SITE%3DTHISISNOTT/AREA%3DFOOTBALL/SUBAREA%3D/ARTICLE%3D766728/acc_random%3D180530441/pageid%3D/RS%3D10484.10340.10232.10236.10244.10281.10307.10323.10364.10319.10420.10427.10428.10429.10450.10464.10486.10504.10508.10513.%22%20target%3D%22_new%22%3E%3CIMG%20SRC%3D%22http%3A//iad.anm.co.uk/anmdefaultad.gif%22%20ALT%3D%22%22%20border%3D0%20style%3D%22margin-bottom%3A%200px%3B%22%3E%3C/A%3E%3C/div%3E"Hopefully I can put him into a team that can challenge for the play-offs and maybe more – that's what I want." Holdsworth is remaining tight-lipped over whether Clare will be in the squad for tomorrow's home game with Forest Green. But he is confident the striker can aid the development of the club's promising young front men. Holdsworth said: "I liken it to my brother Dean who in the twilight of his career was able to point youngsters in the right direction. "It will be valuable to have Daryl around because the likes of Conor (Higginson) and Grant (Ryan) can learn from him." ----------------- Stags boss hints at new contract for Silk Evening Post, 12 March 2009 David Holdsworth today gave a clear indication he is likely to offer Gary Silk a new contract at Mansfield. Full story at Evening Post website hereThe former Notts County right-back has been a consistent performer all season after being brought in last summer by Billy McEwan. But the 24-year-old has put in some particularly impressive since Holdsworth came in as boss in January. “With the right-back situation we have Gary Silk, who has done a great job, and Scott Gardner can go there as well. “They are two very good players and I'm hoping to sit down with Gary Silk and have a discussion with him and see where we can go with that. Isle of Wight-born Silk, who is out of contract in the summer, has made 33 starts for the Stags this season and one appearance off the bench. His only goal came in the 2-1 defeat by Crawley in September. He has previously played for Barnet, Wycombe and Boston United. ------------- Jeannin to leave Stags Evening Post, 12 March 2009 ALEX Jeannin will leave Mansfield at the end of the season, boss David Holdsworth today confirmed. Full story at Evening Post website hereThe left-back was put on the transfer list in January after failing to impress the new Stags boss. The Frenchman's cause has not been helped by a sore foot that has kept him out in recent weeks. But he will definitely be made available in the summer once his current deal at Field Mill runs out. Holdsworth was pleased with what he saw from his four trialists in Mansfield's 2-0 reserve defeat by Walsall last night. %3Cbody%3E%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22adDiv%22%3E%3CA%20HREF%3D%22http%3A//ads.anm.co.uk/ADCLICK/CID%3Dfffffffcfffffffcfffffffc/AAMSZ%3D452x118/POS%3D/SITE%3DTHISISNOTT/AREA%3DFOOTBALL/SUBAREA%3D/ARTICLE%3D766267/acc_random%3D8382565098/pageid%3D/RS%3D10484.10340.10232.10236.10244.10281.10307.10323.10364.10319.10420.10427.10428.10429.10450.10464.10486.10504.10508.10513.%22%20target%3D%22_new%22%3E%3CIMG%20SRC%3D%22http%3A//iad.anm.co.uk/anmdefaultad.gif%22%20ALT%3D%22%22%20border%3D0%20style%3D%22margin-bottom%3A%200px%3B%22%3E%3C/A%3E%3C/div%3EFormer Coventry duo Neil Collett (goalkeeper) and Bradley Jones (central defender) figured alongside Elijah Reid (right-back), formerly of Sheffield United, and Ross Wilkinson (central defender), who is to be released by Leeds. New signing Daryl Clare came off the bench to play 30 minutes. But Holdsworth was staying tight-lipped as to whether the striker will be on the bench against Forest Green on Saturday. Curtis Woodhouse is receiving around-the clock treatment for the tendonitis in his knee that kept him out of Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Cambridge. He is rated 50-50 for Saturday's clash with Rovers. Holdsworth is otherwise set to have a full squad to pick from. --------------------------- New Stags Clare shakes off the rust 12 March 2009 By John Lomas DARYL Clare began to shake off the rust from his 12-week break from playing with 30 minutes in Stags' reserve defeat last night. Full story at CHAD.co.uk here But the Rushden goal ace, who has joined Stags on loan for the rest of the season, could still figure in the 16 for Saturday's visit of Forest Green. And, being out of contract in the summer, it seems certain Clare will be part of Stags plans for the next season or two when they hope he can continue amazing career goalscoring record of almost one in two. "Daryl worked hard last night," said Holdsworth. "I knew I wouldn't get any fireworks from him after not playing for a while. But he is a good pro, knows the game, his position and his strengths and he stick to that. "I had a one-to-one session with him on Tuesday, then he trained Wednesday and played half an hour in the reserves in the evening so all I wanted was to see him work hard. "He can help us with his knowledege as well as goals. Youngsters like Connor Higginson will learn from him and other experienced players. "He is like my brother. Young lads learned from Dean in the twilight years of his career. He always gave them that valuable knowledge and commitment. He pointed them in the right direction." He added: "Do I put him on the bench on Saturday? He's not that far off, but he is not fully fit. I will have to see how he goes today and tomorrow. "It was nice to see fan cheering him on at the reserve game and encouraging him. He created two one or one chances for Connor, but you just wish one had fallen to Daryl. It would have given him a boost to score" There had been a buzz around Field Mill for a few weeks over rumours that Clare may sign. Now that buzz is positively humming! "Fans should be excited," said Holdsworth. "We have a true goalscorer on our hands now. He will be a good acquisition and we need one more up there to help him. "He has come here because he likes me and my methods. He had ample opportunity to go elsewhere. But the fact he signed here says something about myself and the club. "He likes our ideas and I know that I can help Daryl to extend his career and make him super fit and fresh again so we can challenge for a play-off spot or more than that next season." ----------- Jeannin needs to get in the shop window - Stags boss Holdsworth 12 March 2009 By John Lomas Alex Jeannin continues to be the only Stags player on the long term injury list with his foot problem. Full story at CHAD.co.uk here And, with the Frenchman also being on the transfer list, Mansfield Town boss David Holdsworth is worried for the player's future prospects. He said: "Everyone knows Alex will be moving on in the summer and so he needs to be playing. My phone hasn't rung from any other clubs wanting him since he went on the list which is worrying for him. "Alex has to do the best for his family and his career. So if he is not in the shop window it's concerning. "No-one has a divine right to walk into another team and command wages. And there will be a lot of players available in the summer." ---------------- Trialists impress Stags boss in reserves defeat 12 March 2009 By John Lomas STAGS boss David Holdsworth was pleased with the performances of his four trialists in last night's 2-0 home defeat by Walsall. Full story at CHAD.co.uk here Coventry City pair Neil Collett (goalkeeper) and Bradley Jones (central defender) plus Leed's United Ross Wilkinson (central defender) and Sheffield United's Elijah Reid (right back) all played in the game - and did nothing to harm their chances of aADVERTISEMENTcontract. Holdsworth said: The two Coventry lads were both very assured young men and you could see why they are at a professional club. We are very grateful to Coventry for giving us the opportunity to bring these boys in. They are playing for their futures like a lot of lads here. "Elijah acquitted himself very well at right back. He looked very capable on the ball and good going forward. "Ross Wilkinson is a big, tall centre half who also acquitted himself well but sadly suffered a sprained ankle right at the end of the game and ended up in hospital. "We hope he recovers from that sooner than later and I have reassured his father that that won't be the end of the matter and he will be given another opportunity to show what he can do as I believe Leeds are allowing him to move on. "They all did fine. But I know that other clubs have expressed an interest and we have to be assured in our judgement which is a responsibility I take carefully." More trialists are likely to be given the once over as well as contracts sorted for those who are staying and the manager added: "A lot of them here at the moment are having to readjust their lifestyles. Some will get contracts and some will move on. "The future can be bright here if we get the right ingredients. It's like making a cake. If we do get the right ingredients, we can make the best tasting cake next season." He added: "We will release some players and may also see some leave to play at a higher level. But we have a budget and have no break-the-bank players here. "They are all on a level and I have made that clear to everyone we have signed from the first to the last - there are no 'Big Time Charlies' here and I won't have anyone thinking they are something more special than the rest. "All will have to earn their wages and their stripes and work hard. Fans are working hard in their jobs all week - it's a hard life at the moment. "So we are very appreciative when fans come through the door to watch us and we must give them 100 per cent." ------------- Stallard NOT going to Corby - Holdsworth CHAD, 13 March 2009 By John Lomas and Tim Morriss MANSFIELD Town manager David Holdsworth has reacted angrily to reports in Northamtpon that striker Mark Stallard could be dropping three levels to join Corby Town on loan. And in an audio interview with the club's official website mansfieldtown.net, the manager said that Stallard will be available for selection for Mansfield's home match with Forest Green Rovers tomorrow - click on the green play icon to listen to the interview. Stallard's involvement in the first team has been very limited since Holdsworth joined 10 matches back, but he is still seen as an important member of an increasingly strong squad. According to a report in the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph, the Steelmen hoped to have the deal done in time for Stallard to play in their BGB Southern League Premier Division promotion clash with Gloucester City on Saturday. And it also claimed Stags boss avid Holdsworth had agreed to the switch. However, Holdsworh hit back: "I have read the reports about Mark going to Corby and they are grossly inaccurate," he said. "He is a valuable member of my squad. "I will always make players aware if situations arise . But I feel Mark is valuable to us and he and I have spoken and want to continue our fine run. "As far as I am concerned no one is leaving this club without my consent." Steelmen boss Graham Drury had told the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph: "We are only looking at a loan deal for a month . . . but my plan is to get him in for tomorrow. "I've spoken to Mansfield boss David Holdsworth and they want to do the deal." Stallard (34) has scored seven goals in 24 matches since signing for the Stags in the summer and was joint caretaker manager over Christmas following the sacking of Billy McEwan. |
Latest | March 2009