Archived News from October 2002
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STAGS MISS OUT ON CRAIG RUSSELL DEAL
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Evening Post, 05 October 2002
Mansfield Town's hopes of bringing former Sunderland and Manchester City striker Craig Russell to Field Mill have been scuppered by the new transfer system. The 28-year-old was looking to join Stuart Watkiss's Division Two strugglers on a short-term deal after leaving Scottish side St Johnstone. However, because he would be moving between two different leagues, he would not be able to make the move until the transfer window opens again in the New Year. Watkiss said: "We were interested in bringing Craig to the club but, unfortunately, it is not going to be possible because of the new rules. "The lad wants to come but there is not a lot we can do about it. I am very disappointed for him." Injuries have blighted Russell's career after he joined City in 1997 and he went on loan to Tranmere, Port Vale, Darlington and Oxford before moving north of the border. Watkiss said that he still has other options as he looks to bring another striker to the club, probably on loan. Fulham's Luke Cornwall is currently on a week's trial at Field Mill and Watkiss will decide early next week if he is going to take the 22-year-old on a month's loan. He scored in the reserves' 3-1 win over Boston United on Wednesday. He said: "We are keeping our options open because we do have a couple of other irons in the fire." Meanwhile, Leicester manager Micky Adams has allowed Stags to keep Damien Delaney on loan for another month. His original spell was due to end after today's home clash with Tranmere Rovers but he will be extending his spell, just as his former team-mate Matthew Piper did last season. Watkiss said; "We have ben permission to keep him here because Leicester are happy for him to be playing games and the lad wants to be here. "He has been playing well at left back in recent weeks but he also gives us an option at centre-half, particularly as it will not be long before both Allen Tankard and Peter Clark will be available. "Injuries have meant he has had to play on the left but that could soon change." Another player who could come e into contention for a place in the defence is youth-team captain Danny Holyoak, who has impressed Watkiss with his performances in the reserves. He was set to keep his place on the substitutes bench this afternoon and, with Stuart Reddington moving on loan to Burton Albion for a month, he has risen up the pecking order. Watkiss said: "Danny has been doing well and he is going to come into contention. "he has been doing very well and so has Mark Hurst. "It may be a little to early for him to be figuring in the side but they are waiting in the wings if others cannot do their jobs." ------------ Posted by Martin Shaw |
Latest | October 2002