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Archived News from November 2010

WREXHAM PREVIEWS
30th November 2010 17:03


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Quartet back in contention
mansfieldtown.net, Thu 25 Nov 2010
Gary Mills, Gary Silk, Rob Duffy and Paul Stonehouse could all be in contention for this Saturday's trip to Wrexham as Sports Therapist Jason Truscott nurses the side back to full health.

http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10325~2228322,00.html

None of the above players have featured in at least our last three outings but are now back in full training. With respective hamstring, groin and thigh injuries behind them, the quartet could all now be included in the 16 man squad at the Racecourse.

Mills returned from a loan spell at Forest Green earlier this month having picked up a hamstring injury but has now fully regained his fitness and could be set to make a first appearance in the amber and blue since our away defeat at Rushden & Diamonds on October 9th.

We can also reveal that long term absentee Alan Marriott has had a set back in his recovery from a groin injury and is due to see another specialist today to get a more accurate timescale for his return to fitness. Meanwhile Kyle Nix will take part in full training again in a week's time as the swelling has reduced on his ankle and may be back in contention in a fortnight in time for our next home clash with Barrow.

Speaking exclusively to mansfieldtown.net earlier today, Caretaker manager Duncan Russell applauded the character shown by his players in Saturday's win over Hayes & Yeading.

In our first game since last week's departure of David Holdsworth, we emerged victorious despite twice going behind to Hayes & Yeading ending a winless run here at Field Mill lasting four matches.

After going into the half time break 2-1 down, a change of formation heralded a much improved second half performance and two goals which Russell says the players should rightly take full credit for.

He said: "It was a pressure game. We did not have the greatest of starts and a couple of players were not playing their roles right which is why we had to change things.

"Medley and Mitchley started to cause them (Hayes & Yeading) real problems. I was happy with the result for the players because obviously they came off at half time being booed and it does affect them.

"It looked like some players were nervous and if people do get on their backs then it certainly doesn't enhance their performance. Some players were eager to get rid of the ball early which isn't them.

"That all changed when we got the equaliser. Their personas changed and they looked six feet taller.

"I'm really happy with the performance because the players showed real metal and steel."

Russell, who has assumed temporary control of the first team until the position is filled on a permanent basis, reserved particular praise for second half substitutes Danny Mitchley and Luke Medley as well as paying tribute to opponents Hayes & Yeading who remain rooted in the bottom four.

He added: "I said to Paul (Hall) that we needed to change our shape. We needed to tighten things and go 4-4-2. I brought Mitchley on because he can really run the channels and I knew that I would bring on Medley because he was itching to play again and is a great impact player.

"When we got an equaliser we started to cause real problems because we had people who can run at you.

"I would also like to say that for a side languishing where they are, they (H & Y) are a good side. They passed it around and played the game in the right way. I'm sure that if they continue in that vein they will get out of trouble."

Russell was joined in the dugout for the first time by caretaker assistant Paul Hall - a man who the temporary boss says was brought in for his vast experience and understanding of the game.

"I've worked with Paul before (at Walsall). He's got a lot of experience - he's played in the World Cup with Jamaica so he's got a wealth of experience and has worked with a lot of managers.

"We bounce a lot of ideas off each other and it is important to have someone alongside you in this period that has a lot of experience."

He signed off by reflecting on his new position as caretaker manager and restating his pledge to perform the role to the best of his abilities no matter how long it might last.

He said: "It was a manic Thursday and Friday last week, but, I've had 22 years in the army so I'm used to managing people.

"You've just got to run with it. I will do my best for the chairman, the fans and the players whilst I am here.

"While I am at the club I will do my best for the club to get us in the play offs come the end of the season.

"We are only three points off the play offs and we've seen it before that when this team clicks, it can beat anyone in this league."

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VIDEO: Hall throws his hat into the ring --->
http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10325~2230390,00.html

mansfieldtown.net, Thu 25 Nov 2010
Caretaker Assistant Paul Hall has staked his claim on taking the job on a permanent basis.

Speaking to the press earlier today, the former Jamaican international outlined his hope that he and interim manager Duncan Russell would be properly considered for the vacant management position following the departure of David Holdsworth last week.

The duo secured a 3-2 win over Hayes & Yeading on Saturday in their first game in temporary charge.

The 38-year-old returned to Field Mill only last week after briefly holding the position of head of youth during the summer prior to the setup being disbanded only four weeks later.

Paul Hall, along with leading goalscorer Paul Connor are speaking to the Chad's John Lomas from this morning's press meeting.

He said: "Football is a funny old world but I'm happy to be here. We move on and we move forward.

"We would like to get the job. The players responded to us well on Saturday and in training but there are some big names going about.

"You have got to live for today. There's no point thinking we might be out of a job in two weeks. You must think about the next training session, the next match and putting the right foot forward always."

"I love Russ. I've worked with him before at Walsall and he knows what he's doing. He's been in the army so he's got that regimental discipline. He knows what he wants from the players and then gets it out of them."

Last weekend's win leaves us tantalisingly close to a top five position and another three points at Wrexham on Saturday could be enough to lift us into the hallowed play off places. Hall, who briefly turned out for Wrexham in 2008, is adamant that we are not only capable of finishing strongly this season but also emerging victorious from the Racecourse Ground for the first time in 10 years.

He added: "They are a good bunch of boys and they all want to do well. I like Wembley and I'm desperate to go back there so I keep telling the lads to go out there and get it.

"The play offs are not that far away and when you get into those spots, anything can happen.

"My message would be 'Do yourselves a favour because win or lose, me and 'Russ' will always 'back you' so do it for yourselves'.

"Going back there (Wrexham), there will be happy memories but hopefully there will be happy memories when we leave on Saturday.

"Wrexham have something we want so let's go and get it. We have just got to have a positive approach and there's 90 minutes to win the game.

"If they (the players) are all together as a group like they were on Saturday then they won't have any problem with what's in front of them.

"Like I said, Wrexham have something we want so we have to go out and get it."

In terms of team news, Gary Mills (hamstring), Gary Silk (hamstring), Rob Duffy (groin) and Paul Stonehouse (thigh and shoulder) will all be in contention for a place in the side after fully recovering from their respective injuries.

Kyle Nix and Kevin Sandwith are both doubtful as the former begins full training next week following an ankle injury and the latter is at home with a virus.

Alan Marriott is the only other confirmed absentee as he continues to recover from a long term groin injury.

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Day calls for strength in unity
mansfieldtown.net, Thu 25 Nov 2010
Defender Rhys Day has called on fans to get fully behind the team as we look to break into a play off position.

http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10325~2230438,00.html

The 28-year-old, who is currently on loan from Oxford until January, said that uniting behind the team is integral if we are to achieve our ultimate goal of promotion to the Football League.

He said: "It was disappointing that the players got booed a little bit (during our last game against Hayes & Yeading). Every player showed in the second half that we are here to do a job and get Mansfield Town back into the League.

"The way to do that is by working for each other and it does help when they (supporters) get behind us. Togetherness is massive.

"We've got a squad here who can go on and do wonders in this league so whichever manager comes in, there's more than enough quality to go on and do well."

As we turn our attentions to our next opponents Wrexham on Saturday, Day feels that we have every chance of overcoming our promotion rivals and bucking a trend that has seen us fail to win at the Racecourse Ground in over a decade.

He added: "They are two points ahead of us and I think they won their last game with a last minute goal so otherwise we would have been on level pegging.

"I know a few of the boys up there and they have got a good team but we will see what happens."

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Russell positive ahead of Wrexham
Evening Post, 26 Nov 2010

DUNCAN Russell certainly talks the talk, even if it remains to be seen if Mansfield Town, under his guidance, can walk the walk.

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/sport/Russell-positive-ahead-Wrexham/article-2941171-detail/article.html?

The man bidding to use his spell in caretaker charge to put himself in the frame for the full-time post had the perfect riposte to hearing of Stags' recent woeful record against tomorrow's opponents Wrexham.

Told the club had lost their last five meetings with Dean Saunders' Welshmen since dropping out of the Football League, his response was instant and emphatic.

"Well, with all the football clubs I have been at, I don't think I have ever lost against Wrexham," he smirked.

It was a quick-fire response, typical of a man always keen to focus on the positives in any given situation.

He knows Mansfield were far from at their best during last Saturday's 3-2 win over Hayes and Yeading, but prefers to focus on their resilience in fighting back from 2-1 down.

Of course, talk is one thing, but what happens on the pitch is where people are really judged.

Winning the match at the Racecourse Ground is absolutely crucial to Russell's ambitions of stepping up from assistant to main man, especially with Dave Penney hotly-tipped for the job.

But in facing an in-form Wrexham side, who will be buoyed by a strong support, the former Blackburn, Wolves, Derby, Walsall, MK Dons and Macclesfield employee could certainly have easier tasks.

The fact his daughter's partner Dean Keates is likely to line-up in the home side's midfield is hardly going to make things any easier either, despite his own personal past successes against the Red Dragons.

Yet, true to form, Russell is bullish about Mansfield's chances.

"My message to the players has been to keep their standards high for me and then whoever lands the job in the long-term," said Russell.

"I'm sure that's what we'll see them trying to do at Wrexham, taking pride in their performance.

"People who could be their new manager are going to be in the stands watching them and will be making decisions on them.

"They will know if they are going to succeed at Mansfield, they have to do themselves justice.

"If the team can put together a useful run, grind some positive results out then hopefully I will be seen as the right man to take them forward.

"It has certainly been better for us in terms of preparation this week. It was a shock last Thursday for everyone.

"Even though we'd already done a lot of the preparation, David (Holdsworth) going still put the players into a different mindset.

"This week they've had a full run at it and the players have their tails up after last weekend's win, which has undoubtedly had an impact."

Last season Mansfield lost 2-1 on their travels in February, despite a Jake Speight strike, and slumped 1-0 in the home return in April.

Russell said: "I have read reports on them and had someone watch them and there are no doubts they are strong.

"But Darlington still had chances against them last week in their 2-1 win.

"Players like Andy Mangan (who scored twice) are ones you have to police right and Paul Hall (brought in to assist Russell) and myself are going to sit down and draw up a plan."

One person almost certain to be selected for Mansfield is influential striker and top scorer Paul Connor.

The striker marked his first start in four games after hamstring trouble last weekend with the Stags' second goal, his ninth goal of the season.

"Whether up there on his own or as one of a two, he is a big player for us," said Russell.

"When you have not been doing well, you look to players of his experience because he has been in that situation before."

Russell is hoping Mansfield can improve on their recent defensive displays which has seen them ship 19 goals in their last ten league outings.

He said: "We have to defend well, that has been our problem.

"We have scored plenty of goals but they are also going in at the other end.

"The goals we conceded on Saturday were good examples.

"It's not just about blaming the defenders, but everyone on the pitch has to take individual responsibility.

"If we can keep clean sheets, then we can win games, because we have good players to come off the bench if it's 0-0 after 60 minutes."

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Defender's desire to re-join Mansfield unchanged, despite manager's exit
Evening Post, 26 Nov 2010

RHYS Day today insisted David Holdsworth's exit as manager has not diminished his desire to re-join Mansfield Town full-time.

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/mansfieldtown/Defender-s-desire-join-Mansfield-unchanged-despite-manager-s-exit/article-2941028-detail/article.html?

The central defender served the Stags with distinction between 2002 and 2006 when the club were still in the Football League.

The 28-year-old was brought back to Field Mill on loan from Oxford United in October by Holdsworth, who was understood to be keen on making the switch permanent.

However, with Holdsworth's near two-year spell in charge ending last week, it has thrown Day's future into doubt.

The Welshman is set to remain in north Notts until January at least, when his temporary deal rules out.

But with his chances at the Kassam Stadium limited, he is still keen to discuss long-term plans with Holdsworth's successor.

"It is all a bit up in the air with David going. He was the one who brought me back in the first place after all," said Day.

"But I think everyone knows I think a lot about this club and I still feel the same way about things after the change.

"Mansfield are a good club with ambitions and I want to be part of that.

"If everything is right and the new manager wants me to stay, then I would love to stay here."

Day will continue to stand in as captain for the Stags during Steve Foster's suspension for tomorrow's trip to Wrexham.

It will see him come up against one of his Oxford colleagues, also bidding to help resurrect the fortunes of a former Football League side out on loan.

The Stags are three points outside the Blue Square Bet Premier play-offs and their opponents just one.

Day said: "I know Mark Creighton well from last year. He's another central defender, a good lad and a good player.

"I'll probably be marking him from their attacking set pieces and vice versa. It's a battle within the battle that I'm looking forward to."

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Spotlight on Wrexham v Mansfield Town
Evening Post. 26 Nov 2010

Line-up (from): Maxwell, Obeng, Andrews, Creighton, Ashton, Blackburn, Keates, Tolley, Mangan, Morrell, Taylor, Cieslewicz, Sinclair, Brown, Knight-Percival, Williams, Pogba.

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/mansfieldtown/Spotlight-Wrexham-v-Mansfield-Town/article-2941160-detail/article.html?

Line-up (from): Pilkington, Collett, Cook, Silk, Grand, Day, Naylor, Sandwith, Stonehouse, Istead, Murray, Thompson, Briscoe, Cain, Smith, Vincenti, Connor, Mitchley, Medley, Parker.

Team news: Wrexham's midfielder Jay Harris serves a one-game suspension after picking up five bookings.

Left-back Neil Ashton has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, but may be back in contention.

Team news: Steve Foster continues his three-match suspension for Mansfield following his sending off at Forest Green.

Kyle Nix (ankle) is two weeks off returning while Alan Marriott (abductor) is still out.

Gary Silk (hamstring) and Rob Duffy (groin) have had a full week's training and will hope to be involved.

One to watch: Dean Keates. The experienced midfielder has won six promotions in his career and is now pulling the strings in the Wrexham midfield.

Manager: Dean Saunders. After trying to develop young players from big clubs in the past, the former Liverpool striker has opted for proven former Football League players this season, helping them to go five games unbeaten and put themselves just outside the play-offs.

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Family tie standing in the way of Russell's ambition to clinch Stags job
Evening Post, 25 Nov 2010

DUNCAN Russell will push his claims for the Mansfield Town manager's job on a permanent basis at Wrexham this weekend – by trying to outwit the man who is father to his grandchildren.

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/sport/Family-tie-standing-way-Russell-s-ambition-clinch-Stags-job/article-2936652-detail/article.html?

Dave Penney is favourite to land the role, but the Stags caretaker-boss is keen to put himself in the running to succeed David Holdsworth.

Russell knows it is vital to follow up the 3-2 home victory over Hayes and Yeading, his first game in temporary charge, with more positive results if he is to do that.

But standing in the way at the Racecourse Ground will be experienced Red Dragons midfielder Dean Keates.

The former Walsall and Peterborough man is the partner of Russell's daughter and is out to lead Wrexham to a sixth unbeaten Blue Square Premier League game.

"Wrexham are a good side who play with protection in front of their back four and that comes from someone I know very well," said Russell.

"Dean is my daughter's partner and dad to my grandchildren, but he is a good professional and will make it tough for us when we go there.

"There is a bit of family pride at stake and it is ironic that I'm trying to put myself in the frame for the job here by grinding out results, he will be one of those trying to stop me.

"But it is a game I'm looking forward to and if I can help turn the results around of late, then it will give the chairman a decision to make.

"We all know it's a results game, not whether the team play well or not."

Russell in convinced departed manager Holdsworth has left a solid base for whoever becomes his successor, referring to what he believes is a strong squad at Field Mill.

He said: "Once the players realise how to express themselves week in, week out, then they will be right up there, whether I am in charge, or someone else.

"That's down to the management of David Holdsworth who has put together a talented bunch of players without paying for anyone, unlike some of the division's other teams."

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Cook: Stags should take time in finding right manager
Evening Post, 24 Nov 2010

DEFENDER Steve Cook insists the Stags board should take as long as they need to appoint David Holdsworth's successor as Mansfield Town manager.

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Cook-Stags-time-finding-right-manager/article-2930293-detail/article.html?

The Stags are currently under the caretaker charge of Duncan Russell, who is expected to lead the side into Saturday's game at Wrexham.

Chairman John Radford has put only a loose timeframe on securing the services of the club's next boss, saying ahead of Mansfield's game with Hayes and Yeading he wanted it sorted inside three weeks.

A number of the club's supporters are also anxious to see the issue resolved soon rather than later.

But Cook, 19 – on loan from League One Brighton – believes such an important decision should not be rushed.

Dave Penney is favourite to land the job but Martin Foyle and Jimmy Quinn have applied and caretaker Russell is also keen to be considered.

"I don't think you can afford to rush the appointment of a new manager, it's such an important decision," said Cook.

"It has to be right for the short term and the chairman has to take his time. I don't think it affects us too much as players. Our focus is trying to get things right on the pitch."

Cook admits the departure of Holdsworth has thrown his future at Mansfield into some doubt.

He said: "My loan is until the middle of January and I'm not sure what is happening after that," he said.

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Trio back in contention
mansfieldtown.net, Tue 23 Nov 2010
Gary Silk, Rob Duffy and Paul Stonehouse could all be in contention for this Saturday's trip to Wrexham as Sports Therapist Jason Truscott nurses the side back to full health.

http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10325~2228322,00.html?

None of the above players have featured in any of our last three outings but are now back in full training. With respective hamstring, groin and thigh injuries behind them, the trio could all be included in the 16 man squad at the Racecourse.

We can also reveal that long term absentee Alan Marriott has had a set back in his recovery from a groin injury and is due to see another specialist today to get a more accurate timescale for his return to fitness. Meanwhile Kyle Nix will take part in full training again in a week's time as the swelling has reduced on his ankle and may be back in contention in a fortnight in time for our next home clash with Barrow.

Speaking exclusively to mansfieldtown.net earlier today, Caretaker manager Duncan Russell applauded the character shown by his players in Saturday's win over Hayes & Yeading.

In our first game since last week's departure of David Holdsworth, we emerged victorious despite twice going behind to Hayes & Yeading ending a winless run here at Field Mill lasting four matches.

After going into the half time break 2-1 down, a change of formation heralded a much improved second half performance and two goals which Russell says the players should rightly take full credit for.

He said: "It was a pressure game. We did not have the greatest of starts and a couple of players were not playing their roles right which is why we had to change things.

"Medley and Mitchley started to cause them (Hayes & Yeading) real problems. I was happy with the result for the players because obviously they came off at half time being booed and it does affect them.

"It looked like some players were nervous and if people do get on their backs then it certainly doesn't enhance their performance. Some players were eager to get rid of the ball early which isn't them.

"That all changed when we got the equaliser. Their personas changed and they looked six feet taller.

"I'm really happy with the performance because the players showed real metal and steel."

Russell, who has assumed temporary control of the first team until the position is filled on a permanent basis, reserved particular praise for second half substitutes Danny Mitchley and Luke Medley as well as paying tribute to opponents Hayes & Yeading who remain rooted in the bottom four.

He added: "I said to Paul (Hall) that we needed to change our shape. We needed to tighten things and go 4-4-2. I brought Mitchley on because he can really run the channels and I knew that I would bring on Medley because he was itching to play again and is a great impact player.

"When we got an equaliser we started to cause real problems because we had people who can run at you.

"I would also like to say that for a side languishing where they are, they (H & Y) are a good side. They passed it around and played the game in the right way. I'm sure that if they continue in that vein they will get out of trouble."

Russell was joined in the dugout for the first time by caretaker assistant Paul Hall - a man who the temporary boss says was brought in for his vast experience and understanding of the game.

"I've worked with Paul before (at Walsall). He's got a lot of experience - he's played in the World Cup with Jamaica so he's got a wealth of experience and has worked with a lot of managers.

"We bounce a lot of ideas off each other and it is important to have someone alongside you in this period that has a lot of experience."

He signed off by reflecting on his new position as caretaker manager and restating his pledge to perform the role to the best of his abilities no matter how long it might last.

He said: "It was a manic Thursday and Friday last week, but, I've had 22 years in the army so I'm used to managing people.

"You've just got to run with it. I will do my best for the chairman, the fans and the players whilst I am here.

"While I am at the club I will do my best for the club to get us in the play offs come the end of the season.

"We are only three points off the play offs and we've seen it before that when this team clicks, it can beat anyone in this league."

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Foyle and Quinn confirm interest in becoming new Mansfield Town manager
Evening Post
MARTIN Foyle and Jimmy Quinn are both keen to become Mansfield Town's next manager, the Post can reveal.

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Foyle-Quinn-confirm-new-Mansfield-Town-manager/article-2922799-detail/article.html?

Former Doncaster boss Dave Penney – who sat alongside chairman John Radford for Saturday's 3-2 win over Hayes and Yeading – remains favourite to succeed David Holdsworth.

But the out-of-work pair both fit the Stags' criteria as they have managed at Football League level and are over the age of 45.

Foyle resigned from his job at York City at the end of September having guided them to an FA Trophy final in 2009 and the Blue Square Premier play-off final at the end of 2009-2010.

The 47-year-old has bossed Port Vale and also had a spell in caretaker charge at Wrexham.

"I am interested in the Mansfield job 100 per cent, and I have applied," said Foyle.

"I have seen them this season (he was at the FA Cup game with Torquay) and they have done well in certain quarters.

"It's a club with potential and a big squad and they have a chance of getting to the play-offs."

Legendary former Northern Ireland international Quinn, 50, was last employed by Bournemouth, whom he left in December 2008. He has also managed Reading, Swindon and Cambridge and guided Shrewsbury back into the Football League via a play-off victory over Aldershot in May 2004.

Quinn said: "I know Dave Penney was there on Saturday and I haven't had any contact from the club.

"But it's a job that definitely interests me. I was at the game myself and I have sent in my CV.

"It's a good club, a big one, and reminds me of when I took over at Shrewsbury and Cambridge.

"There are some good players there, but I would probably want to improve it a little bit as well.

"I have been offered other positions but I've been waiting for the right job to go for."

The Stags will travel to play Worksop Town in an all-Notts FA Trophy first round tie on December 11.

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