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Archived News from February 2012

NO DEAL FOR DEMPSTER
9th February 2012 18:12


Tuesday 31st January, 2012

Mansfield failed to land John Dempster on deadline day. Stags initially tried to sign him permanently. When this broke down, the Stags went back to Crawley during the evening to try to arrange a loan until the end of the season, but this didn't go through.
Therefore his last possible game is away to Newport as his maximum loan period is now 3 months, from Nov 22-Feb 22.

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twitter.com/radiorhodes Dave Rhodes Tuesday 31st January, 2012
#stags #mtfc I understand that there is one definite loan target to replace Dempster. Work on that will start tomorrow.

i've been told there are financial complications with his contract at Crawley's end.

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Mansfield set to search for defensive cover
chad.co.uk, Friday 3 February 2012

UNABLE to sort a deal with Crawley to keep loanee centre half John Dempster, Paul Cox is set to delve into the loan market once Dempster's loan ends in a couple of weeks.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-fc/mansfield_set_to_search_for_defensive_cover_1_4207020

It would have been the perfect opportunity for a fit-again Rhys Day to stake his claim for a recall, but Day suffered a serious knee injury last weekend to see his season – and maybe his Mansfield career - prematurely ended.

He ruptured a patella tendon, which connects his kneecap with the lower part of his lower leg, which saw him undertake a career-saving operation today (Thursday).

Dempster is out of contract at Crawley in the summer and so could still find himself back at Field Mill next year. But in the meantime, with John Thompson still not back to fitness either, Cox is suddenly short in a department in which he seemed blessed earlier this season.

“Not only is John a top drawer player but he is also a great professional to have around the club,” said Cox.

“We did all we could to get him but couldn't find a deal that suited all parties in the end.

“He will be very much in my mind at the end of the season for next season. But, for now, we have to look elsewhere.”

On Day's injury, he said: “Rhys has had no luck whatsoever since I have been here.

“Rhys played at Rainworth last week and reports said he was immense and back to what we know he can do.

“Then something like that happens to him. I am really disappointed for him as everyone knows what a fit Rhys Day can do.

“He is having an operation which I hope goes well and then he will have the best medical treatment possible and be well looked after.”

However, Day's contract expires in the summer and, at the end of a season in which he has failed to win a first team place, his future remains uncertain

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Nottingham Post, Tuesday, January 31, 2012

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/story-15088975-detail/story.html

And, as the post went to press, Cox was trying to negotiate with Crawley to keep defender John Dempster for the rest of the season, either on loan or on a permanent basis.

The player's loan is due to run out on February 22, but the Stags boss also had another defender with Football League experience in his sights

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LATER INTERVIEW:
Big freeze sees Dempster loan spell at Stags fizzling out
chad.co.uk, Thursday 9 February 2012

DEFENDER John Dempster is seeing his impressive loan spell with Mansfield Town fizzle out frustratingly as the weather prevents a ball being kicked.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-fc/big_freeze_sees_dempster_loan_spell_at_stags_fizzling_out_1_4231410

Stags were unable to tie up a deal for the experienced Crawley man in the January transfer window and know they will lose his services on 22nd February.

However, manager Paul Cox has intimated he would still like to go back in for Dempster when his Crawley contract expires in the summer – and the player admits he would be delighted if that happens.

“I left it up to the two clubs to come to an agreement,” he said. “I think Mansfield wanted to extend my loan, but Crawley said no and that was the end of it.

“I have enjoyed my time here and hope I get to play a few more games before I go back.

“I have sat down briefly with the gaffer and he made it clear he would be interested in signing me next season.

“This is the place I want to play next season, but I know that is pie in the sky at the moment as there are a lot of games to be played between now and the end of the season. I will just continue to do my best and see what happens.”

He added: “I have experienced this before and it's all part of the game. All you can do is carry on enjoying yourself and see where it takes you.

“In my short time here I can see Mansfield are building a decent squad and it would be good to be part of that.

“I appreciate the support from the fans, I have enjoyed the games I have played in and I wish them well.

“It is frustrating and it will be even more frustrating if the lads get to Wembley. But this is the situation I've found myself in.

“I will go back to Crawley to join another fantastic group of lads and hope I can help them towards their goal of the play-offs or automatic promotion.”

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Dempster Permanent Deal 'Dead In The Water'
mansfield103.co.uk, Tuesday 31st January, 2012

Mansfield Town boss Paul Cox has told Mansfield 103.2 that the club have been unable to reach an agreement with Crawley Town over a long term deal for John Dempster.

http://mansfield103.co.uk/sport.php?n=1626

The 28 year old centre back has been on loan at Field Mill and has made nine appearances for the club and has been instrumental in the sides recent good form.

Cox says an agreement has not been reached that could satisfy all parties involved and that, as far as he is concerned, the deal is now dead in the water.

The club have now begun a search for a replacement seeing as Dempster's current loan deal expires in a couple of weeks

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Earlier info: Dempster is on a 3 month loan (from Nov 22-Feb 22) with a 24 hour call back to Crawley. So his last possible game is away to Newport if he does not sign permanently today.

http://www.stagsnet.net/news/newsdetails.php?newsid=6247

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