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Archived News from July 2013

STAGS ARRIVE IN MALTA
11th July 2013 23:31


Stags arrive in Malta
mansfieldtown.net 2nd July 2013

Our squad have safely arrived in Malta for our Pre-Season tour of the island, which includes a match against Naxxar Lions on Saturday.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/stags-arrive-in-malta-890990.aspx#34Br6fJPe5Wq5UtS.99

Paul Cox’s players are set for a week of intensive training in the warm Mediterranean climate, and will participate in aerobic fitness sessions each morning.

However, tonight at 17:30 local-time (GMT: 16:30), our squad will have a practice session at the Melita FC Sports Complex, which supporters can attend.

Supporters are also welcome to attend the following training sessions:

Thursday: 5.30pm @Melita FC Sports Complex.
Friday: 2.00pm @Melita FC Sports Complex.
Monday: 2.00pm @ Melita FC Sports Complex.

A venue is still to be confirmed for tomorrow’s evening training session.

Our clash against Naxxar Lions takes place on Saturday (kick-off 8.45pm local-time), with the venue again the Melita FC Sports Complex. Entry is free for all supporters

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Boss says trip is no ‘jolly-up’ as Mansfield Town head for a week in Malta
chad.co.uk, 02 July 2013

Mansfield Town headed off for a week Malta early this morning with manager Paul Cox promising it was no ‘jolly-up’.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/boss-says-trip-is-no-jolly-up-as-mansfield-town-head-for-a-week-in-malta-1-5817389

He said Stags will train twice daily ahead of their first pre-season friendly against Naxxar Lions, who have just been promoted to the Maltese Premier Division as champions, this Saturday.

Cox hopes he will still be there for the game - but wife Natasha is due to give birth this week and Cox knows he could get a call at any time.

“Working in Malta will be a pleasure and should be embraced by the players - but we are not there for a jolly-up,” said Cox. “We will be working extremely hard and players will go there with the right mindset.

“We know we are very lucky the chairman has allowed us to do this. Because of the heat, players will be up really early for breakfast and training before it gets too hot.

“Then at night we will train again building up to the game on Saturday.

“After all the running since we came back, the footballs will finally come out again in Malta which will please them as one or two have probably forgotten what they look like. We do have a 3G surface to train on, but there will be a lot of road running and hill running too.”

He added: “We don’t know to much about the Naxxar Lions. But I am not worries about the the score, it’s all about fitness and getting conditioned for the season.

“I hope we will get as many Stags fans as we can to come out and see us working hard. The lads will get time for a chat and cup of tea with the supporters.”

However, all the time he is out there, Cox knows he could become a father again.

“Deciding to come here was tough, but it is my job. There are a number of flights to get back on if need be and I hope I will be back in time if anything does happen this week.

“I do want to see the birth of my second daughter. But you have to pay the mortgage and sometimes you have to make sacrifices. If she is going to be a Cox she will probably be a week late anyway.”

Stags still have no idea if goal ace Matt Green will sign a new deal.

Championship club Birmingham City are said to still be keen on signing him after a trial there.

League One clubs are also sniffing around, but ambitious Green has promised Stags that unless it is the right move for his career, he would love to stay.

“With League contracts ending I think you will see a lot more movement in the market now,” said Cox. “All we need is the final parts to our jigsaw with strikers our main priority.

“There is no massive panic. I am talking to a few and will be on my phone in Malta.”

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