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An independent supporters' website dedicated to Mansfield Town FC
Archived News from August 2013

POMPEY PREVIEWS
28th August 2013 21:03


Cox delighted with squad work-ethic
mansfieldtown.net 22nd August 2013

Manager Paul Cox is pleased with how his players conducted themselves in last night’s reserve team victory over Hull City at One Call Stadium.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/cox-delighted-with-squad-work-ethic-1008224.aspx?#DePWvK3j54rCXthV.99

The Stags dominated for lengthy spells against their Premier League counterparts and were worthy 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Ross Dyer, Lindon Meikle and Lee Stevenson.

“Last night’s performance has pleased me more than anything else this week,” said our boss.

“There were some outstanding performances and it’s given me a lot of food for thought. One or two players have really showed that they want to be in the first eleven.

“It’s out on the pitch that players are judged and I thought they were excellent last night. With performances like that, one or two players are going to force their way into the [first] team.

“Our team-spirit is excellent at the minute and we’ve got some good, honest players. The lads, both last Saturday [in our win at Wycombe] and last night, showed that they are working extremely hard.

“I think they understand that everyone has got a chance of being in the first team, if their performances are good on a consistent basis.”

Cox will be hoping that his team can earn their second victory of the League Two campaign when we play host to Portsmouth on Saturday.

“They [Portsmouth] are a massive club with great supporters,” continued Cox.

“But it’s just another football match for us. A lot of managers like to concentrate on the opposition, but I can only control what we do in our camp.

“There’s a good feeling in the camp at present, so what I want us to do is be positive but make sure that we don’t get too far ahead of ourselves.

“It’s a long season and we have another 40 games after the one this Saturday.”

In other news, our boss revealed today that trialist Hamza Ben-Sheriff has left the club.

A full interview with Paul Cox is now available on StagsPlayer. To subscribe, click here.

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Paul Cox praises work ethic and desire of Mansfield Town’s reserve players
chad.co.uk by Stephen Thirkill 22 August 2013

Boss Paul Cox was full of praise for his battling reserve side after they defeated Hull City 3-1 on Wednesday night.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/paul-cox-praises-work-ethic-and-desire-of-mansfield-town-s-reserve-players-1-5978155

Goals from Lindon Meikle, Lee Stevenson and Ross Dyer sealed the impressive win against their Premier League counterparts and helped Mansfield maintain a 100 per cent start to their Central League East Division campaign.

But Cox says he was happier with the work ethic and hunger shown than the actual result itself.

“There were some wonderful performances and that has given me some real food for thought,” he said.

“There are a lot of players that are kicking the door down to get in the first team. That has pleased me more than anything this week

“I had to make some big decisions leaving players out on Saturday and the response I got from them was excellent, they showed they really wanted to be in the first teamm.

“All the players that are not in the team need to do is keep performing like that and then their chance will come. One or two of the lads will force their way into the first team.

“The team spirit is excellent at the moment, even amongst the players that are on the bench and sitting in the stands and that is all I want to see.”

Mansfield Town Reserves are next in action when they face Rotherham United on 11th September.

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Marriott: Confidence is restored
mansfieldtown.net

Goalkeeper Alan Marriott feels that his confidence has been restored, after keeping two clean-sheets in the past two weeks.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/marriott-confidence-is-restored-1009311.aspx#0ZPzLD5FBBz8Sf87.99

Our veteran custodian registered his first shut-out of the League Two campaign a fortnight ago, as we drew with Exeter City at One Call Stadium.

Marriott then kept his second clean-sheet in as many matches in our win at Wycombe Wanderers last Saturday, which was also his 55th in Stags’ colours.

“The first couple of games weren’t particularly great for me, but I’m pleased to have kept two clean sheets and it’s been a bit of a confidence boost,” said Marriott.

“If you make a mistake you work twice as hard to try and put things right, but sometimes psychologically things can build up and it leads to another mistake.

“When you get a clean-sheet though, you feel more relaxed and confidence is restored again.”

Marriott, our joint-longest serving player, featured in every season of our five-year non-league exile, but boasts previous Football League experience with Lincoln City.

However, the 34-year-old insists the term ‘Football League’ can sometimes intimidate players.

He continued: “When the term ‘Football League’ gets mentioned, it can intimidate people - especially lads who haven’t previously played at this level in their career.”

“The standards do improve, but you’re just playing at bigger stadiums, against teams with bigger names in their squad.

“I think we showed last year that we are capable of mixing it against other teams. Now we’ve got a win under our belt, it is also a great platform to build from.

“Everyone has found their feet and has realised that there isn’t anything to be feared.”

Our shot-stopper also believes we have some excellent versatility in our squad.

He added: “I think the current system that we’re operating with [a flat-back-three] compliments the squad really well.

“We’re quite flexible and so is the manager. We’ve got good strength in depth in the centre-half department, and some midfielders who are very creative.

“James Jennings and Lee Beevers are versatile as they can play at either full-back or wing-back. It shows what a good squad we have.”

Interviews with Alan Marriott and Jamie McGuire are now available on StagsPlayer. To subscribe, click here.

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Alan Marriott delighted at Mansfield Town clean sheets
chad.co.uk by Stephen Thirkill 22 August 2013

Mansfield Town goalkeeper Alan Marriott is riding a wave of confidence after keeping two consecutive clean sheets.

Marriott successfully shut out Exeter City and Wycombe Wanderers as Stags recovered from shakey defensive moments in their first two games of the season.

The experienced shot-stopper had been particulary disappointed with the way the goals were conceded but says Mansfield have worked hard to cut out the ‘silly mistakes’.

“It is really pleasing having two clean sheets and gives me a big confidence boost, especially after the first two games,” said Marriott.

“If you make mistakes you work twice as hard to put things right and we have all worked hard in training.

“The new formation is working really well and the three central defenders looked really solid against Wycombe. We have got good strength in central midfield and central defence, which suits this formation

“Once you get a clean sheet your confidence returns back to normal and you start to relax again.”

And, after picking up four points in their last two games, the former Lincoln goalkeeper believes Mansfield have an excellent platform to build on as they prepare to host fallen Premier League giants Portsmouth on Saturday.

“We have nothing to be afraid of in this division,” added Mariott. “We are just playing teams with bigger names, in front of bigger grounds and more fans.

“The lads were saying how it was windy at Wycombe and things like that, but it could have been worse, we could have been at a place like Braintree.

“We saw last season that we can mix it with big teams when we gave Liverpool a run for their money. We have got our first win and two clean sheets, it’s an excellent platform to build upon.”

And, despite playing more than 500 games, the former Lincoln goalkeeper says he is as hungry as ever to play football.

“It is great to be back playing in the Football League and gives you a great buzz going to the places we are going,” he said.

“When I was playing in the Conference I was determined to get back into the Football League, just to see if I could still do it.

“To play a team like Portsmouth is a great feeling and will be a great game for the fans. It will be a great atmosphere on Saturday.

“I just want to keep playing for as long as I can at as high a level as I can. I would love to test myself at League One level.”

Stags go into the game virtually free on injury worries with only goalkeeper Ian Deakin and Keiran Murtagh ruled out of the match.

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McGuire relishing Pompey clash
mansfieldtown.net

Midfielder Jamie McGuire believes that Portsmouth are in for a tough match when they visit One Call Stadium on Saturday.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/mcguire-relishing-pompey-clash-1009706.aspx#UVCwJulQ6WlcvGXi.99

Our team, who earned their first win of the new campaign last weekend, are currently level on points with the South Coast side in the League Two table.

“We’re all looking forward to it,” said McGuire.

“We’ve got to take our chances and keep them quiet. If we can get in their faces, work hard as a team and get an early goal, I think we’ll do alright.

“It was a great result for us [at Wycombe] and we have to kick on now,”

Reflecting further on the clash at Adams Park, McGuire added: “In the first half, I thought we kept our shape well.

“In the second half, we upped the tempo and created chances. The main thing though was to get the three points on the board.

“I was made up for Ollie [Palmer]. He’s had to bide his time, but he’s come off the bench and scored and that’s what he’s all about.”

You can here a full interview with Jamie McGuire ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Portsmouth at One Call Stadium on StagsPlayer. To subscribe, click here.

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Jamie McGuire calls on Mansfield Town to get their League Two season off to a flyer
chad.co.uk by Stephen Thirkill 22 August 2013

Midfielder Jamie McGuire is calling on Mansfield Town to win their next two home games and get their Football League season off to a flyer.

http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/jamie-mcguire-calls-on-mansfield-town-to-get-their-league-two-season-off-to-a-flyer-1-5977529

Stags host former Premier League giants Portsmouth in one of the most highly-anticipated games of the season before facing Dagenham and Redbridge the following Saturday.

And McGuire, who put in a man-of-the-match display against Wycombe, says the first victory of the season now gives Mansfield a great platform to build upon.

“It is great to get our first three points in the bag, Wycombe is a hard place to go and it is a monkey off our back,” he said.

“The new formation worked well for us and suits the players we have. We looked very solid.

“We are still adapting to this new level, but there is nothing to be worried about, I’m sure we can do well in League Two.

“It is still early doors, but we need to use this win to kick on. It is vital that we get six points from our next two games.

“Portsmouth will bring a big following and everyone at the club is looking forward to the game.

“They are a big club with a big history, but it is all about what we do. They have got some good players and we need to get in their faces, continue to work hard and take our chances.”

McGuire, who played 112 times for Fleetwood before being snapped up by Paul Cox, is relishing being back in the starting line-up after he missed out at Scunthorpe and then Tranmere after being hit by food poisoning.

“I am delighted to be back in the team and just want to get my grove back,” he added.

“I started my career at Tranmere on YTS forms so I was a big gutted to miss out playing against them, but that is football, it was just one of those and you have to get on with it.

“We have got a good squad here and good competition for places, I will just take one game at a time, but it is great to be playing again

Portsmouth lifted the FA Cup in 2008 after beating Cardiff City 1-0. But years of overspending came at a price as Pompey plummeted down

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Family bragging rights at stake as Palmer goes gunning for Pompey
Portsmouth News, by Neil Allen neil.allen@thenews.co.uk 23 August 2013

Ollie Palmer has pledged to do his family proud - and put Pompey to the sword tomorrow.

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/family-bragging-rights-at-stake-as-palmer-goes-gunning-for-pompey-1-5416395

The 21-year-old has embarked on a Football League career with Mansfield following a whirlwind transfer from the Hawks three weeks ago.

Last weekend he opened his goal account for the Stags, netting the winner against Wycombe just 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute.

Next up for the League Two newcomers is the visit of the Blues - an encounter which has got the Palmer family licking their lips with anticipation.

The striker’s dad hails from Southampton, while he still has grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins who live there.

According to Palmer, several of them are St Mary’s season-ticket holders, while others also pay to watch the Premier League club.

It’s just another game for the Hawks’ 25-goal hero from last season, who himself was born in Epsom and is an Arsenal fan.

But for others in the clan there is considerably more at stake.

He said: ‘Portsmouth have a fantastic following and it is going to be an exciting game. Mansfield will come out in their numbers, too.

‘I know I played for Havant but I have no loyalties towards Portsmouth to be honest. There is no affiliation for me.

‘I have never even been to Fratton Park, I’ve never played them in a friendly and I am an Arsenal fan.

‘But all my dad’s side of the family are from Southampton!

‘I’ve got grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins who still live there and a few of them are season-ticket holders. Some still go and watch occasionally, too.

‘They want me to do well against Portsmouth.

‘They’ve definitely known about this game coming up for a while!

‘They are keen for me to beat them and some of my family will be there. We rotate it, so I’m not sure which ones yet.

‘It has been incredible for me over the last month. One day I am preparing for a Havant friendly and the next I am preparing for an away game at Scunthorpe in front of 5,000 fans.

‘Then to get a goal two weeks into my Football League career is amazing.

‘Now I have got to keep that up and it’s great the gaffer believes in me and has given me that confidence.’

Palmer scored 40 goals in 83 matches during two seasons at Westleigh Park.

That came to an end earlier this month when Mansfield beat Swindon to his signature for an undisclosed fee.

The striker missed the Hawks’ 5-0 pre-season friendly defeat against Guy Whittingham’s men through a holiday abroad for his mum’s 50th birthday.

Now he will face them in league football tomorrow.

And he admitted he owes a lot to the Hawks and current boss Lee Bradbury.

He added: ‘I really appreciate Havant. They gave me the opportunity to play first-team football and, if not, I probably wouldn’t be in league football now.

‘Lee Bradbury has been fantastic, developing my game and has helped me off the field as well.

‘They treated me really well and looked after me, so for that I am grateful.’

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A Good Headache To Have
22nd August 2013 by Neil Weld
Guy pleased with competition for places at Pompey
Read more at http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/news/article/a-good-headache-to-have-1008001.aspx?#JJsyF7dQ0hixZg8J.99

Johnny Ertl has been suspended for the last three matches after being sent off against Oxford on the opening day.

But the Blues skipper is not guaranteed to walk straight back into the side.

Simon Ferry and Romain Padovani impressed in Pompey’s midfield in last week’s victory over Morecambe.

Keeping every member of the squad happy could provide Guy Whittingham with a headache - but it is one he is happy to suffer.

The Blues boss said: “In order to be successful you need to have a good squad, with players who are going to play well on the ball and others who are going to be good at defending.

“The players we have here are realising that it’s not always about the starting 11.

“There will be ins and outs throughout the season and sometimes it will depend on who we’re playing.

“But you want competition for places in your squad. The final decision is mine, but I like to have a lot of opinions from all the other staff members.”

The Blues travel to the One Call Stadium to face a Mansfield side who won promotion from the Conference Premier last season.

Whittingham said: “They’ve done extremely well and look to have a fantastic team spirit there.

“The manager has instilled a great work ethic and we know it’s going to be a tough game for us.

“We know they’ll be physical and they’ll also be confident because they got their first win last week - and it was well deserved.

“They played extremely well against Wycombe and we’ll be mindful of that - we have to make sure we’re at our best.

“But we had a good result and performance of our own last week and it was even more pleasing that we did so without conceding.”

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Latest | August 2013