{ the news }
 
An independent supporters' website dedicated to Mansfield Town FC
Archived News from June 2015

STAGS SIGN KEEPER SCOTT SHEARER
30th June 2015 23:57


Seven-time (actually six) promotion winner signs for Stags
mansfieldtown.net, 24th June 2015

Experienced Scotsman is Stags' new number one goalkeeper

Mansfield Town are proud to announce the signing of experienced goalkeeper Scott Shearer on a free transfer from Crewe Alexandra.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/seven-time-promotion-winner-signs-for-stags-2505061.aspx#rMqZYQczeCMM5Rv3.99

Shearer becomes our eleventh summer recruit and boasts outstanding pedigree, having won SEVEN PROMOTIONS during his career and registering over 100 clean-sheets.

The Glaswegian is also in a small band of goalkeepers that have scored, as he was on target for his first club, Albion Rovers, in a draw against Queens Park way back in February 2003.

A well-travelled player, Shearer has appeared south of the border for several clubs including Coventry City, Bristol Rovers, Wycombe Wanderers, Crawley Town and Rotherham United.

Speaking exclusively to http://www.mansfieldtown.net, the ‘keeper said: “I’ve been here a few times and I’ve always been impressed by the set-up, the stadium, the support the team gets and the manager [Adam Murray] is a massive factor as well. I like the fact that he’s a young manager and very ambitious. I buy into everything that he says and that’s a massive thing for me when I come to a club."

He added: “For myself, personally, [this move is about] ambition. I’m not somebody who’ll go to a club to just stagnate and be there for no reason. We’ve only got a short career in a short space of time and I want to be as successful as I can be. I get that vibe from this club."

Born in Glasgow, Shearer began his career in the lower reaches of the Scottish Football League with Albion Rovers, where he earned a reputation for being a fine up-and-coming ‘keeper.

He spent three years with the Coatbridge-based outfit and infamously scored for his old employers in a game against Queens Park at Scotland’s national stadium Hampden Park.

His consistent displays attracted attention from clubs far and wide and he eventually signed for Coventry City, where he was to feature 41 times in two seasons.

The shot-stopper gained his first experience of this level during a loan spell with Rushden & Diamonds in 2004/05, and later penned a move to Bristol Rovers where he shared the number one spot with Steve Phillips.

In 2006/07, he left the Memorial Stadium to join Shrewsbury Town on loan and kept a clean-sheet in the last ever game at Gay Meadow in a play-off semi-final clash with MK Dons.

Later that summer, the Scotsman joined Wycombe Wanderers and played 68 times in three seasons - collecting a promotion winners medal in 2008/09.

After a six-month stay at Wrexham, Shearer penned a mid-season move to Crawley Town and enjoyed complete success at the Broadfield Stadium - helping the Red Devils to the Conference Premier title in 2010/11, then instant promotion from this level in 2011/12.

He followed manager Steve Evans to Rotherham United and secured further back-to-back promotions - elevating the South Yorkshire side to the Sky Bet Championship.

Most recently, the 34-year-old was on the books of Crewe Alexandra, where he made a handful of appearances, but finished the season on loan at Burton Albion, who he helped clinch the Sky Bet League Two title.

The transfer will be completed, subject to Football League approval.

--------------------

Shearer eager for more success
mansfieldtown.net

Glaswegian ‘keeper thriving to succeed in Stags’ colours.

A promotion winner for the past five seasons in succession, new shot-stopper Scott Shearer admits he has ‘positive vibes’ and is thriving about the chance to play regularly following his move to One Call Stadium.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/shearer-eager-for-more-success-2505551.aspx#aOPC73JhU5xfrqyu.99

The 34-year-old put pen-to-paper on a contract with us earlier today, thus becoming our 11th summer recruit.

Speaking exclusively to http://www.mansfieldtown.net, Shearer said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s been a long summer and I knew there was interest and it’s dragged on, so I’m happy that it’s finally done now.

“For myself, personally, [this move is about] ambition. I’m not somebody who’ll go to a club to just stagnate and be there for no reason. We’ve only got a short career in a short space of time and I want to be as successful as I can be. I get that vibe from this club.

“I’ve been here a few times and I’ve always been impressed by the set-up, the stadium, the support the team gets and the manager [Adam Murray] is a massive factor as well. I like the fact that he’s a young manager and very ambitious. I buy into everything that he says and that’s a massive thing for me when I come to a club.”

In total, the Scotsman has achieved an incredible seven promotions during his career to date - five of which have been from this level, with the most recent being during a loan spell at Burton Albion in 2014/15.

When asked what it takes to be successful, Shearer, who has 15 seasons of experience in the game, replied: “You’ve got to have the right dressing room to have a successful team. That’s key.

“The manager spoke to me about that and he said that I’ve been known to be a bit of a character, so he wants me to keep everything fun in the dressing room and keep everyone on board. I think the manager and coaching staff will take care of the rest of it.”

Discussing his individual strengths, he added: “I’d like to think that I’ve got strong qualities in every department, but there are always things you need to work on especially. I think I’m a good distributor, which I feel is massive for a ‘keeper for these days, I’m commanding and I’d say every ‘keeper at this level is a relatively good shot-stopper.”

Shearer is also determined to make the number one jersey his own during the upcoming season.

“I’ve had a period of about 18 months now where I’ve not really featured,” said the 6ft 4in Scotsman. “It’s the most frustrating time in a player’s career because you go through training every day and you go through little knocks and niggles just to try and get that chance.

“The chance that I’ve got here is to come and make this spot my own. It’s down to me now, so I can’t want and I thrive off [the opportunity.”

--------------------

Stags in safe hands after double swoop, says boss
mansfieldtown.net

Murray delighted to have captured two experienced ‘keepers.

Having filled arguably the toughest positions in his squad, boss Adam Murray is hoping our new goalkeeping duo of Scott Shearer and Brian Jensen will bring success to One Call Stadium.

Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/stags-in-safe-hands-after-double-swoop-2505954.aspx#5q4vmoq6EIJW8ekY.99

Glaswegian Shearer, 34, joins on a free transfer from Crewe Alexandra and will be our first choice custodian in the 2015/16 campaign, whilst big Danish shot-stopper Brian Jensen joins us in a dual role as player/coach.

Between them, they possess over 30 years experience in the professional game. Shearer has achieved promotion seven times, whilst Jensen played in the Premier League and made over 300 appearances during a decade at Burnley.

On Shearer, who was the first out of the two to put pen-to-paper, Murray said: “I think he brings a full bag of tools to the table. We spoke to a number of goalkeepers all ranging from different levels to different ages. We felt that Scott was the overall best package.

“He’s somebody that is technically very good. His distribution is superb, he’s a huge character and he knows how to win. He’s been in winning changing rooms and he knows what it takes to get out of this league. He’s an individual that sets standards.”

Our boss continued: “We tried to get Scott in during the transfer window last season after I took over [as manager], but it wasn’t do-able and then he went to Burton Albion.

“With all the goalkeepers we have spoken to, they all hadn’t played that many competitive games over the last couple of years. [That was] partly because they’ve been at good clubs and had been number two.

“Scott was one that we looked at we recognised that he’d played at this level and the one above. He’s been competitive and successful at this level, which is obviously a big thing for us. He’s at an age now where I feel we could have a number one here for the next few years who will give us that stability and the experience that I think has been missing.

“The number one jersey was obviously a big one for us and that’s why we didn’t rush it.

“With the whole package put together and everything Scott brings to the table, this is the right one. Sometimes your gut instincts tell you where to go, and when you put the facts and stats and speak to the people you trust in the game, you put the whole picture together.

“The more time has gone, the more secure and happy we are with this signing. To get it done today, a few days before we start pre-season training, we’re ‘over the moon.’”

Should Shearer be out of action at any point during the upcoming season, our boss believes he has a more than adequate back up in Jenson, who featured frequently for Crawley last term.

“We’ve brought Brian in as a number two, but also as a goalkeeper coach,” said Murray.

“It’s an area that I’ve been very mindful of over the past couple of years as we’ve never had a full-time goalkeeper coach, so to be able to be able to get a dual role for a package that I feel is right for the club and to bring someone in of Brian’s stature and experience and intelligence football-wise, is brilliant for us.

“It makes us very, very strong in that area now.

“Brian played at League One level last year and he’s somebody that has played at the highest level. He’s had a great career and comes here with a wealth of knowledge and experience and his contacts in the game are ridiculous.

“So to be able to bring him on board, both from a playing and coaching point of view, will be a major piece of jigsaw.”

He added: “We’ve had a number of conversations with Brian over the past few weeks to get his views and his thoughts on the game, and his input on how we’re going to do things. It’s been great for me. To have him coming into our environment, not just on the coaching side, but to push Scott, I feel we’re in safe hands.”

--------------------

twitter scott shearer @scottshearerGK
Cheers but need to get number 7 first
@LiamMills92 welcome to Field Mill chap, let's make it an eighth promotion for you this season!

------------------

EARLIER STORIES:
Scott Shearer on the move from Crewe but unlikely to join Burton Albion
burtonmail.co.uk, 29.05.15, By Burton Mail

GOALKEEPER Scott Shearer celebrates promotion with Burton Albion skipper John Mousinho but is unlikely to return to the Brewers for the new season.

SCOTT Shearer has been made available for transfer by Crewe Alexandra - but a permanent move to Burton Albion looks unlikely.

Read more at http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Scott-Shearer-Crewe-unlikely-join-Burton-Albion/story-26591931-detail/story.html#6CmiY7Bhb9cMs3u2.99

The 34-year-old goalkeeper was on loan with the Brewers in the second half of last season.

He made only one appearance, as a substitute, due to the form of No 1 Jon McLaughlin.

Shearer, who was a popular figure in the Pirelli Stadium dressing room, is putting his coaching career on hold as he seeks a final chance in first-team football.

But with McLaughlin in his way at the Pirelli, it is unlikely to be at Burton.

"Scott has spoken to the manager (Steve Davis) and he made it known that he wants to carry on playing and would rather do that than the coaching side of things," said Crewe assistant boss Neil Baker.

"He didn't play a great deal of football for us nor Burton, so Steve has told him to go out and see what's available for him.

"If something materialises for him then we have a decision to make. We will have to bring in another goalkeeper either an experienced one or a younger one and employ a goalkeeping coach."

...
As for Shearer, he is looking for first-team football he struggled to get at both Crewe and Burton last season after only four appearances in 2014-15.

"He didn't play much for us when he was here," said Baker. "He started the season in the team but then he found it difficult to dislodge Ben (Garratt) from the team.

"He expressed an interest to go out on loan in January and that was a risk for us to let him go to Burton.

"That was the right thing for Scott but probably not the right thing for us at that moment."

----------------------

Paul Rachubka and Fred Barber could return to Crewe Alex
crewechronicle.co.uk, 23 JUNE 2015, BY PETER MORSE
Keeper and coach may be back if moves to allow Scott Shearer to leave goes through

Keeper Paul Rachubka and coach Fred Barber could return to Crewe Alex if a move to allow Scott Shearer to leave is successful.

http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/incoming/paul-rachubka-fred-barber-could-9510493

The Alex are understood to be close to parting company with 34-year-old Shearer, despite him still having 12 months remaining on his contract.

The Scot, who was unable to dislodge number one Ben Garratt and spent half of last season out on loan, wants to play first team football and the signs are that a deal will be struck for him to exit.

Today manager Steve Davis admitted that Rachubka, who impressed on a short-term deal with the Alex last term, would be in his thoughts as a replacement.

And he admitted the potential departure of player-coach Shearer could spark a return for experienced coach Barber, who also fitted in well during the second part of 2014-15.

Davis said: "If (Shearer) does leave we have to look at our next step and we already have in mind what we want to do, so hopefully we can do that.

...
Former Rotherham and Crawley man Shearer signed on a free last summer but only made three starts before being ousted by Garratt.

He joined Burton on loan at the turn of the year and stayed for the rest of the season, despite making just one appearance as a substitute.

...
----------------------

 

Latest | June 2015