Archived News from December 2016
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EVANS GIVEN GO-AHEAD & PREVIEWS CHECKATRADE GAME
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Manager given go-ahead for new signings
mansfieldtown.net, 5th December 2016 New Stags’ boss Steve Evans has revealed that he’s been given the green light to bolster his squad in January following a positive meeting with the chairman and chief executive on Friday evening. The manager told http://www.mansfieldtown.net on Friday that he had a meeting with John and Carolyn Radford to discuss potential transfer targets and, speaking to the local press this afternoon, he revealed the success of that meeting whilst again reiterating the challenge to his current crop of players to prove their value to the club in the coming weeks. Our boss will now continue his hard work over the next couple of weeks before presenting an in-depth report on potential targets to the board as the club prepares bids to bring players to One Call Stadium. “I had a fantastic, that’s the only way I can describe it, a fantastic meeting with the chairman and the chief executive about opportunities to what we’re going to do in January,” the manager said. “That went as well as what it could have possibly done so the chairman and the chief executive are now really waiting for me to present some details, which will be a couple of weeks away because we’re still just making sure that we have to get January right, as all clubs dream to do. Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/2016-17/new-boss-given-go-ahead-for-new-signings-3452784.aspx#ieYasWYzaFX0UA6a.99 “The chairman’s made it clear that there [are] resources available but they’re not unlimited. It’s almost like the old slipper approach with me, from the chairman’s point of view, when I walk in the door I have to present the case that makes it easy for him to say yes. But at the same time, I have to make sure that we’re definitely aiming to be stronger on the pitch, otherwise we shouldn’t be bringing these lads in.” The new boss has used just 15 players in his first three games as manager and says tomorrow’s Checkatrade Trophy clash against Carlisle United is a good opportunity for the players who haven’t been involved thus far to display their quality. “We will be making changes. Of course we’re very respectful of the rules and laws associated with the competition and we won’t be giving the football club a fine. “We’ll be ready to play at Carlisle and [it’s] a wonderful opportunity for five or six lads to show they should be in the team that have perhaps not had a lot of football. “No-one has to leave [in the transfer window]; the chairman or the chief executive have not turned around and said to me that anyone has to leave but of course there will be recommendations - as much as there is about bringing [players] in, there’ll be recommendations that people go. “Let me absolutely clear to all Stags’ fans - no-one will go that I can see playing a part, no-one.” Stags were without a number of players for their last competitive match against the Cumbrians ten days ago and the boss is only expecting midfielder Kevan Hurst to play a part in tomorrow's game from the group of players who weren’t involved last time out. “He’s not fully-fit in terms of match fitness, but he’s certainly fully fit in terms of his injury. Kevan’s a wonderful talent but we have to make sure he’s up to speed. “Probably a lot of Stags’ fans will be wondering why we didn’t introduce him back at Carlisle on the day we lost when it was 4-1 and 4-2. "We only had Kevan in training for two days, it wouldn’t be appropriate to put him in on a really cold, damp day having sat about for an hour and a half and perhaps take a risk with a hamstring.” Striker Darius Henderson is nearing full-fitness after his calf injury however defenders George Taft and Corbin Shires remain long-term absentees with their respective hamstring and knee injuries. Centre-half Kyle Howkins is expected to return to training next Monday, new boss Steve Evans revealed earlier today. “He’s been back for a few days at West Brom getting some treatment but we’ll hopefully have Kyle on the ground next Monday. “He’s a nice young man as well and that’s important and I have to say this appropriately but I’m very, very good friends with Tony Pulis. Tony Pulis has lots of good things to say about the kid; I’ve not seen much of him but believe me, [it's a positive thing] if Tony Pulis says good things about a centre-back, and he’s famous for signing some of the best." Supporters will be able to view Steve Evans’ news conference, in full, on Stags PlayerHD later this evening. ---------------------- Chance for fringe players in Stags’ Trophy trip to Carlisle chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS, Monday 05 December 2016 Steve Evans will give his fringe players a chance to impress in Mansfield Town’s Checkatrade Trophy second round clash at high-flying League Two rivals Carlisle United tomorrow night. But the new Stags boss said he would be respectful to the competition, would not be blooding youth players, and wanted to win the tie. Evans has money to spend in the January window, but wants the current squad to show him what they can do in the meantime. Stags were beaten 5-2 at Carlisle in their last game a week last Saturday and, despite the visit of Colchester United looming for a League clash on Saturday, Evans said: “Carlisle has been in the foremost of our thoughts because it’s the next match. “Are we going to make changes? Yes. But we have people who have picked up little niggles and knocks who may be available for the weekend, and anyone under that umbrella will be left at home with the medical team. “We will make changes, but we are very respectful of the rules and laws associated with the competition and we won’t be giving the club a fine. Read more at: http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town/chance-for-fringe-players-in-stags-trophy-trip-to-carlisle-1-8275033 “We will be ready to play Carlisle and it’s a wonderful opportunity for five or six lads who’ve not had a lot of football to show they should be in the team.” With George Taft, Corbin Shires and Kyle Howkins ruled out injured and Kevan Hurst and Darius Henderson recovering from knocks, Stags fans are more likely to see the likes of Brian Jensen, James Baxendale, CJ Hamilton, Danny Rose and Jack Thomas, who are desperate for opportunities to impress. The new-look competition has attracted much criticism for allowing big clubs to enter U23s sides and Evans agreed: “I think to involve U23s from clubs elsewhere is mad as you devalue it a bit. “You’re not seeing Premier League players, you’re seeing youngsters and a lot of those youngsters are playing against men for the first time. “I think it’s taken a bit away from it. But nobody will be telling me that when we kick off at Carlisle.” Despite its critics, the Checkatrade Trophy does end with a Wembley final and the money that brings in. He said: “I’ve only been to Wembley once as a manager - and you can only go to Wembley and win. “You would be, it’s a strong word suicidal, but you’d be pretty low if you left there getting beat. “But we are a long way from that. We’re playing against a team that went top of the league when they beat us 5-2. “In that last half hour they really showed their mettle and Keith Curle has multiple options and fantastic backing by a good chairman. “I don’t really care what Carlisle do tomorrow. I think he’s got the opportunity to change four or five positions and he has the opportunity to leave it as it is after going out of the FA Cup on Saturday. “If I was Keith and fighting at the top end of the league where they are I would probably most definitely make a number of changes.” He added: “My only priority is trying to get a performance and a result at Carlisle. But, if I am being honest, losing at Carlisle and beating Colchester on Saturday - would that be the option I’d take? Yes. “If I had to choose one of the games to win it would be here on Saturday. But Steve Evans wants to win both.” Stags are likely to have their smallest following of the season in Cumbria and Evans said: “If you are a Stags fan and you’re making the trip first and foremost we should be applauding you. “I’d so the same if it were Carlisle fans coming here for a Tuesday night in the Checkatrade. “If they do make it, the most important thing is a safe journey there and back and we just hope we put in a better last 30 minutes than the last game up there.” Stags will head north tomorrow, Evans adding: “To be fair the chairman offered me the chance to go up tonight, but it’s a long time sitting about on a Tuesday. “We’ll go up there nice and early and the boys can relax and get their feet up, have some proper pre-match food before the game and do some stretches. “Whatever team Keith picks it will be tough. They are in a good position with their strength in depth. But we’re still capable of going there and coming back in the next round. “I’ve got a real good idea of the team, but I’ve always maintained Paul Raynor has a big say in that, so does the rest of the staff and the medical team. “But we want to make sure we try to put in a level performance that sees us compete tomorrow night. “The real priority is Colchester on Saturday we can we win both? Yes, we can.” ----------------------- Evans eyes up January transfer targets for Stags chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS Steve Evans is homing in on his January transfer targets for Mansfield Town and had a ‘fantastic meeting’ with chairman John Radford and CEO Carolyn Radford at the weekend to discuss availability of funds. With Stags not having a game, Evans and assistant Paul Raynor took advantage to watch other matches and Evans said “We watched a lot of football over the weekend and a lot of opportunities to look at some players we have an interest in. “I also had a fantastic meeting, that’s the only way I can describe it, with the chairman and chief executive about opportunities we have in January. That went as well as it possibly could. “They are now waiting on me to present some detail, which could be a couple of weeks away as we have to make sure we get January right. Read more at: http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town/evans-eyes-up-january-transfer-targets-for-stags-1-8278450 “I know he will back me. It’s a question of what players we ask for and as to what value. The chairman has made it clear there are resources available, but they are not unlimited. “When I walk in the door I have to present the case that makes it easy for him to say yes. “At the same time I have to make sure we are definitely stronger on the pitch otherwise we shouldn’t be bringing these lads in.” He added: “Our aim is to have a much-improved second half to the campaign to the first, and if we do that it will give us an opportunity to try to break into that top seven. “It will be tough considering the quality of clubs in there, and we won’t be alone in trying to strengthen. “There have already been a number of coaches on the phone to me saying what they are trying to do and asking about certain ones.” Evans is hoping to bring in one or two talented U23s from the top leagues and has been discussing it with their managers. “I have met a couple for coffee and one for a bit of lunch and been very well received,” he said. “When a manager is considering putting his players into Leagues One and Two, Mansfield Town must be part of that equation where they go and play. “We love players young or old playing the right way and the opportunity for young players to come and play the way we play will send them back to the Championship or Premier League ready, more focused and determined to have a future with their club. “You have to make sure you pick youngsters who are good enough. Your recruitment has to be right.” ---------------- Keith Curle could involve Alex McQueen and Kevin Wright in Trophy tie newsandstar.co.uk Manager says Mansfield game tomorrow could be "ideal chance" for new signings New Carlisle United signings Kevin Wright and Alex McQueen could get their first chance to impress in tomorrow's Checkatrade Trophy clash with Mansfield. Manager Keith Curle said the tie is likely to be an "ideal" chance to give the two full-backs their first outing since signing short-term deals. Although the rules of the controversial competition restrict the number of changes a manager can make, Curle is likely to shuffle his pack. On McQueen and Wright, neither of whom were in Saturday's squad, the United boss said: "It's an opportunity for the two players, if I deem it right, that I can get them onto the team sheet and they get the opportunity to perform. "It's an ideal opportunity for both of them to play some part in the game." http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/carlisle-utd/latest/article/Keith-Curle-could-involve-Alex-McQueen-and-Kevin-Wright-in-Trophy-tie-6d8a729c-be38-4fae-87b8-4c557ac0329c-ds Patrick Brough, meanwhile, is set to remain with National League North side Salford City for another two months. The Cumbrian left-back's initial month loan expired yesterday after he was involved in Salford's 2-2 draw with Darlington. Curle said: "That's going to be extended. They [Salford] have rang up and asked could they take him for the full 93 days and we've said yes. "The change in Patrick since he's gone there and played games is fantastic. The lad still trains with us, and he's got that zest about a young man that you want - he's getting that 90 minutes competitive football and he's playing in a winning team." David Atkinson played the full 90 minutes at right-back for Blyth Spartans in their 0-0 draw with Buxton. Curle said striker Jabo Ibehre, who missed Saturday's defeat to Rochdale, would have his back injury further assessed by physio Neil Dalton today. ---------------------- Danny Grainger: Carlisle Utd must bounce back from their FA Cup exit newsandstar.co.uk Skipper Danny Grainger says Carlisle United cannot afford to feel sorry for themselves after the end of their FA Cup dream. . . . United host Mansfield in the Trophy tomorrow night, having been overtaken at the top of League Two by Doncaster after their 4-3 win at Stevenage. http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/carlisle-utd/latest/article/Danny-Grainger-Carlisle-Utd-must-bounce-back-from-their-FA-Cup-exit-5a121ff1-e45e-43f0-95c0-44c1304cb278-ds Grainger hopes supporters will back the side tomorrow despite the controversy engulfing the competition. He added: "We would like to see a few more fans through the gates than in the previous few rounds. "All the lads totally understand why the fans are staying away, but if we can get them back and behind the lads we can go and do well in this competition. "Carlisle are one of the most successful teams in this competition and we want to make sure we carry on that tradition." ----------------------- |
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