Archived News from July 2019
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DEMPS PREVIEWS FRIENDLIES/NOT SIGNING DAVID BALL
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Gaffer looking forward to meeting Stags' faithful
mansfieldtown.net, Tuesday 09 July 2019 Stags’ boss John Dempster says he is looking forward to a ‘brilliant night,’ during which Mansfield fans will have an opportunity to meet the first team staff and players prior to this evening’s pre-season friendly away to Retford United. Mansfield travel to Cannon Park for a 7.45pm kick-off, with Stags’ season ticket holders for the 2019-20 campaign able to gain entry to the match for just £1. John Dempster revealed that a different XI will feature in each half of the match, with the same system to occur on Thursday, when the Stags travel to face Bradford Park Avenue. “It’s going to be a brilliant night. It feels like we’re taking the whole club! We’re taking the first team squad, the under-21s, and a couple of our promising under-18s there as well. “It’s a brilliant opportunity for the fans to come down and meet the players. They will be greeted from around 7pm onwards, and then we’ll look forward to the game against Retford. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2019/july/dempster-interview-09-july/ “Over the next two games I’m expecting to play two XIs over each 45 minutes, so the whole squad gets 90 minutes under their belts by the weekend. “Our under-21s coped very well over in Portugal alongside our more senior boys, so it will be another challenge for them against some good non-league sides. It will be interesting to see if they stand up to the test.” The boss also reflected on Stags' ten-day pre-season training camp in Portugal, and provided an update on striker Joe Quigley, who was on trial with the amber and blue in Amendoeira. “It [Portugal] was a brilliant experience for me personally. For the players, it was an opportunity for them to get fitter - and it was good to see them bonding throughout the ten days. “In general, it was a really professional environment for the players to work in. “Joe [Quigley] did really well in Portugal. He performed well in all of the fitness testing and did well in the games. “From Joe’s perspective, he couldn’t have really done any more. I’m due to speak to the chairman later today to discuss whether he would be an option or not.” The manager also provided the latest updates on the injuries of midfielder Alex MacDonald and striker Craig Davies, while also discussing wing-back Hayden White, who is nearing a full recovery from the broken leg he suffered away to Colchester United in January 2019. “I saw him [Alex MacDonald] in passing earlier, as he came in a little earlier today to see the physios. “He was delighted when he heard the news about his scan being clear. He will be introduced to training over the forthcoming days. “Craig [Davies] has had a good ten days working with the academy physio. He has been continuing his rehab, which is a slow process. “It’s been a frustrating time for Craig, but we’re looking forward to getting him back sooner rather than later. “It’s one of those injuries that can’t be rushed; he’s being closely monitored by the medical team. I’ll sit down with Craig again to discuss where he is at. “Hayden [White] had a really positive ten days in Portugal. There were times where we had to pull him out of the more physical work just to manage his workload. “Some of his performances in the small-sided games and the 11v11s were outstanding. He’s a really bubbly character, so it’s great to see him with a smile on his face.” iFollow Stags subscribers can watch the manager's interview in full by logging into mansfieldtown.net/ifollow later today. -------------------- Mansfield Town deal on ice for trialist striker Joe Quigley chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS Manager John Dempster would like to bring in Joe Quigley as an extra forward option for Mansfield Town. But the decision will rest on a conversation over the budget with chairman John Radford. Former Bournemouth man Quigley impressed on trial on the 10-day Portugal training camp but as far as a contract is concerned, Dempster said: “It’s on ice for the minute. “Joe did really well in Portugal. He performed well in all the fitness tests and did well in all the games. https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-deal-on-ice-for-trialist-striker-joe-quigley-1-9868265 “So from his perspective he couldn’t really have done much more. “I am due to speak to the chairman to discuss whether he will be an option or not.” ------------------- Mansfield Town expect physical test at Bradford PA chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS Mansfield Town will try to get 90 minutes into most of their first team squad members over two more pre-season friendlies this week. But he also intends to throw one or two U21 players in to see how they cope against more physical opposition. https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-expect-physical-test-at-bradford-pa-tonight-1-9869464 Stags head to National League North sides Bradford Park Avenue (Thursday, 7.30) and Alfreton Town on Saturday (3pm). “Over the next two games I am expecting to play two XIs for each 45 minutes, so hopefully the whole squad will get 90 minutes under their belts by the end of the weekend,” said boss John Dempster. “We looked at how the U21 players performed in Portugal alongside the more senior boys and they coped with it very well. “So it will be another challenge for them against two good non-League sides. “I am hearing it was quite a physical battle (at Bradford) this time last year so it will be interesting to see if they can stand up to the test.” ----------------------- Aston Villa join Glasgow Rangers in pledging help and young loanees for Mansfield Town chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS Mansfield Town boss John Dempster has been promised help with young loan players from both Glasgow Rangers and Aston Villa after mixing with the likes of Steven Gerrard and John Terry in Portugal. Dempster met up the Rangers manager and Villa assistant coach during Stags’ 10-day training camp and found both very happy to deal with him. https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/aston-villa-join-glasgow-rangers-in-pledging-help-and-young-loanees-for-mansfield-town-1-9869466 “My network is growing and I am mixing it with A-list celebrities! It’s been an amazing few weeks,” smiled Dempster, whose side played a behind-closed-doors friendly against Rangers. “I’ve got to say Steven Gerrard was incredible with all of our staff - very humble. “He gave us loads of his time and offered his help with the U23 squad he’s got there. “I highlighted a couple of players I liked from the 90 minute game we had with them. But, in terms of anything concrete from that, nothing has developed thus far. “It still potentially could, hopefully. I’ve rung him a couple of times but he’s not picking up. “The chairman introduced me to John Terry as well, who was very similar to Steven. “He said if there was any interest in the Villa U23s he’d be willing to help us. “There is nothing moving on it at this moment in time, though.” ------------------- Hayden White making good progress on fitness bid for Mansfield Town’s big kick-off. chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS Mansfield Town are hopeful thrilling defender Hayden White will be fit in time for the start of the new season. White has been recovering from a broken ankle, sustained at Colchester in January, and boss John Dempster said: “Hayden has had a really positive 10 days in Portugal. “There have been times where we’ve had to pull him out of some of the more physical work over there just to manage his load. “It’s important we don’t pick up any soft tissue injuries with him. https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/hayden-white-making-good-progress-on-fitness-bid-for-mansfield-town-s-big-kick-off-1-9869458 “Some of his performances in the small-sided games and in the 11 v 11s were outstanding. “He is a really bubbly character around the place, so it’s great to see him with a smile on his face and heading in the right direction.” A scan also revealed no serious damage to Alex MacDonald’s knee after he flew home early from the pre-season training camp and Dempster added: “Alex will be introduced back into training over the next few days.” However, things are moving much slower with striker Craig Davies, who missed much of last season with a knee problem which is still not 100 per cent right, despite staying at home instead of joining his team mates in Portugal. “Craig has had a good 10 days working with academy physio,” said Dempster. “He is continuing his rehab but it’s a bit of a slow process. It’s been a frustrating time for Craig. “We’re looking forward to getting him back sooner than later, but it’s one of those injuries that can’t be rushed. “He is being monitored closely by the medical team and I will sit down with Craig again to discuss where he feels he is at as well as receiving feedback from the medical team.” -------------------- Mansfield Town miss out on striker David Ball chad.co.uk, by JOHN LOMAS Mansfield Town have missed out on signing ex-Rotherham United and Fleetwood Town striker David Ball. The Stags had looked into a possible deal to bring the 25-year-old, who began his career in Manchester City’s youth team, to the One Call Stadium. But manager John Dempster admitted: “I had been speaking to David and his representatives, but that one is dead in the water now. “He’s got some other options he’s looking to pursue. “I believe two are abroad and it wouldn’t surprise me if he hasn’t got a couple in this country as well.” Ball spent most of last season on loan at Bradford City but now looks most likely to play at Wellington in New Zealand. Earlier story: Mansfield hoping to sign striker David Ball amid interest from the Australian A-League https://d3d4football.com/mansfield-hoping-to-sign-striker-david-ball-amid-interest-from-the-australian-a-league/?fbclid=IwAR1zQRk7teaMDY8Latepi3suAh5v62HjcocoGcCEAyteYtXjtg845uubuDM 7 July 2019 Mansfield Town are looking to improve their attack by attempting to sign former-Rotherham and Bradford striker David Ball. The intelligent forward is reportedly close to agreeing a move to play in New Zealand with Wellington Phoenix, who play in the Australian A-League, but the Stags are hoping a late offer can change his mind, according to Alan Nixon. The 29-year-old was one of the Millers key men during their League One promotion campaign back in 2017-18. It was his goals that helped the side absorb the loss of striker Kieffer Moore who was recalled from his loan spell by Ipswich Town after scoring 13 times in 22 League One games. Last season the Manchester City youth graduate scored seven times in 45 matches in all competitions for Bradford. The Bantams had an awful season, not helped by off the field problems and the decision to change manager four times. Mansfield are hoping to continue their recruitment drive after securing the signings of Andy Cook and Nicky Maynard already this window and David Ball, a player who can come a bit deeper, is seen as an excellent option by the Stags. ---------------------- |
Latest | July 2019