Archived News from August 2020
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STAGS SIGN AARON O'DRISCOLL, FORMERLY SOUTHAMPTON
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Stags bolster defence with new signing
mansfieldtown.net, 19 Aug 2020 Mansfield Town have strengthened their defence with the signing of Aaron O’Driscoll following a successful trial. The 21-year-old has signed a two-year contract at One Call Stadium and joins Graham Coughlan’s squad after impressing in training and behind-closed-doors friendlies. Dublin-born, O’Driscoll enjoyed four years at Southampton before leaving Saint Mary’s Stadium last month. Manager Graham Coughlan said: “As a central defender, Aaron will cover and compete for a first team place. https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2020/august/stags-bolster-defence-with-new-signing/ “He is comfortable on the ball, as you would expect from someone coming from Southampton’s Academy. “Aaron has lots of potential and with some suitable coaching we might just have a top player on our hands. “Obviously a pattern is beginning to emerge as to the route we’re going down as a club, with young, hungry emerging talent, which is why our senior players will be vital leaders to our young players this season.” ------------------- O'Driscoll told iFollow Stags (19 Aug 2020): "I'm delighted. I've been here since the first day of pre-season and I've really enjoyed it. Finally got the deal over the line yesterday. It's been a long time coming. It didn't really feel like I was on trial. The lads made me feel welcome. In the first few weeks, we were split into two groups because of Covid. Then we got our test results and thank God everyone was negative. So they we went into running and 11 vs 11. Graham (the manager) puts a big emphasis on everyone being extremely fit and everyone has bought into it. If you can run all over teams, hopefully last 15 minutes you can get winners or equalisers and go stronger. I think we'll be one of the fittest teams in the league definitely. I came (to the training ground) before Covid and I was really impressed with the facilities. It's got everything we need. I really enjoyed Southampton, I had a good time there, a good 4 years there. It was just time for a change. Originally I was with Cherry Orchard (in Dublin), where the gaffer and Joe (Dunne) ... they're both from there as well, so that's a coincidence. It's a small world, football. I moved to Man City, I was there for a few years. That didn't work out and then Southampton came in for me. I give everything on the pitch, I'm comfortable on the ball, I can put my foot in, win my headers, win my battles. I'm a hard worker, I'll never give up. But I've got good qualities on the ball as well which I'd like to show, and hopefully in the games so far you've seen that. I was happy with my performance against Forest (U23). Even though the deal wasn't signed, I knew I still had to perform. And it was nice for my name to be on the team sheet so the fans can get to know me a bit more. It was good to get the first win on the board in pre-season. I've played EFL (Trophy) games before and I feel I've been able to step up. It's a bit more physical and I feel I'm ready to step up and I'm looking forward to the challenge." ----------------- EARLIER STORY: https://www.premierleague.com/news/1697130 Premier League clubs publish 2019/20 released lists 26 Jun 2020 Southampton: O'Driscoll, Aaron (along with 8 others) --------------------- |
Latest | August 2020