Archived News from December 2004
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ARTICLE ON YOUNG CHRIS WOOD
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Impressive debut for Young Stag Chris
http://www.worksoptoday.co.uk, 09 December 2004 FUTURE Mansfield Town starlet Chris Wood has made the first step towards a glittering football career. The 17-year-old from Worksop made his first team debut for the Stags in their FA Cup first round replay defeat at Colchester two weeks ago. But the result of that match did not dampen the spirits of the up and coming youngster who said: "I was very proud of myself but I think my dad was even prouder." Mansfield have been left thin on the ground after picking up a number of suspensions and injuries. But this paved the way for Chris who made an appearance from the bench in the 52nd minute coming on for Adam Murray. "I was nervous the morning we travelled down there but by the time the game arrived I was okay. But when the gaffer called to me to get ready I was delighted." "Really it is a dream come true," said the former Bassetlaw and Worksop Boys player. "I have now got a taste for it and have been training with the first team since." Not only did Chris make an impressive debut, providing the cross that gave Mansfield their only goal that night, but his performance has warranted a place on the bench in the Stags last two games against Darlington and Leyton Orient. And Chris is also hopeful of making the squad from tomorrow's home clash against Rushden and Diamonds at Field Mill. "I would love to get a few more appearances in the first team but I am concentrating more on playing for the youth and reserve sides." Having been with Mansfield Town from the age of nine, Chris is now under the supervision of youth team coach Paul Holland. And the coach, who has also stepped up to assistant care-taker manager Carlton Palmer following the suspension of Keith Curle, was quick to sing the young player's praises and said: "There are definitely bright things ahead for him." "Chris did very well on the night and had to play in two or three positions and adapted very well." "At the moment he is well into a YTS programme and is doing great. He has a great attitude and fully deserves his debut." As one of the more promising talents coming through the Stags' youth development programme Holland hinted that Chris could make it at a higher grade. "It is very early days at the moment and Chris is getting a good grounding at this club." "But he has to set his sights on the highest level he can achieve and if that means using Mansfield Town as a stepping stone then so be it." --------- A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR WOOD - HOLLAND Evening Post, 11 December 2004 Paul Holland has tipped Mansfield Town teenager Chris Wood for a bright future in football. The 17-year-old striker from Worksop has been with Mansfield since he was nine. He made his first-team debut in the FA Cup first round replay defeat at Colchester two weeks ago. "There are definitely bright things ahead for him," said Holland, Mansfield's youth team boss and assistant to Carlton Palmer. "Chris did very well on the night, had to play in two or three positions and adapted very well. "At the moment, he is well into a YTS programme and is doing great. He has a great attitude and fully deserved his debut. "It is very early days at the moment and Chris is getting a good grounding at this club. "But he has to set his sights on the highest level he can achieve and if that means using Mansfield Town as a stepping stone then so be it." Wood said his debut was a special moment for his family. "I was very proud of myself but I think my dad was even prouder," he said. Wood came off the bench at Colchester in the 52nd minute, replacing Adam Murray, and provided the cross which led to Mansfield's goal. He added: "I was nervous the morning we travelled down there but by the time the game arrived I was OK. "When the gaffer called to me to get ready I was delighted. It is a dream come true." The former Bassetlaw and Worksop Boys' player, who was on the bench again for the defeats against Leyton Orient and Darlington, added: "I have now got a taste for it and have been training with the first team since." |
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