Archived News from September 2007
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STAGS FURY AS BELL APPEAL FAILS
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STAGS FURY AS BELL APPEAL FAILS
Evening Post, 04 September 2007 Billy Dearden today launched a scathing attack on the FA after Mansfield's appeal against Lee Bell's sending off versus Stockport was thrown out. The midfielder's ban has been increased from an expected three to four games on the grounds the FA committee found the appeal to be 'frivolous.' Bell saw red in the 75th minute of last Saturday's 4-2 win after London referee Danny McDermid deemed his tackle on County's Adam Griffin to be serious foul play. But after watching a video of the incident, Dearden was convinced the decision should be overturned. The FA's stance has left the Stags boss 'gobsmacked' and he labelled the decision to increase the length of suspension 'a disgrace.' Bell will now miss tonight's Johnstone's Paint Trophy match with Rotherham at Field Mill, along with the League Two clashed against Peterborough, Chesterfield and Accrington Stanley. The Stags have signed Lee Bullock on loan from Hartlepool and he can operate in central midfield. But with Jonathan D'Laryea (ankle) still out for the foreseeable future, it leaves Mansfield short of cover if they pick up more injuries. "I am gobsmacked the appeal has been turned down and for Belly to get an extra match ban is a disgrace," said Dearden. "If it had been a bigger club then we might have been ok, but I think they are hammering the smaller clubs. "The FA committee had to decide if it was a frivolous appeal and decided it was, which I can't understand at all. "Because of that they he has to miss another game and I think that's diabolical. "The trouble is there is no way we can appeal against the decision like you can in the law courts. "I saw a lad go straight down (Caleb) Folan's shin on the television last night and he didn't even get a yellow card. "Belly's was not a nasty tackle or a late one, so I'm very disappointed by what's happened." HOLMES: IT'LL BE TOUGH TO BREAK IN Evening Post, 04 September 2007 New signing Ian Holmes admits he is going to have a fight on his hands to break into Mansfield's starting line-up on a regular basis. The 22-year-old joined from UniBond League club Matlock Town on Friday and came off the bench in last Saturday's 4-2 win over Stockport. Holmes may be handed his first start in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy against Rotherham United tonight, with boss Billy Dearden likely to rest some senior players. But he knows dislodging current strike-force Michael Boulding and John McAliskey - who both scored at the weekend - for League Two matches will be a much trickier proposition. "It's going to be tough. I just have to work hard to try to show the manager I'm good enough," said Holmes. "The lads up front are both in decent form and have been pros for a few years, unlike me just starting out. "It's always been a dream of mine to play professional football. There is a massive difference between this and non-league football, but I'm confident I can bridge the gap. "When you play full-time everything improves. I will be getting the benefit of some great coaching and mixing with some experienced pros as well, so I'm only going to learn." Holmes feels he has the perfect role model in Michael Boulding, who has scored four goals in as many League Two matches at the start of this season. Like Holmes, Boulding was plucked from the non-league football by Dearden when playing for Sheffield side Hallam. Holmes said: "I talk to Mickey quite a bit and I look up to him because of his dedication even at the age of 31. "He is always one of the last to come back in after training and works really hard on all aspects of his game." Mansfield have appealed against Lee Bell's sending off in the 4-2 win against Stockport on Saturday. The midfielder was shown a straight red card for what referee Danny McDermid deemed to be serious foul play. The appeal will be heard by the FA today -------------- Stags to appeal against Bell red card CHAD website, 3Sep2007, By John Lomas MANSFIELD Town today decided to appeal aaginst Lee Bell's red card against Stockport on Saturday. Bell currently faces a three-match ban for his second half tackle but manager Billy Dearden today lodged an appeal, which will costs Stags £350 and is only refundable if they win. "That red card spoiled the day a little on Saturday and I have had a look at the video several times and decided to appeal," said Dearden. "It was an aggressive tackle but not a nasty one or a career-threatening one and the lad who was involved didn't think it was worth a red either. "From where I was on Saturday I thought it looked a bad tackle, though only worth a yellow card. "Now, having watched it on the video I really can't see where the red card has come from. "I think we have a good chance and we wil now have to wait until Wednesday or Thursday to see what is decided. "I just think the referee lost it for a spell in the second half." --------------- Changes for Millers' visit CHAD website, 3 Sep 2007, By John Lomas BILLY Dearden will make two or three changes to his Mansfield Town side for tonight's Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash with Rotherham United at Field Mill (7.45pm). Although he has promised to field a strong side and is taking the competition very seriously, it is also a good chance to give an opportunity to squad players. New striker Ian Holmes could find himself making his first start after Saturday's late debut as a substitute. There will be a hole in midfield with new signing Lee Bullock resting a tight thigh, and possibly two holes if Lee Bell's appeal against suspension takes place tomorrow and he loses. But if the appeal is not heard until Thursday then he can play. Missing at centre half will be Martin McIntosh after a bang in the face on Saturday left him with three stitches in an eye wound, a badly swollen cheek and blurred vision. Alex John-Baptiste is still resting a back strain and is not yet fit enough to return. Dearden must also decide whether or not to recall young keeper Jason White who was dropped on Saturday or keep in Carl Muggleton. "I will make two or three changes but nothing major," said Dearden. "I would like to see us take our result from Saturday and carry on in this game. "I saw Rotherham beat Peterborough very comfortably the other week and they are a big, strong side." That is the Milers' only win in five games, however, drawing three so far. -------------- CHAD VIDEO- Holmes hoping on debut: http://www.chad.co.uk/stagsnews/CHAD-VIDEO-Holmes-hoping-on.3169046.jp CHAD website, 3 Sep 2007, By John Lomas IAN Holmes is desperately hoping his name will be in the starting XI when Billy Dearden announces his side to face Rotherham United in the Johnstone's Paints Trophy first round at Field Mill tomorrow (7.45pm). Stags' newest recruit from Matlock Town played a brief cameo role on Saturday but, with Dearden planning to make two or three changes, Holmes knows this low key clash could be the perfect opportunity for his new boss to blood him. Holmes has been training with the club for three weeks but an undisclosed fee between the clubs was not settled until Friday morning with the deal going through 30 minutes from transfer deadline. "I am absolutely loving it to be honest," he said. "I am having a great time. I love the training and I love the atmosphere in the changing room. "Obviously there is a massive difference from non-League but I have settled in over three weeks of training here. "It has given me the chance to see what professional football is like and now I am getting used to it. "Playing with experienced pros like Martin McIntosh is great and you take on board whatever advice they give you. "The professional coaching is top quality here." Holmes has signed a one-year deal and is hoping to see that extend into a full career. But he does have back-up plans. "I have always dreamed of being a professional footballer," he said. "I have completed a degree in journalism at Sheffield University last year so I do have that to fall back on, but I am still young enough to give this a try as I have always wanted to play football. "I was great to be involved on Saturday. The lads played very well and I was made up when I got on and got 15 minutes. I was so proud to play a part in it. "I always work very hard and I am quite quick. "I had a great season at Matlock last year but was beginning to wonder if anyone would come in for me. "I had no idea Mansfield were looking at me last season – Ivan Hollet told me he had watched me a few times, so it just shows you. "I didn't realise there was any interest until the pre-season friendly this summer. "I am confident I can bridge the gap between the two levels." Stags will not take Trophy match lightly CHAD WEBSITE, 3 SEP 2007, By John Lomas MANSFIELD Town will be taking the Johnstone's Paints Trophy very seriously, manager Billy Dearden has assured fans. Stags do not expect a huge crowd when neighbours Rotherham United visit for the first round tie at Field Mill tomorrow (Tuesday, 7.45pm). But Dearden said: "I was here when we won the competition and it was a tremendous feeling. "We will be going all out to get as far as we can. "I know people say it is a Mickey Mouse competition at the first round stage. "I don't look at it like that. If you get through a couple of rounds, all of a sudden you can find yourselves two or three games away from a Wembley final. "I will rest one or two players as I am sure Rotherham will. But we are taking it very, very seriously and I will field a very strong side." |
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