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An independent supporters' website dedicated to Mansfield Town FC
Archived News from May 2008

PLAYER LATEST: BAP/BOULDING/HAMSHAW/DAWSON
16th May 2008 8:47


Alex John-Baptiste audio interview from BBC Radio Nottingham ---> http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/mansfield_town/7403040.stm

Baptiste talks to BBC Radio Nottingham about happier times and how injury meant he played below par last season.

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Dawson Set for Move?
http://fansonline.net/mansfieldtown/article.php?id=200

14 May 2008

Already resigned to losing Alex John-Baptiste, the Stags are set to lose even more of their more talented youngsters as highly rated midfielder Stephen Dawson looks set for a move away from Field Mill during the summer.

Stockport, Bury and St Mirren are all currently in talks with the hard working, talented Irish international and former Leicester City player.

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Baptiste: 'I hope the fans understand my decision'
mansfieldtown.net, 09 May 2008
Alex John-Baptiste talks to mansfieldtown.net after handing in his transfer request recently.

Alex John-Baptiste has today told mansfieldtown.net that he hopes Stags' supporters understand his decision to try and find a new club.

Full story here

He told mansfieldtown.net: "It was a big decision to hand in my transfer request after many happy years at Mansfield Town. I have thought about nothing else in recent weeks, and it will be an upheaval to leave the Town, my friends and family - but I feel I must do it in order to further my career.

"I will miss the whole atmosphere at the club and the great relationships everyone has with each other.

"I've really enjoyed my time here over the years. I remember making my debut against Barnsley in 2004 with many members of my family coming up from London to see me play. It was amazing to finally play for Mansfield."

The 22 year old believes he is capable of playing at a higher level: "I'd like to think I could play at Championship level. I have played with the likes of Lee Williamson and Liam Lawrence, who are now plying their trade in the Championship and I don't think I looked out of place when playing alongside those type of players.

"Some people may not agree with that, but to play in the Championship is my current ambition and it is a level which I think I am capable of playing at.

"There are many people I would like to thank for helping me at Mansfield, and they include: Dutch (Paul Holland), Ivan Hollett, Keith Curle, Peter Shirtliff, Carlton Palmer, Billy Dearden and Mark Stevenson at the Centre of Excellence who spotted me at local level.."

He added: "I would like to think that the supporters regard me as an honest player who has always given his best for Mansfield Town in every game."

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Bap hands in Stags transfer request
08May2008
MANSFIELD Town defender Alex John-Baptiste has handed in a transfer request - after the relegated club had earlier dismissed claims he would be leaving Field Mill.
On Thursday afternoon the club said it had reluctantly agreed to his request - placed on Wednesday afternoon - and 'offers are now invited'.
Full story here --> http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Bap-hands-in-Stags-transfer.4066452.jp

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Stag Hamshaw says come and get me Lincoln

http://www.sportsecho.co.uk/football/lincoln_city/news/displayarticle.php?ID=3727

07 May 2008

Mansfield's Matt Hamshaw has said he would be interested in a move to Lincoln.
MATT HAMSHAW admits the prospect of playing under Peter Jackson is an attractive proposition as he opened the door to a move to Lincoln City.

The flying winger is a free agent in the summer with a whole host of clubs chasing the in-demand Mansfield midfielder following the Stags' relegation to the Blue Square Premier.

Despite being linked with the Imps, Hamshaw admitted he has had no contact with Jackson over the possibility of a summer switch to Sincil Bank.

But the 26-year-old said should the Imps chief come knocking for his services, it would be a hard offer to turn down.

"I've read that Lincoln are supposed to be interested, but I've had no contact with them" said Hamshaw.

"But if they did, then of course I'd be happy to talk. They are a good club, they are obviously a progressive club too in the fact they want to get out of the division.

"I want to move to a club where they are going to be challenging for success and with Peter Jackson there, you know he'll be doing all he can to get Lincoln promoted.
"He's a good manager, he's managed at a high level and most players would love to play for him, because he always seems to get the best out of them.

"You only have to look at what he has done in the past to see that. I don't live too far away either so Lincoln would not be far for me to travel at all."

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Stags dismiss reports on Bap sale
Evening Post, 8 May 2008
Mansfield today rubbished claims long-serving defender Alex John-Baptiste has been told he can leave.

Full story at --> http://www.thisismansfieldtown.co.uk/news/Reports-on-bap-sale-54085033.aspx

Baptiste still has two years to run on a three-year deal he signed last summer after a move to League One Crewe fell through.

It is understood it does not contain a clause releasing him from the contract now Stags have dropped into non-league football.

"Alex is a player contracted to us and has not been offered to other teams," said a club spokesman.

"None of the players' futures has been resolved and that will only happen when a manager has been appointed."

That man could be in place as early as today, with Paul Holland the obvious choice.

He took charge of the final 12 games of the season and has stated his eagerness to take on the challenge of leading Mansfield in the Blue Square Premier.

Holland held talks at Field Mill with chief executive Stephen Booth yesterday over his future.

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Baptiste set for Stags exit
Mansfield to let defender leave
http://www.skysports.com, 6th May 2008

Mansfield starlet Alex Baptiste is set to quit Field Mill after the club were relegated from League Two.

The 22-year-old came through the youth ranks at Town and has made over 200 first-team appearances.

He penned a new three-year deal last summer despite a host of clubs showing an interest.

But now Mansfield have told Baptiste they will not stand in his way.

"I want to progress as a footballer and need to leave Mansfield in order to do this," said Baptiste.

"I signed a new deal last summer in the belief that we could have a better campaign this time around. This obviously didn't happen and now my future lies elsewhere."

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Onuora stays mum on Boulding link
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1849_3538042,00.html

08May2008
Lincoln assistant manager Iffy Onuora refused to be drawn on speculation linking the club with a move for Mansfield striker Michael Boulding.
Boulding - who is a target for Bradford City - has hinted he could leave Field Mill following the Stags' relegation from the Football League.

The 32-year-old scored 25 goals in a struggling side last season and is believed to be on the radar of several clubs, including Lincoln.

Onuora, who is a personal friend of Boulding, told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "He must get mentioned more at press conferences here than he does at his own club.

"If he is the only footballer I know, let me tell you every one of us has got problems here. I know plenty of people and if everyone I knew came to Lincoln we would have more than a squad of 22.

"He scored 20-odd goals in a struggling side, so let me tell you Michael will have a lot of offers."

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7 May 2008
Michael Boulding tells Evening Post: "I want to do as well as I can for myself and it is a big drop down. To play in the non-league would be a big blow. I think I could play a lot higher than I have been doing this season. I have played at Championship level before and I think I am a better player now than I was then. I totally understand the situation with contracts. The club couldn't have done things any differently not knowing what division they were going to be in. I have to talk to Dutch first to find out what is going on. He has told me he wants me to stay and wants to offer me something. But I can't wait forever."

Full interview here -->
http://www.thisismansfieldtown.co.uk/news/Boulding--yet-to--ru16583946.aspx

"Even if Dutch really likes some of the players, he will still have to let them go and for some of them, a change will do them good. If the club can get some good new players in it is going to make it more attractive to stay."

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CHAD website reports: There is speculation that Bradford City and Chesterfield are trying to lure away leading scorer Micky Boulding, while captain Jake Buxton has hinted that he may have to leave.
Full story --> http://www.chad.co.uk/stags/Bap-set-to-quit-Mansfield.4055623.jp

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Latest | May 2008