Archived News from August 2008
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CONTRACTS ON THE TABLE
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Contracts on the table
CHAD.co.uk, 31Jul2008 BILLY McEwan has begun the drawn-out process of offering trialist players contracts ahead of the new season a week on Saturday. Read report at CHAD.co.uk here The new Stags boss has had next to no time to bring players in and assess them inside less than a month. But, ahead of Saturday's friendly at Boston United (3pm), he has begun trying to tie some of them up. Although players like Rob Duffy, Nathan Joynes and Mark McGregor have gone, McEwan admitted he wanted to keep the rest of them. "I have been pleased with them," he said. "I know they are not all the finished article so they need to want to come in here and get better and work with me. They can't come here and stand still - they have to improve. "They need the right attitude and work ethic and be prepared the give the maximum for this club which I am sure they will do." He added: "This is a Conference club now so some of the contracts will be short term and others for a season. Some I may keep here on a non-contract basis until I am sure about them. "I have spoken to a lot of them this week but haven't got round to them all yet. You need to sit down and negotiate and you can't do that in five minutes. "I have made offers to some and am just waiting to hear back from them. "It is all about time at the moment. We are doing double training, we've had matches and there are others things going off at the club where I've had to be there." McEwan will send a strong side to Boton where he hopes to see some of them get their first 90 minutes under their belts. Then those that still need action, particular the younger players, can turn out at Matlock Town on Monday night for the final friendly. "I just have to be very careful this weekend as the last thing I need is an injury now," he said. "We've had one or two problems due mainly to players starting pre-season training so late. They've tried to do a bit at home but it's not the same and we have worked hard and it's telling on some of them We have had to fast-track them through pre-season." -------------- Loans to bolster Stags squad? CHAD.co.uk, 31Jul2008 STAGS boss Billy McEwan is hopeful that one or even two on-loan players could sign in time for tomorrow's pre-season friendly at Boston. Read report at CHAD.co.uk here McEwan is waiting on replies from two clubs and said: "I intend using the loan system a lot like I did when I was at York. "The other clubs help with the financial side of things and can be very helpful. With a lot of clubs now playing a reserve team in a proper league, the Conference gives these clubs a chance to get proper competitive games for these players to keep them sharp and bright and give them experience. "Playing in front of 3-4,000 people has to be a better atmosphere than training in front of 20 people. "I am hopeful one or even two may say yes in time for Boston. But you have to be patient as it is a big decision for the players. "We are still looking out for new players. I think there are more available at this time of year than there was during my time at York. --------------- |
Latest | August 2008