Archived News from May 2011
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MURRAY INJURY WORRY / BATH PREVIEWS
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Skipper Adam Murray is Stags' latest injury worry CHAD.co.uk Thursday 28 April 2011 MANSFIELD Town's injury nightmare continued unabated today as skipper Adam Murray was on the treatment table 10 days before the FA Trophy final at Wembley. http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/mansfield-town-fc/skipper_adam_murray_is_stags_latest_injury_worry_1_3332146 Murray, who may now miss this Saturday's final BSBP league match at Bath City, dropped out of training yesterday with a recurrence of a back injury that kept him out for over half a season and made him miss a Wembley final with Oxford. Stags will be hoping to get their dynamic skipper back firing on all cylinders for Wembley after his man of the match display last weekend. Striker Paul Connor's Wembley hopes seem to be fading fast as his calf strain is taking longer than first thought. He is having daily treatment but, unless there is a quick and significant improvement, he is looking increasingly likely to miss out on the big day. However, there was better news on fellow strikers Luke Medley and Danny Mitchley. Mitchley's ankle ligament damage has healed and he will be back in training on Monday to do some strengthening work with one eye on selection at Wembley. Medley has resumed training after another hamstring scare at AFC Wimbledon on Friday and is 50-50 to feature at Bath. Youngster Nial O'Rafferty, who took an early kick before limping off against Gateshead on Monday, is also back in training and, with the current situation, may once again be forced into a striking role at Twerton Park, where kick-off is 5.15pm. Stags will be looking to end a poor league season on a high by completing the double over Bath and, if other results go their way, scrape into the top 10. Mansfield Town today announced that they had broken the 12,000 barrier for Wembley ticket sales. Chairman John Radford told the club's website http://www.mansfieldtown.net: “We have taken bookings from faraway fans who will be flying in from countries such as Portugal, Spain, Italy Holland and even as far as the United States and Australia. “I'm delighted that we have reached the 12,000 mark with only nine days to go. To view a sea of amber and blue supporters on Wembley day will make me feel very proud.” Darlington have currently sold 7,322. Next Wednesday, 4th May is the last day to purchase tickets for the FA Trophy Final and the club's ticket office will open until 8pm on that day to allow everyone the maximum chance to be part of the town's historic day. Also, there is a deadline of 5pm on Tuesday for supporters wishing to have tickets posted to them so fans wanting to have their tickets delivered should make their purchase(s) before this time. The club's ticket office opening hours are Friday, 29 April- Sunday, 1st May – closed, Monday, 2nd May, 10am to 4pm, Tuesday, 3rd May, 9am to 5pm and Wednesday, 4th May, 9am to 8pm ------------------ Match facts: Bath City v Mansfield Town Bath City (from): Robinson, Simpson, Rollo, Clough, Jombarti, Burnell, Connolly, Canham, Murray, Phillips, Watkins, Mackie, Burrows, Lennox, Borhy, Henry, Harris, Webb, Hogg. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Match-facts-Bath-City-v-Mansfield-Town/article-3501807-detail/article.html? Mansfield (from): Marriott, Collett, Silk, Foster, Naylor, Preece, Spence, Stonehouse, Istead, Briscoe, Cain, Smith, Murray, Thompson, Nix, Medley, O'Rafferty. Team news: Bath are hoping to welcome back former Bristol City midfielder Scott Murray after he missed Monday's 2-0 defeat at Eastbourne with a gashed shin. Marley Watkins is also likely to be back after sitting out the clash at the Sports with a blistered foot. For Mansfield, Danny Mitchley (ankle) is set to resume training on Monday, but will be missing, along with Conor Higginson (hamstring) and Paul Connor (calf), who is still a major doubt for Wembley. Luke Medley (hamstring) has resumed training and is 50-50, while Adam Murray hopes to shake off a back problem and Niall O'Rafferty has recovered from a bruised ankle. One to watch: Lee Phillips. The former Cambridge United striker has enjoyed an excellent season since moving west and has scored 15 league goals in 42 league games. Manager: Adie Britton. Has taken over the role of chairman on a temporary basis following the departure of Geoff Todd until a successor can be found and has led the Romans into a comfortable mid-table position following their promotion from the Blue Square Bet South last season ------------------ Spence: Stags players out to secure Wembley place SECURING a place in Mansfield Town's FA Trophy final starting line-up at Wembley is a massive incentive to play well in tomorrow's league game at Bath City says left-back Dan Spence. http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/Spence-Stags-players-secure-Wembley-place/article-3501936-detail/article.html? The former player at the Glenn Hoddle Academy, in Spain, has just been restored to the Stags first team at the expense of Paul Stonehouse. Spence, who signed for Duncan Russell just before the close of the January transfer window, previously endured a spell on the sidelines with hamstring trouble. And like everyone else who is likely to start at Twerton Park, the 22-year-old is out to impress manager Russell. "It will be hugely important to the players to do themselves justice at Bath. Whoever gets the nod knows there is a lot at stake," said Spence. "Everyone is aware that if they do well and we can get a decent result, then they could be running out at Wembley. "It is up to each player to make it very difficult for the manager to drop them for the big game. "I know I will be hoping to push my claim and the rest of the lads will be the same because to play at Wembley would be just amazing. "But we have to try to focus on this game before looking at Wembley." It is only over two weeks ago that Stags won 2-0 over Bath at Field Mill with goals from Conor Higginson and Kyle Nix --------------- 'I want to go out with a bang' - Gaffer mansfieldtown.net, Thu 28 Apr 2011 Manager Duncan Russell insists that there will be no let up for his players in this Saturday's trip to Bath. http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/FromTheBoss/0,,10325~2349133,00.html With neither promotion nor relegation being an issue as we prepare for our last league match of the season, the Gaffer will be instructing his players not to take their feet off the gas as he looks to build on Easter Monday's hard fought win over Gateshead. With the temptation to keep themselves fit and injury free in advance of our FA Trophy Final at Wembley on May 7th, 'Russ' does not want anything other than 100% effort from his starting XI. "I want to go to Wembley with a positive result," he said. "We had a great win on Monday where we came back from being 2-0 down which shows our fighting spirit. "They (Bath) are going to be up for it. They are at home and we beat them only the other week so they will want revenge. "It will be a difficult game without a doubt and I hope that whoever I select is not thinking about Wembley. Some people might think that they can save themselves for then but I do not want them to save themselves. "The idea is to go out with a bang. That's the plan." Looking back at the three points gained a home to Gateshead three days ago following three late goals, 'Russ' paid tribute to the decisive impact that Assistant Manager Paul Hall had on the game after coming on as a substitute in the 71st minute with the team 2-0 down. He added: "I thought Paul Hall changed the game completely when he came on. His experience showed and he really orchestrated things on the pitch. "What fans do not realise is Paul Hall is a fit athlete. Even though he's 38-years-old he really looks after his body and does the right things. "We had that difficult period when we had eight players out injured and he came out of retirement but you've only got to ask the players why he's in the squad." Finally, with Duncan Russell's future still uncertain and his contract expiring in the close season, he said that he had already begun to formulate plans for next season in how he might shape his squad should he be handed the job for a longer term. "I've been speaking to players already. I've got to take it that I haven't got the job next season but I've still got to plan as if I am. "I would not want to leave the club in a difficult position so I've still got to be professional about things and plan for next season." In team news, Paul Connor (calf), Dan Mitchley (ankle) and Conor Higginson (hamstring) are all expected to miss out on the trip to Twerton Park whilst Luke Medley's (hamstring) chances have been rated at 50/50 and Adam Murray will undergo a late fitness test after sustaining a back injury during traini --------------- Fans' favourite Sido may be saying 'au revoir' to Bath City By neil beck, thisisbath.co.uk Player of the season contender Sido Jombati could bid 'au revoir' to Bath City after Saturday's final game of the Blue Square Bet Premier season at home to Mansfield Town (5.15pm). http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/bathcity/bathcitynews/Sido-say-au-revoir-Twerton/article-3495909-detail/article.html? The Portuguese full-back has become a firm favourite on the terraces since arriving from Basingstoke Town two years ago but is mulling over the possibility of a close-season move to France. Jombati has also been watched by npower Championship strugglers Scunthorpe United in recent weeks and is rumoured to be interesting Swindon Town but manager Adie Britton has not given up hope of convincing the 23-year-old his immediate future lies at Twerton Park. "Sido has the opportunity of playing in France as his parents have moved to Paris," explained Britton. "It might well be that he decides to go there on trial in pre-season and try it. "If it doesn't work out then he can come back to us. We've got his registration, he's under 24 and he won't be playing for anybody else in this country unless they pay a fee for him. But if he does go abroad and play in Paris then that's the end of the matter. "He has done very well for us this year but then I can't really fault any of the lads in the squad." Retaining the services of Jombati will be high on Britton's priority list in a hectic few weeks for the manager – who took over as temporary chairman last Friday – as he looks to shape his squad for 2011-12. City can finish no lower than 14th in the table – exceeding all but the most optimistic supporter's pre-season expectations – but Britton, who saw his makeshift side beaten 2-0 at already- relegated Eastbourne Borough on Monday, stressed that some of his players will be drinking in the last chance saloon this weekend. He said: "We have enjoyed every minute of the season, it's been great. It's been very, very tiring in recent weeks and it is time for a change and time for the next challenge now. "We've got to look at the jigsaw puzzle and put it together for next year. I've got to say there are a lot of unanswered questions about certain lads at the moment. "One or two didn't do themselves any favours at Eastbourne, perhaps one or two will get another chance at the weekend. There are some difficult decisions to be made. "Obviously we've got to sign two or three attacking players and we'll do that. We know exactly what we want, what we're looking for. "We would like a few less in terms of numbers and a bit more quality but we would have to be lucky with that and have a few youngsters around the edge of the squad to balance it up. "It will hopefully start unfolding in a week or two but there will be changes around the squad because next year we'll have to be better again." Undoubtedly Britton's most important signing of the summer, however, will be a permanent successor to Geoff Todd, who announced his decision to stand down as chairman following a successful six years at the helm last week. Britton insisted that he will not be filling the vacancy for long and has no desire to relinquish his responsibilities with the first team. "Geoff's done a great job and the club has gone forward fantastically over the past five or six years but now is the time for a change," said Britton, who has extensive boardroom experience in his day job as commercial director of the Westerleigh Group. "Over the summer months we've got to attract somebody else. We've got to attract investment and some new members of the board with the energy to take it forward. "I will play more of a part in running the football side of things and less of a part in running the club going forward. "I will, this summer, work hard to get a few things off the field right but as soon as I get somebody to take over as chairman I will concentrate more than ever before on the football." He will be assisted in that particular area by ex-Paulton Rovers manager Andrew Jones. Another successful businessman away from the game, Jones, who runs Bristol-based wholesale flower company Flowervision, joined the board as director of football on Friday. Andrew Weekes, meanwhile, has stepped up from associate to full director, with a remit to work on the commercial side of the club. Britton said: "Andrew [Jones] will report to the board on the football. There are aspects of the football activities that he can take off of me. "Those things might include watching players and negotiating with players, which can be vastly time consuming, so that we can concentrate on the team on the field." --------------------- Fans' favourite Sido may be saying 'au revoir' to Bath City By neil beck, thisisbath.co.uk Player of the season contender Sido Jombati could bid 'au revoir' to Bath City after Saturday's final game of the Blue Square Bet Premier season at home to Mansfield Town (5.15pm). http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/bathcity/bathcitynews/Sido-say-au-revoir-Twerton/article-3495909-detail/article.html? The Portuguese full-back has become a firm favourite on the terraces since arriving from Basingstoke Town two years ago but is mulling over the possibility of a close-season move to France. Jombati has also been watched by npower Championship strugglers Scunthorpe United in recent weeks and is rumoured to be interesting Swindon Town but manager Adie Britton has not given up hope of convincing the 23-year-old his immediate future lies at Twerton Park. "Sido has the opportunity of playing in France as his parents have moved to Paris," explained Britton. "It might well be that he decides to go there on trial in pre-season and try it. "If it doesn't work out then he can come back to us. We've got his registration, he's under 24 and he won't be playing for anybody else in this country unless they pay a fee for him. But if he does go abroad and play in Paris then that's the end of the matter. "He has done very well for us this year but then I can't really fault any of the lads in the squad." Retaining the services of Jombati will be high on Britton's priority list in a hectic few weeks for the manager – who took over as temporary chairman last Friday – as he looks to shape his squad for 2011-12. City can finish no lower than 14th in the table – exceeding all but the most optimistic supporter's pre-season expectations – but Britton, who saw his makeshift side beaten 2-0 at already- relegated Eastbourne Borough on Monday, stressed that some of his players will be drinking in the last chance saloon this weekend. He said: "We have enjoyed every minute of the season, it's been great. It's been very, very tiring in recent weeks and it is time for a change and time for the next challenge now. "We've got to look at the jigsaw puzzle and put it together for next year. I've got to say there are a lot of unanswered questions about certain lads at the moment. "One or two didn't do themselves any favours at Eastbourne, perhaps one or two will get another chance at the weekend. There are some difficult decisions to be made. "Obviously we've got to sign two or three attacking players and we'll do that. We know exactly what we want, what we're looking for. "We would like a few less in terms of numbers and a bit more quality but we would have to be lucky with that and have a few youngsters around the edge of the squad to balance it up. "It will hopefully start unfolding in a week or two but there will be changes around the squad because next year we'll have to be better again." Undoubtedly Britton's most important signing of the summer, however, will be a permanent successor to Geoff Todd, who announced his decision to stand down as chairman following a successful six years at the helm last week. Britton insisted that he will not be filling the vacancy for long and has no desire to relinquish his responsibilities with the first team. "Geoff's done a great job and the club has gone forward fantastically over the past five or six years but now is the time for a change," said Britton, who has extensive boardroom experience in his day job as commercial director of the Westerleigh Group. "Over the summer months we've got to attract somebody else. We've got to attract investment and some new members of the board with the energy to take it forward. "I will play more of a part in running the football side of things and less of a part in running the club going forward. "I will, this summer, work hard to get a few things off the field right but as soon as I get somebody to take over as chairman I will concentrate more than ever before on the football." He will be assisted in that particular area by ex-Paulton Rovers manager Andrew Jones. Another successful businessman away from the game, Jones, who runs Bristol-based wholesale flower company Flowervision, joined the board as director of football on Friday. Andrew Weekes, meanwhile, has stepped up from associate to full director, with a remit to work on the commercial side of the club. Britton said: "Andrew [Jones] will report to the board on the football. There are aspects of the football activities that he can take off of me. "Those things might include watching players and negotiating with players, which can be vastly time consuming, so that we can concentrate on the team on the field." --------------------- |
Latest | May 2011