Archived News from March 2007
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BID TO EXTEND HODGE LOAN
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STAGS: BID TO EXTEND HODGE LOAN
Evening Post, 14 March 2007 Mansfield are keen to extend Bryan Hodge's loan spell until the end of the season. Stags have won three and drawn one of their four matches since the 19-year-old joined from Blackburn. Hodge's existing one-month deal covers the home games against Boston and Macclesfield. But Mansfield boss Billy Dearden is keen to have the young Scot see out the campaign at Field Mill. "I'm hopeful that we can get him until the end of the season because Giles Coke will be out for that long," he said. "If not, then I would hope he would stay for at least another month. "I can't see any reason why Blackburn wouldn't want him to. "I originally wanted to take him for the rest of the season in January but it didn't work out like that. With a bit of luck, it will this time." Hodge's progress on the field has been marred by his conviction for a drink-drive offence. But Dearden has been pleased with the response of the left-footed midfielder. "He's been no problem at all. He trains hard, works hard on the field, has a good appreciation of the game and has shown he can play. "He has certainly made a difference and playing with D'Laryea and Dawson in a slightly different system [with Hodge tucking in] has worked very well. "I have had some criticism for changing the system, but we have been unbeaten." Stags are sending a reserve side to play at Loughborough University today. |
Latest | March 2007