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Archived News from June 2007

DEARDEN ON FUTCHER JOINING BURY
29th June 2007 17:19


Dearden upbeat despite Futcher blow
CHAD website, 29 June 2007

By Stephen Thirkill
STAGS boss Billy Dearden is today remaining upbeat despite the club's failure to land experienced central defender Ben Futcher.
The Field Mill boss had hoped to sign the giant defender from Peterborough United to bolster his central defence alongside new signing Martin McIntosh.

But the 26-year-old has instead decided to link up with his former Posh boss Keith Alexander at League Two rivals Bury.

Dearden today told Chad: "It is always up to the player and if they don't want to play for Mansfield Town then that is up to them. I want players here who want to play for the club and who want to have a future with us.

"I was confident that he would come to us, it is a blow but it's not as big a blow as it might have been. John-Baptiste is still at the club and we are hopeful of keeping him here.

"My feeling is that the longer this goes on then the more likely he is to stay at the club, but the ball is in his court. I don't object to any player wanting to play at a higher level or to better themself, but he is an important player and we want him to stay."

And despite the set-back Dearden is confident his squad - which so far features three new signings - is heading in the right direction for the start of the new season on 11th August.

He said: "McIntosh, McAliskey and Dan Martin have all passed medicals today, which is great news. Both McIntosh and McAliskey have played at a higher level and will bring experience to the squad.

"McIntosh will bring good experience as well as being a leader on the field. He will be a great asset to the club and I'm sure he will be a great help to the younger lads."


BLOW FOR DEARDEN AS FUTCHER JOINS BURY
Evening Post, 29 June 2007

Billy Dearden today spoke of his disappointment at failing to land Ben Futcher after the giant defender signed for League Two rivals Bury.

The Stags boss has already landed Martin McIntosh to bolster his central defence and had hoped to add the 26-year-old to his ranks too.

But Futcher has opted to link up with Keith Alexander - his boss at Peterborough and Lincoln - who is director of football at the Shakers.

The transfer is a reversal of fortunes from last year when the Stags pipped Bury to the signature of Matt Hamshaw.

"It's got nothing to do with the money. They won't have offered him any more than we have offered him," said Dearden.

"He's told me it's the fact that his wife has got a job up near Manchester and he wants to move back up north.

"It is a bit of a disappointment, but the decision is down to him.

"I only want players here who want to come here, so I respect his decision and we move on."

Futcher's snub raises the question of whether Dearden will move for another central defender.

But with Alex John-Baptiste's proposed move to League One Crewe having fallen through, much could now depend on his future plans.

Dearden said: "I have got to speak to Bap as soon as possible to see what he is doing.

"If he does decide to move on then we will obviously need another player in that position.

"But the way things are going he might still be here. My feeling is if he was going to go anywhere, he would probably have gone by now."

John-Baptiste has a new three-year deal on the table at Field Mill that is one of the best contract offers in the club's history.

 

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