Archived News from June 2013
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STAGS MISS OUT ON CALVIN ZOLA / GREEN LATEST
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18th June 2013 twitter.com/mansfieldtownfc Paul Cox says he has had a positive conversation with Matt Green today regarding his future. The striker is currently in Tenerife. Stags have missed out on a player to a SPL club today, manager Paul Cox has revealed. (comment by Martin - this player is believed to be Calvin Zola, who has joined Aberdeen, and who was also chased by Notts County). ------------------------------------------- chad.co.uk 19 June 2013 http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/mansfield-town/coup-as-stags-pip-crewe-to-signature-of-sam-clucas-1-5780930?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed Cox revealed he had missed out on signing Burton striker Calvin Zola after the Zaire-born hitman chose to sign for Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier Division. “He would have been massive for us,” said Cox. “I thought we were in with a chance. But we have got to understand that we are now bottom of the pile instead of being at the top of the non-League game. “We are going to lose some players, not about finances, but about their ambition to play at as high a level as possible. I would never question a player’s morals or ethics as that is what drives us to be at the highest level possible.” However, Cox still has a wealth of striker talent on his radar and added that Matt Green - his top scorer from the past two seasons - could yet return to the club. “I had a really positive conversation with Matt again this week,” he said. “He is out at a fitness training camp in Tenerife. I know his heart is with us, but there are a number of clubs chasing his signature and he has to do what is best for Matt Green.” Centre halves John Dempster and Ryan Tafazolli have both signed their Football League contracts this week. Cox was delighted with the fitness levels of his players who came in for early ‘MOTs’ this week. He also said he may add a couple more pre-season friendlies after two offers from League clubs this week. The released Andy Owens, who spent much of last season on loan at Southport after failing to win a place, has joined AFC Telford United ------------------------ Duo agree Football League deals mansfieldtown.net 18th June 2013 Defenders John Dempster and Ryan Tafazolli have both penned Football League contracts. Read more at http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/article/duo-agree-football-league-deals-868575.aspx#h0FvlwAkBsMLwiFL.99 The duo, who were part of last season’s Conference Premier title-winning side, have committed to us as we return to the Football League following a five-year absence. Signed from Crawley Town last summer, Dempster made 45 appearances for us during the 2012/13 campaign and has been a key member in our back-line ever since his month-long loan at Tamworth. The 6ft defender is no stranger to success, having achieved promotion five times during an incredible career which started at Rushden & Diamonds in 2011. Tafazolli, meanwhile, a former Southampton trainee, featured on five occasions during an injury-hit campaign for the youngster. --------------------------------- Town still hope to keep hold of star striker Matt Green Wednesday, June 19, 2013 Nottingham Post MANSFIELD Town have not given up hope of keeping hold of their star striker Matt Green. Read more: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/story-19326435-detail/story.html?#ixzz2WeKroiZE The 26-year-old has attracted a lot of interest from rival clubs this summer, after scoring 56 goals in two seasons for the Stags (correction by Martin - it was 57), and had a trial at Birmingham City. He netted 25 league goals during the last campaign to fire the club to the Blue Square Bet Premier title and back into the Football League. But Mansfield boss Paul Cox still thinks free agent Green could still be at the One Call Stadium next season. "He is ambitious and I'm not going to have a go at someone for that," he said. "I spoke to him recently and I'd love him to sign a new deal here, everyone knows that. "We have a good relationship and I would like to think that if the big boys decide not to offer him anything, he would want to come back here and play for us." While he waits for an answer from Green, Cox has already signed several new players to strengthen his squad for their return to the Football League - and he is in talks with more targets. John Dempster and Ryan Tafazolli are also the latest players to sign new deals. "I feel like we're at the starting point," he added. "To get out of that league last season, which is so hard to do, was a great achievement for the club. But we know the work starts again now. "We are back where we want to be, in the League, and we want to go on from here. "We've brought in a few players that will improve us and now we're trying to tie up a few bits and bobs with some more - like strikers who win you games. "It's not easy because people are holding out, but come the end of this month I'm sure one or two will become more available." There are also likely to be one or two exits from the club, with Cox telling Godfrey Poku and George Pilkington they are not in his plans. Poku is set to leave on a season-long loan, with AFC Telford interested in the midfielder, while Stags are in talks with Pilkington about his contract. Cox wants a squad of 24 to 25 players, adding: "We're probably looking to bring two or three more in and we'll lose one or two who will move on to balance us out." After five years out of the League, all the Mansfield fans are looking forward to the start of the new season and Stags have already been drawn against Tranmere Rovers in the first round of the Capital One Cup - a tie Cox is relishing. It will be played at Prenton Park on Tuesday, August 6 (7.45pm). Mansfield are still waiting to find out their ticket allocation, but fans will be able to pay at the turnstiles on the night and tickets are priced at £12 for adults, £8 for senior citizens (65+), young persons (17-22) and £5 Under 16s. "It will set a marker for us because we're playing a very good side from League One," said Cox. "They were top of that division for a long time last season and I'm sure they will be strong again so it will a good early chance for us to gauge where we are." ------------------------- |
Latest | June 2013