Trial & (Hopefully very little) Error

I always say that there is a reason for everything, you look outside your window now around Mansfield and what do you see? Thrashing rain, dark skies, trees blowing with minimal effort, there branches loose like us shrugging our shoulders. You can here thunder grumbling in the background and the wind blowing in a slight burst of anger, as if to say ‘I can’t take this’.  The reason is simple, it’s not Mother Nature having a strop after finding out Pat Butchers leaving Eastenders, it’s the footballing gods shaking off their close season unrest, it’s their way of spreading the message – the stags are back: Tomorrow.

Fair enough, it may be a team made up of trialists, youth teamers, Danny Mitchley and Conor Higginson but, it’s a group of players representing Mansfield Town FC, it’s a group of players playing the beautiful game in your clubs kit, and at the end of the day, it’s those players who hope to get a win for Mansfield Town Football Club, a result which goes down in the history books as ‘Mansfield Town Football Club’ & not ‘Mitchley, Higginson, Kids & Hopefuls XI’

Weather any of the trialists or kids on show ever sign permanent forms or not is irrelevant, tomorrow afternoon they’ll be Mansfield players, scoring goals for Mansfield Town, putting the challenges in for Mansfield Town – I can’t wait.

The thrill of the beautiful game is always strong, whether it be a Sunday league match or masters 6-a-side, yet the thrill of the beautiful game played by my own team, the team etched forever in my heart – is in its own league, nothing can replace that.

I wish the boys on show tomorrow all the best; I hope the sunshine returns to shine the light on our beloved Mansfield Town. Tomorrow I’m not only watching my team, I’m back doing what I love – Commentating. If you can’t get to the game, tune into Takeover Radio locally on 106.9FM or online:    http://takeoverradio.net/Media/Media_Player.html I’ll be joined by stags fan Scott Rogers, tune in from 2PM – also get in touch text 84555 at any point start your message with the word ‘Sutton’ or email kids@takeoverradio.net

So far, 9 trialists have been named along with Danny Mitchley & Conor Higginson with 5 youth teamers set to take part (names not yet revealed), presuming none of the kids are goalkeepers, we may see Alan Marriott & Shane Redmond in action at some stage. Here’s a list of the trialists and their positions for tomorrow’s game.

Jason Beardsley

21 year old full back, familiar to Paul Cox after a short loan spell at Eastwood, a product of the Derby County academy who has spent time at Notts County, Macclesfield & American side FC Tampa Bay

Lee Bennett

20 year old midfielder, a product of Lincoln City’s youth set up whose major contribution to football came with Swedish outfit Friska Vijor, netting 8 goals in 12 appearances.

Steve Bennett

19 year old striker who is relatively unknown unless you look in the right places, a product of Barnsley’s academy who warmed the bench for the first team last season, making 4 substitute appearances late on in the games.

Conor Branson

19 year old centre half who is yet to get a taste of 1^st team action, also a product of Barnsley’s academy          

Jamie Jackson

24 year old striker who is the only name on the list of trialists (bar one) that people recognise. A product of the enemies youth set up, has plenty of games under his belt both in & out of the football league. His most recent spell comes from Worksop Town, netting 5 times in 27 outings. If he’s anything like his half brother (Bolton’s Kevin Davies) we’ve got a decent prospect on our hands.   

Joe Lamplough

20 year old left back, back for his second spell at Field Mill after being put trough his paces by the lesser twin a few seasons back.

Patrece Liburd

23 year old defender with world cup qualifying stages experience. Has had spells at Bradford before moving onto Forests youth set up before moving on to a host of other clubs, including a trial period with Cardiff City.

Milan Redi

22 year old Hungarian defender, nothing much of the grape vine for this one – which is great for a commentator! But it does mean he can write his own story, so swings and roundabouts.

Josh Wilde

18 year old defender who is held in high regard by Buxton FC after making over 50 appearances for their first team in past seasons.  

Just a reminder, on Sunday I’ll have a commentary podcast for you plus a report on the game & how the trialists did in my opinion, so save www.cp14-coveringtheangles.blogspot.com to your bookmarks or type your email address on the right hand side & get the link direct to your inbox!       

See you soon – COME ON YOU STAGS!