2011-12 Report Card

Fresh from the end of season review, Craig Priest brings us his report card on the players from the season just gone...

A total of 38 players donned the infamous amber and blue last season, some contracted, some on loan and some in affective – whatever, 38 names all involved in what, on reflection, was a wonderful campaign – today I give my report card and brief thoughts on the players to be involved.

Please note that I’m in a rather sarcastic mood and that, whilst I’m aiming to be informative for some, I am going to through the odd gag in here and there. As always you can interact and share your thoughts via the comments below, our facebook page or twitter with fellow fans.

Alan Marriott:
He was already a legend and a crowd favourite before the season kicked off, however this season he has been as ever impressive and endured a fantastic campaign. Pulling off so many vital saves over the course of the season, unofficial vice captain Marriott is the shining example that a team is only as strong as its keeper – Marriott’s enthusiasm, hard work and dedication have been spread from in the former Lincoln mans gloves into the boots of every player.   

Out of contract at the moment, Paul Cox needs to pull out all the stops to get Mazza’s signature, securing the Stags in my opinion the best goal keeper in the division, letting Marriott add to his 128 league appearances in the amber and blue, or in his case – gray and pink. 

Memorable Moment:
Personally I’d have to say Barrow away when Marriott walked on rocking the pink goal keepers top purely because of Scott’s reaction in the press box, however seeing as that’s not a moment involving Marriott as such, you can look no further than THAT goal against Wrexham – it seriously couldn’t have happened to a nicer person.

Season Stats:
Appearances 50, clean sheets 14, Goals 1!

Tom Naylor:
The final graduate of the old youth set up to fly the nest, Tom unfortunately had already left before the best part of our season arrived. As always he put in solid performances but his final season with us was probably overshadowed by the two sending’s off which caused early season reshuffles at the back.

Now at Derby County, Tom’s flying the Mansfield flag in the Championship and like you, I’m proud to see the youngster following his dream.

Memorable Moment:
Nothing from the actual season itself springs to mind initially, however it was great to see Tom back for Rhys Day’s testimonial last Saturday, during which he and Andy Todd had a coming together of sorts – it was funny, I guess you had to be there.

Season Stats:
Appearances 5   

Paul Edwards:
A brief spell back in February saw Paul arrive on a month’s loan from Fleetwood, he filled a gap, that’s about it for this one...

Memorable Moment:
I seem to remember Paul making a vital challenge I think in the Tamworth game, however his memorable moment comes on his return to the One Call Stadium whilst on loan at Barrow – being subbed after less than half an hour summed up his performance, got beat easily every time and did more damage than good, but helped us on the way to a high scoring victory so yeah, cheers Paul.

Season Stats:
Appearances 2 (1)

Joe Kendrick:
One of many left backs to have had a trial spell in pre-season and by no means the people’s choice in fairness. When he did play he did ok but once again it was during the spell where we didn’t really threaten – the long list of clubs on his arrival should have told you all you needed to know really. As I say, he did ok when he played but injuries etc saw him fall down the pecking order and eventually, farmed out on loan highly unlikely to return.

Memorable Moment:
Erm.... NEXT

Season Stats:
Appearances 15

Jon Worthington:
Without doubt the player I feel most sorry for after an in different season. Jon arrived with a good reputation in the football league with Huddersfield and Bradford, however in the early season matches Jon failed to settle and form a partnership with Murray and as such, fell out of favour.

I’ve been privileged to see Jon play in numerous friendly’s along with his handful of appearances in the first team and I can say with honesty that his commitment, work rate and team ethic has impressed me. He works hard off the pitch to keep match fit and is looked up to by a lot of the younger lads, he’s just been mightily unlucky to have seen Roberts and Howell ahead of him.

Out of contract at the moment, I’d personally offer Jon another year with the reserve team ready to go at what is actually a competitive level. Nobody wants the tag of ‘reserve’ but he is a natural leader and will do wonders for the younger element of the squad, plus offer a real competition for places in the first team midfield.

Memorable Moment:
I’m not sure if it’s classed as memorable or not, but his performance against Fleetwood towards the latter end of the season was nothing short of phenomenal.

Season Stats:
Appearances 8 (9)

John Thompson:
Tommo is a total legend and had it not been for that horrific pre-season injury, would have probably have played every single game. A wonderful humble man off the pitch who despite everything that he’s faced this season, has kept plugging away, I’m so pleased he returned for the final match of the season at Kidderminster – next year will be fresh for him and hopefully he will flourish at the heart of another championship winning defence as he goes into the second year of his contract.

Memorable Moment:
Returning against AFC Telford after so long out to help a leaky defence finally shut up shop is certainly up there along with his final day appearance at Kidderminster proving that good things come to those who wait.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 7 (1)

Martin Riley:
A season of two halves for the former Cheltenham man, the first half saw him in and out of the side and more often than not, in the wrong place at the wrong time – including being on the pitch at Ilkeston one of the three injured. From January onwards Martin kicked on and had a settled run in the side and really came into his own, impressing at the heart of the defence and more than earning the right to skipper the side at Kidderminster.

Out of contract now, in my opinion he’s another must keep – that said he’ll have to work hard to keep his place with Thompson on the mend and the rumours surrounding a return for John Dempster, the working hard things a good thing though as it gets the team rewards as was demonstrated.

Memorable Moment:
Most people thought it was Briscoe who scored at Alfreton away, Martin Riley soon took to his twitter to put that right!

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 30 (2), Goals 1

Louis Briscoe:
The man who divides opinions on the terraces yet the man whose always good for a phenomenal strike. A lot of folk forget that before Matt Green’s arrival, Paul Cox looked to convert Briscoe into an out and out front man during pre-season, an experiment that in my opinion was never going to work. Fair enough Louis popped up with the goals at times, delighting the crowd with 80% of them, however with a year left to run on his contract I’m hoping the wide man can find his feet and delight once more so that the comparisons to previous seasons stop.     

Memorable Moment:
The hat-trick against Barrow or one of the many phenomenal strikes – you decide.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 26 (14), Goals 11

Lee Stevenson:
Paul Cox’s first signing arrived with a tremendous record from previous seasons but failed to fit into our system and as such played a very rare part. A joker off the pitch he’s kept working and next season will come into his own with the reserves to keep him ticking over waiting for that first team call.

Memorable Moment:
Whilst I was delighted to see him net his first goal of the season at Kidderminster to cap an excellent performance, Stevo’s memorable moment has to be the second half as a goal keeper in Rhys’ testimonial – like a duck to water...

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 7 (2), Goals 1

Paul Connor:
Another player not to be at the club during this seasons peak having moved into part time football with Gainsborough, the 12th Stag man was a big loss but in truth, was a piece of the wrong jigsaw, reduced to appearances from the bench. That said, he still got the goals, netting our first of the season early on against Bath.

Memorable Moment:
I’ve mentioned his goal against Bath, however it’s his strike away at Wrexham in the final minute which springs to mind for this one. An important strike and one thoroughly deserved.

Season Stats:
Appearances 4 (11), Goals 4

Matt Rhead:
A player Paul Cox says is his biggest regret, not for singing him but for not signing him in the summer and not following his gut feeling. Rhead has proved an excellent addition and his a wonderful player to have in the side not just for his physical presence but for the things he does off the ball, Rheady is a very cleaver player and one I hope we take on a full time basis next season.

Memorable Moment:
Rheady Rheady Boing Boing Rheady Rheady Boing Boing .... need I say any more! PS, his goal to relegate Kettering.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 2 (15), Goals 2

Matt Green:
Very much a broken car when he arrived on loan from Oxford but TLC from Paul Cox repowered the Green machine to the sound of 30 goals. His goals have been massive, his all round play a delight to watch too – let’s hope he doesn’t prove a one season wonder and that in the transfer market Cox not only hangs onto the former Oxford man, but brings in a clone to power us to promotion.

A season perhaps overshadowed a little by the silly red card at York, Greens always good for a goal, long may that continue.

Memorable Moment:
Pick a goal, any goal. Maybe the brace away at Darlington to get us long suffering Staggies some revenge, maybe his permanent arrival in January or maybe his delightful back heel to Luke O’Neill in the Newport home game to set goal number five – there’s so many!

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 47 (1), Goals 30

Adam Murray:
The captain, the legend – next player please... No in all seriousness captain Muz is a delightful character and undeserving of the stick he gets from the select few. He is a total work horse, not afraid to speak his mind, a man of passion and a player with the desire and ability to match. Some of the work he does on the pitch often goes unnoticed, he’s skipper for a reason and will undoubtedly don the armband as we return to the football league.

Memorable Moment:
Early in the season when things weren’t quite going to plan, Muz rallied the troops in an interview which caused a little bit of friction which in the end, merged into love. Muz’s memorable moment is in every blog he writes, so open, so honest, so passionate and so enjoyable – what a guy!

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 44

Paul Bolland:
Another unlucky sole like his alarmingly twin look-a-like Jon Worthington! Arrived from Macclesfield on a two year deal with a shoulder injury which was then followed by an ankle injury away at Hednesford in pre-season during what was actually a very strong performance. Paul never really recovered and despite a handful of appearances in the early months of the season, found himself at the very bottom of the pecking order and out on loan to Harrogate Town and despite having a year left to run, will probably be on the list of players released.      

Memorable Moment:
More of a personal one than an actual Bolland pacific moment, I referred to his looks early, well when he replaced Worthington in the line up, I often referred to Bolland as Worthington in commentary – awkward.  

 Seasons Stats:
Appearances 6 (7)

Ross Dyer:
A player who doesn’t get half of the credit he deserves, a total work horse and a real valued asset to the side. Whether played as a wide man or a front man, Ross does what’s needed of him with minimum fuss and despite him being the target man in the air, is actually a very accomplished player with the ball to feet which he’s shown throughout the campaign.

It’s true that without Matt Green we’d have never have finished in the play-offs, the same can be said, if not more so, for Ross Dyer – another player who needs to grab a pen and sign a new contract.

Memorable Moment:
Forest Green Rovers away, the fastest Mansfield Town goal ever.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 47 (3), Goals 10

Luke O’Neill:
Refereed to by Adam Murray and the players as the ‘baby chicken’ Luke has been attracting interest from Championship clubs after a wonderful debut season at Field Mill. Arriving from Leicester City in the summer Luke wasn’t first choice for a starting birth at first however the pre-season injury list saw Luke handed his chance – the youngster using it to full affect and deserving of all the awards he scooped along with Green.

Time for Burnley and the other clubs to bugger off and Luke to take up that one year option – a key player.

Memorable Moment:
Being called the baby chicken, his wonderful set pieces and excellent tackles.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 47 (3), Goals 3

Ritchie Sutton:
The third player to suffer the pre-season Ilkeston set back but without doubt one of the star performers throughout the season, playing all across the back line with no fuss. Wrongly took far too much slack for his sending off in the second leg against York and will in turn be suspended for next seasons curtain raiser, I’ve been mightily impressed by Sutts and hope he stays.

Memorable Moment:
The goal that never was thanks to the linesman’s flag I think against Lincoln at home from Geohaghon’s throw, his ginger beard and the fact he’s studying to be a sports journalist.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 44 (2)

Matt Bell:
You know, the guy who played left back against Bath on the opening day of the season. Yeah that’s pretty much it – a character off the pitch with decent banter but just not part of the furniture this season in fairness. Out of contract and after various loan spells elsewhere, I’d be surprised if he was given another deal.

Memorable Moment:
Not for public reading!

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 1  

Adam Smith:
Very much a bit player this season due to injury and his prolonged loan at Aldershot, however the wide man has impressed when coming on and in the last months of the season, provided competition for places and kept Briscoe and Meikle on their toes.

Memorable Moment:
He scored a goal, that’ll do.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 8 (4), Goals 2

Andy Todd:
Bundles of energy whenever he plays and adaptable with it, along with Micky Moore and Paul Ogden a really important addition and one that will thrive, presumably in charge, of the reserves next term. An excellent coach and a player that in fairness, wouldn’t look out of place given a regular start.

Memorable Moment:
The winner at home to Alfreton – legend.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 6 (3), Goals 1

Anthony Howell:
The man who proved everyone wrong, myself included, with a truly phenomenal season. Works hard, gets stuck in, wins headers, makes passes, covers ground and scores goals given the opportunity. A fairly regular face in our line up doing the unseen work to a fine level – his part in getting us into the play-offs should be noted and with a year’s option on his contract, it should be taken.

Memorable Moment:
His second strike at Alfreton was out of this world, thoroughly deserved.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 32 (5), Goals 5

Rhys Day:
A season of torrid injury setbacks forced early retirement, a massive shame. If the injuries wouldn’t have occurred to him or John Thompson, well frankly I drool at the prospect of those two together at the back, something I was fortunate enough to see in a friendly with Eastwood earlier in the season.

Memorable Moment:
Scoring the penalty in his testimonial, the final look at the fans before hanging up his boots – a top man.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 0 (1)

Shane Redmond:
The Irish gloves man has been forced to face a season on the bench with the fine form of Alan Marriott and will face a tough decision if offered a new contract. I’ve been fortunate enough to watch Shane in friendlies and his one league appearances, generally his shot stopping is good, a season in the reserves playing competitive football wouldn’t go a miss.

Memorable Moment:
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the spider crawl! Anyone who went to Kidderminster will know exactly what I mean!

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 1, Clean sheets 1

Lindon Meikle:
Another expected not to feature as much however the former Eastwood man, Paul Cox’s second signing, has flourished in the amber and blue and has earned various call ups for England C. With quick feet, bags of pace and energy – Lindon has been a joy to watch over the season and I’ll undoubtedly say the same again next season. Lindon has great vision too and reads the game well, a few tweaks here and there and he’ll be the complete player and a lot more in between.

Memorable Moment:
The fluke goal at Bath was different to say the least, the equalising goal at home to Alfreton was exquisite too.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 38 (9), Goals 7

Nick Wood:
Brought in early season following a trial spell to make up the numbers, Nick made one substitute appearance at Gateshead before moving on following the expiry of his one month contract. I take my hat off to him for signing just to make the numbers up when he’d have known his days we’re limited

Memorable Moment:               
Erm yeah....

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 0 (1)

Ben Futcher:
Arriving three games in on loan from Bury, Ben changed our season for the better coming in to provide some stability across the back line, helping us onto our first unbeaten run of the season. In honesty it’s a shame that Ben couldn’t have stayed a little while longer however things happen for a reason and without his departure, we’d have never have got John Dempster and subsequently big ex.

Memorable Moment:
At about 9 feet tall, his height was always a good weapon, however the memorable moment has to be his goal away at Barrow, his only Stags goal.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances: 15, Goals 1

Exodus Geohaghon:
After John Dempster’s loan had expired, Exodus was the next defender to arrive on loan, more than playing his part in our play-off charge, that phenomenal trademark long throw becoming a real weapon. Creating a tight partnership with Martin Riley, Exodus impressed during his loan spell chipping in not just with the throws but with strong headers at the back and a forceful presence up top. Now a free agent I think after his loans expiry and the termination of his Darlington contract, it’ll be interesting to see if the big man looks to join on a permanent basis in the coming weeks.

Memorable Moment:
Every long throw and the atmosphere it creates!

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 15, Goals 2

Adam Somes:
Youth team striker with a very good goals record in the young guns respective league. Drafted in on a senior non-contract basis as cover for the FA Cup matches with Fleetwood, made an appearance in the replay following the numerous illness’ sweeping through the camp. Hopefully Adam along with the other third year youth teamers will get a pro deal and enjoy a season in the reserves.

Memorable Moment:
Making his debut at Fleetwood in the cup

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 0 (1)

Louis Moult:
On a short term loan from Stoke for a second spell at Stags after playing under Duncan Russell the previous season, he failed to really impress and headed back to Stoke without making a real difference.

Memorable Moment:
Erm..... I’ll get back to you

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 1 (2)

Ben Hutchinson:
Brought in following a successful trial in the January transfer window, the former Kilmarnock and Middlesbrough man proved a little hit and miss. Against Eastwood in the second friendly, he was suburb netting two outstanding goals and highlighting he could do a similar job to Matt Green. A mini run in the side followed in which he looked lively without finding the net, missing out to be by his partners side as she gave birth before more substitute appearances late in the season. In all honesty I was surprised that he wasn’t involved with either play-off leg, especially the second leg – If he signs another contract then I’ve no doubt he’ll come into his own in the reserves and maybe push for a regular spot.

Memorable Moment:
The two goals against Eastwood where fantastic, his performance to help us seal a play-off spot at Hayes & Yeading was strong too, however the last minute penalty at home against the same team seals it.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 5 (7), Goals 1

Nick Hegarty:
Apparently my brother if you listen to Scott Rogers! Had a trial in pre-season, disappeared, came back November time, played twice, teetered on average and then left on Boxing Day.

Memorable Moment:
Looking like me, he’s blessed.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 2

Danny Andrew:
A late arrival providing cover at left back on emergency loan from Cheltenham impressed when he played, both in friendly’s and from the bench. With a sweat left foot posing a dangerous dead ball threat, I guess I’d like to see more and may well do as, despite Sutton’s excellent at left back, we are crying out for a natural left footed full back.

Memorable Moment:
Slotted in well when Riley was injured during the first leg of the York semi-final final and came close to a goal a time or two.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 1 (5)

Kieron Freeman:
Arriving on loan from Nottingham Forest, Kieron made history following his Stags departure in January, becoming the first ever player to play for all three sides in consecutive matches. Kieron impressed during his nine game loan spell with strong tackles and fluent movement down the left channel, a real shame we only got nine games from him. I’d certainly love to see him back but I highly doubt it, he’ll be a regular face in at least league one next season.

Memorable Moment:
Impressive tackles, fluent movement and the history making tag – I’ve already covered it really! A really nice lad, very polite with a great football brain.

Season Stats:
Appearances 9

John Dempster:
Arguably the best defender we had all season, it was a devastating blow when a deal couldn’t be done to bring him to Field Mill permanently in January. Always strong in the air, a handful from set pieces, JD had a genuine fondness of the club and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him back in the coming weeks following his release from Crawley, in fact – it’d delight me.

Memorable Moment:
In his final appearance for us in the 5-2 victory over Darlington at Field Mill, his goal got us back on level terms after an early set back – a fitting parting gift.

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 12 (1), Goals 3

Nialle Rodney:
On loan from Bradford City, he came, kicked a ball around and then left.

Memorable Moment:
Other than the above, I’d say his constant rants on twitter to sum it up I use a twitter hash tag... #arrogencegetsyouknowhere

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 0 (2)              

Marcus Kelly:
I was excited by the signing of Kelly along with Kettering team mate Verma, however his Stags career failed to really delight fans not really getting a proper run. Operating as a left winger, he was played left back when he did get a run out and you could tell he was out of position. Both he and Verma were meant to join on a permanent basis in January but the crazy nature of their parent club Kettering saw them both return – personally I’d give him another shot but I’m not sure I’d have many agree with me.

Memorable Moment:
A great player but I’m struggling to pick out a highlight from his Stags stint!

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 1 (1)

Aman Verma:
As I mentioned, arrived with Kelly but was the one who enjoyed a better run, making a difference to what was a then struggling side with some neat movement, strong passes and well timed tackles. Struggled with a bit of an injury which may have hampered his full potential, would I have him back? Potentially but would he get in the side ahead of Roberts, Murray and Howell? No.

Memorable Moment:
On New Year’s Day at York he scored an absolute belter!

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 5 (1), Goals 1

Gary Roberts:
Arrived in January with a reputation as a bit of a bad egg, reputations count for nothing so long as you deliver the goods, something Robbo has down to a tee. A phenomenal midfielder who can do things with a football some of us can only dream of! Sometimes his ability is far above conference level and some of the balls he plays are too cleaver and come to nothing however it’s a delight to watch and without doubt a major factor to our play-off run. Role on next season when his tremednoud play and work rate takes us to the league title.

Memorable Moment:
A decent brace away at Ebbsfleet, the way he plays and a personal memory following the Ebbsfleet match I can never reveal – a real character and top bloke.    

Seasons Stats:
Appearances 18 (1), Goals 3

Paul Cox:
The former Eastwood boss has worked wonders, I’ve been privileged to work with and get to know him, I’m over the moon he’s penned a two year deal as I know that he will take us to new highs. The football has at times been frustrating but together we’ve pulled through and got within touching distance, the majority of the signings have been spot on and to be honest, the way he’s picked up and reinvented Luke O’Neill, Matt Green, Ross Dyer and Gary Roberts to name a few has been a credit to him. His coaching staff and Andy Todd and Micky Moore have played a key part, as has chief scout Paul Ogden whose knowledge of the game and this level is second to none.

Basically, bring on next season!

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