Mansfield Town

First team coach Richard Cooper believes that the loan of four of our youth team players to Carlton Town will help their progression.

Yesterday, Chris Spencer, Corbin Shires, Dan Fletcher and Anthony Dwyer linked up with Carlton, who are in 16th position in Evo-stik First Division South League.
 
Speaking to the local media this morning, first team coach Richard Cooper said the youngsters will gain valuable senior experience during their one month stay.

“We were thinking about doing this for a number of weeks now just to try and get some of the younger players some experience," said Cooper.

“It is 'real' football for them and will give them some insight into what winning is all about.”

The aforementioned quartet all featured in the Millers’ 3-2 victory over Leek Town last night with Fletcher scoring a brace early in the second half, which saw him named Man of the Match. 

Cooper said: “We [he and Adam Murray] went to the game last night. The lads were 2-0 down at half time and managed to turn it around, which is no mean feat. It was a good first game for them.

“Last night, they [the players] grew in stature, the longer the game went on. Corbin Shires grew immensely at the end under pressure and managed the 18-yard box really well.

“We know that the lads will be going to a club where they will be looked after and treated in the right way,” he added.

Cooper was pleased that the players’ move to Carlton would expose them to a physical brand of football: “It is 'real' football. It matters. It’s a challenge for the lads to go and play regular football.”

After current first team players Jack Thomas and Liam Marsden undertook similar loan moves in the past, Cooper is confident that this latest loan switch will be equally as beneficial.

“We have had a link with Carlton for the best part of two years now. Thomas and Marsden went there when they were in the youth team along with a couple of other boys as well.

“The youth setup has been taking steady steps over the last two seasons now. The focus is to try and get as many of them around the first team training daily and then potentially have some go out on loan to get experience. It gives them confidence and access to different opinions.

“Sometimes going away can recharge and re-focus players. We feel that getting the lads out on-loan in a different environment and a league where three points are at stake brings the boys on.”