Stags latest news 17th may 2008

Mansfield Town was founded in 1897 under the name of Mansfield Wesleyans. Like many football clubs, their name derives from a local church, in this case the Wesleyan church on Bridge Street. The present name was adopted by the club in the summer of 1910. This move angered local rivals Mansfield Mechanics, but the name change went ahead nonetheless.

By this time Mansfield had moved to their present home, Field Mill. Football has been played at the ground since 1861 and is widely regarded as one of the oldest football stadiums in the world.[citation needed] After several attempts, Mansfield finally won election to the Football League in time for the 1931--32 season.

Mansfield narrowly missed promotion to the Second Division in 1964--05 season. The club's arguably most famous moment came in 1969, when they beat West Ham United 3--0 in the FA Cup. West Ham were standing sixth in the First Division and in their side were England's World Cup winners Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst along with youngsters Billy Bonds and Trevor Brooking. The game was postponed five times before it finally went ahead on Wednesday 26 February 1969 in front of 21,117 at Field Mill. Mansfield became only the fourth team in club history to knock out clubs from five different leagues in the same competition. They progressed to the quarter final stage where they eventually lost to Leicester City.

The most successful period in Mansfield's League history came during the 1970s, under manager Dave Smith. They claimed the Division Four title in 1974--75, with new signing Ray Clarke scoring 30 goals, and were then promoted to the second tier for the only time in their history in 1976--77. However, they were relegated at the end of the 1977--78 season.

Mansfield won the Freight Rover Trophy in 1987. It was their only game at Wembley Stadium to date and was played in front of 58,000 fans. After a 1--1 draw with Bristol City, they won the cup 5--4 in the deciding penalty shootout. Keith Cassells was Man of the Match After a poor start to the 2005--06 season, Carlton Palmer resigned in mid-September, giving in to intense pressure from the supporters.[citation needed] With the club propping up the whole of the football league, Palmer's assistant Peter Shirtliff was appointed manager, after impressing during his spell as caretaker manager. Shirtliff managed to guide the club to a mid-table finish after an eight-match unbeaten spell in February and March 2006. The highlight of the club's season was an FA Cup third round tie against Newcastle United at St. James' Park, a game they eventually lost 1--0. Peter Shirtliff parted company with the club on 19 December 2006 after a poor run of form. Paul Holland briefly took over as caretaker manager, before former manager Bill Dearden was re-hired by the club nine days later.

Mansfield had a poor 2007--08 season, sitting second bottom and in the relegation zone midway through the season, five points adrift of safety. Despite this, they had a FA Cup run, beating League One side Brighton & Hove Albion with a 2--1 victory at the Withdean Stadium. This set up a home-tie against Premiership side Middlesbrough in the fourth round, which they lost 2--0. Mansfield's poor form in league continued, however. Manager Billy Dearden was sacked, and replaced by Paul Holland. Their 77 year stay in the Football League was ended on 29 April 2008 when Chester City drew with Stockport County.

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[vitusvivi]

You were amazing when you played us (Brighton) i was disapointed that you went down to be honest!

[phillk]

mint song