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The 20 Questions: Mansfield Town

Last updated : 03 November 2005 By Millersmad Staff
Who are you; where are you from and how long have you supported your club?
My name is Steve Hartshorn, I am the editor of the Mansfield Town fanzine, Follow The Yellow Brick Road, I also do match commentary on Stagsworld for home games and co-commentate for Mansfield 103.2 on away games. I also do the match report for the Mansfield and Ashfield Observer. Been a supporter for over 33 years. I also co-wrote a book titled, The Legends of Mansfield Town that was released last year.

What was your first game?
Can't remember to be honest. It was at a time when Mansfield never used to lose at home. I just thought that that was the norm, when I first saw them lose, my world fell apart.

In full speed.....

Describe the most memorable and the worst game you have seen and why?
Memorable has to be Wembley in 87. It was still a special place back then and meant something to play there. Worst! Easy, 2-1 up at half time in the 94/95 play off semi final away at Chesterfield, finished the game with 9 men and a 5-2 defeat after extra time. Losing to Huddersfield after having a good goal ruled out wasn't nice either.

Who are your current local rivals and why?
Hmm. Chesterfield because that's the way the world was made. It was once said that the M1 was only built to keep Mansfield and Chesterfield apart. I tend to agree.

Who are the best and worst players you have seen?
Best? I could pick a 100, and did for the Legends book. Personal favourite, George Foster. Worst? None I like to give support to every player who puts on a Stags shirt because they have done something I never could do, so how can I slag them off?

How did you fare last season?
Shite.

Laughing stock!

Where do you think you'll finish up this season?
Pre-season I said champions. Now, after being bottom of the league for a few weeks, just make the play off's.

For a while you were the laughing stock of the Football League when Carlton Palmer was your gaffer. Please explain to us what it was like with old Peanut Head in charge?
Some people laugh at the disabled, but when you become disabled you don't see the funny side at all. Carlton did his best. He was a manager who tried and put everything into the job, unfortunately it wasn't quite good enough. I actually felt sorry for him because it wasn't his fault that he isn't a manager. When he packed it in, a lot of people breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Richie Barker. Rotherham reject. Turning circle of the Marie Celeste. 29 seconds to sprint two yards. Clearly doing the biz for you boys. Thoughts on him please?
2 goals for Richie this weekend it is then, thanks.

If Mansfield were a TV personality, who would it be and why?
Baldrick from Blackadder. Always ignored and thought not good enough by people round us.

So what do you think of The Millers?
When there was news of Liam Lawrence joining your lot, I described the Millers as the ugly bird who wants to dance with you at a disco. Nice compliment, but you'd rather not.

Which current or former Millers player has impressed you the most?Butler. When he is fit again, and I hope that it is soon, Lee Williamson. Cracking midfield player who would be welcome back at Mansfield by the supporters anytime.

Are you happy with your chairman and board members?
Ha! Yeah, really pleased!

Sir, I have A Cunning Plan

Which team do you want to beat this season the most and why?
Counteh at Mardy Lane would be really good, and I suppose you. Took us ages to get a win at Millmoor be nice to get another. (Come on, you don't really need a Cup run do you?)

What sort of line up can we expect from you?
4-4-2. Solid at the back, strong and tricky in midfield and a fine mixture of speed and good hold up play up front.

Who's your strongest/weakest link?
To be honest, at the moment I couldn't tell you of any weak links because we are playing well and with confidence. Strongest is our wing play and even though you will not like it, the form Richie Barker is showing at the moment (5 in 5),

What's your predicted score?
2-0, maybe 2-1 to Mansfield. Honest.

Who's going to win the FA Cup?
Not Rotherham or Mansfield. This season I think one of the unfancied clubs could win it, someone like Blackburn Rovers or West Ham United.

Who's going to fall victim of the giant-killing this year?
Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United.

And finally..Meat and tatty, Beef n Onion or Balti?
Sausage roll! Meat & tatty!