CATLING’S CORNER STAGS BLOG: More decent business by Murray

Commanding centre half Collins joins us from Northampton and looks to be a real coup by Murray.

A lot of the Northampton fans were really shocked he’s joined us as they hold him in very high regards, which is brilliant to hear as it makes a change for the Stags not to lose one of our better players.

Westcarr also looks decent business if he can rediscover his form, which he’s freely admitted he lost last season.

The team really is taking shape and on paper looks a really strong squad with youth and experienced players.

This hopefully will take us further up the league and give all us fans something to enjoy for a change.

I for one, as well as a few friends, are really looking forward to watching this new-look team when our first friendly comes around.

All we need now is an experienced keeper as this could be the last bit in the jigsaw for this new-look squad.

I’d personally like to see Scott Shearer as the man to do this, then as second choice maybe a young keeper so he can learn from him.

Looking through the team now, though, with the potential partnership of Collins and Tafazoli as well as Green and Beardsley/Westcarr this is really exciting stuff potentially.

Personally I’d also like to see Matty Blair stay given a chance, if he proves he can get fit.

I think the main reason I want him to stay is the fact we didn’t really see him when he signed for us, and this way we can hope he can do damage to other teams rather than us for a change.

I’ve also been told to mention the Quarry Lane end tannoy system as this was very annoying last year.

In some games it worked but was too loud and in other games it didn’t work at all, such as the last game of the season when we couldn’t hear a thing.

I’m definitely ready for pre-season, though, as it has been too long now without football.

It seems ages since we last played at home against Portsmouth.

The Rainworth game away on the 4th of July can’t come quick enough and I’m sure we are going to see quite a few new things such as trialists, new players and tactics.

I’d like to finish this by saying ‘good work Murray’ and if he does what he says he’s going to do this season then COYS!