Hamshaw Signing ??

Last updated : 29 June 2006 By Editor
Nottingham Evening Post 29th June 2006:


STAGS CLOSE TO SIGNING MIDFIELDER


Mansfield Town boss Peter Shirtliff is close to landing his top summer transfer target - believed to be former Stockport midfielder Matt Hamshaw.

The Rotherham-born 24-year-old has been linked with a host of clubs since being released by the Hatters at the end of the season.

Shirtliff would not confirm Hamshaw is his target, saying only: "I have made an agreement with one player who I have been looking to sign all summer.

"There have been in the region of 12 clubs after him so I am chuffed to bits that I have managed to get him to come to Mansfield.

"He has not actually signed yet and I will be even more pleased once he has put pen to paper on a contract."

Bury boss Chris Casper - who was also trailing Hamshaw - revealed that he is set to reject them, probably in favour of a move to Field Mill.

"He lives in the Mansfield area and his wife is settled in Mansfield and has a good job there to supplement their income," said Casper.

"He had been commuting to Stockport and once he signs for the League Two club everyone will appreciate why.

"It wasn't a financial decision and he has put his family as his top priority. We have to thank Matthew for being honest with us. It was close. We have to respect Matthew's decision."

Former England youth and under-20 international Hamshaw made 74 league appearances and scored twice in five seasons with his first club Sheffield Wednesday.

He moved onto Stockport last season where he impressed in the centre of their midfield, despite the Cheshire side's struggle to avoid relegation, scoring five goals in 35 league starts.

He was linked with a move to Mansfield in last season's January transfer window.