Shirtliff hoping smiles will return

Last updated : 29 November 2005 By Editor
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Shirtliff hoping for smiles

Mansfield manager Peter Shirtliff is hoping the smiles will return to Field Mill following the weekend's 2-1 victory over Stockport.

Earlier this month, the club were rocked by the death of goalkeeper coach Peter Wilson, who passed away aged 52 after suffering a heart attack during the warm-up at Shrewsbury.

The Gay Meadow fixture was called off and re-arranged for January, with the Stags returning to action against County at the weekend.

Shirtliff said: "I told the lads before the Stockport game they were allowed to smile. It's not a crime to smile at this football club.

"I and the people who were at Shrewsbury believe the game was called of as a matter of necessity.

"But there's been a good collective spirit around this football club."