19/08/2008 - Stags have something in reserve
Billy McEwan insists the introduction of a competitive reserve side at Mansfield this season will boost the chances of local talent graduating to first-team level.
The Stags have had a good record of producing home-grown top-quality players.
Former youth team players Liam Lawrence, Bobby Hassell, Lee Williamson and Craig Disley were the cornerstone of the promotion-winning side of 2001-2002.
Yet Mansfield have not entered a reserves team in a league since Keith Curle was at the helm.
McEwan believes now is the right time to help those coming through the ranks.
The Stags will join the Pontin's League Central Division, where they will take on the likes of Nottingham Forest.
"It's every manager's ambition to have local boys in the team," said McEwan.
"It's a big thing for parents and the community to see the local lads come through the system and play for the team.
"They sometimes have a little bit more feeling for the club than someone who has transferred in and played for three or four other clubs.
"This is an important part of the club's infrastructure.
"The players coming through at the moment can't make the transition from youth to first team - the gap is too big.
"It will be a very young side, but it will give us the chance to play trialists and enable people who have been injured to get sharp."
McEwan knows that running a second string is costly and could hit the club's senior prospects.
He said: "It would be nice if we could get a sponsor to help us run the reserve team.
"Help would be essential because it will eat into my budget and the club's budget."
Craig Nelthorpe has left the club after an unsuccessful trial.