2004/2005 Preview - Mansfield Town

LAST SEASON

It was heartache for Mansfield at the Millennium Stadium at the end of May as they missed out on penalties against Huddersfield Town.

WHAT HAVE THEY BEEN UP TO THIS SUMMER?

Last season's nearly squad is not looking as strong at the moment with several departures. Junior Mendes joined play off winners Huddersfield, Liam Lawrence went North to Sunbderland, Andy White (Crewe) plus free transfers were given to Tony Vaughan, Jamie Clarke, Chris Beardsley, Craig Mitchell, Iyseden Christie, Mark Hurst and Laurent D'Jaffo.

Only man in so far is Adam Murray from Kidderminster.

Alex Neil, Chris Tate, Kristian Prymula, Win-Loang Willemin and Martin Carruthers all find themselves at Mansfield on trial with the squad number currently at 15.

WHO ARE THEIR FAMOUS FANS?

One of Britain's greatest athletes, Daley Thompson has the unenviable task of being a Mansfield fan.

5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT MANSFIELD

1. Strangely enough as a market town, the 700 year old market is at the hub of everything in Mansfield and it's open 6 days a week. Presumably on the 7th day, they all pray for forgiveness for the antics of their footballers.

2. The 'centre tree' attraction claims to be the historical centre of Sherwood. I am still unsure on how a tree can claim to be anything let alone a historical centre.

3. There was great excitement in Mansfield in 2003 when they unveiled the town's first official statue. Some Greek sculptor was commissioned to produce the statue of a miner.

4. The town of Mansfield has spent millions securing the city centre with endless fixed and mobile CCTV cameras to ensure people's safety. Thirty seven of these are placed inside Field Mill to protect visiting players! - maybe!

5. The visit Mansfield site tells you quite proudly that Mansfield was mentioned in the domesday book - they lost 3-0 to Bath!

ARE WE ANY GOOD AGAINST MANSFIELD?

Mansfield have the upper hand in meetings between the two with 17 wins compared to Swansea's 12 in 35 matches. Just 3 wins for Swansea in 18 visits to Field Mill. For the full list of results, click here

WHEN DO WE PLAY THEM?

Mansfield will be hoping to improve on their last visit to the Vetch when they arrive on October 8 whilst the return game at Field Mill takes place on January 8 (FA Cup permitting)

IF I WANT TO FIND OUT MORE WHERE DO I GO?

StagsOnline is the Mansfield version but watch out for StagMad

WHAT ARE THEIR CHANCES NEXT SEASON?

In fairness to Mansfield they were one of the better sides in the division last time around but it's hard to call on how they will cope without the likes of Liam "Cows arse with a banjo" Lawrence. I suspect they could be looking at mid table this time around.

Why not check out the latest Vetch Verdict on the BBC site?