Darren's No 'Flash' In The Pan!

By: Richard Lord
Date: 10/03/2002

After scoring a great goal for the Reserves in the 4-1 win over Stockport in midweek, coach Paul Wilkinson took time out to praise the promising Darren Mansaram. Speaking to the Sports Telegraph, Wilko held high praise for the youngster.

"He came off the bench and scored a 'worldy'," explained Wilkinson. "For about five minutes he was struggling with his touch and stuff. Then he got the ball about 25 yards out, took a touch and smashed it in the top right-hand corner.

"It was one hell of a goal. He can do that. He just turns on a sixpence sometimes and bang!"

17-year old Mansaram, nicknamed 'Flash' by his coach, is in his second year of his scholarship but could be offered professional terms at the end of the season, as a reward for his hard work at Blundell Park.

"I hope he can make the step up soon and he's certainly got an eye for goal and he's scored in nearly every game," continued Wilko. "He's got 10 goals in the league and two in the cup. He's played in the youth team a few times and not done as well, but he relishes playing in the reserves."

However Wilkinson was quick to point out that he wasn't the finished article, and the emerging striker still has a lot to learn. "He's got a lot to learn technically, but you'd rather him be banging in the goals, because you can always work on the technical side."

"We can always get him stronger in the air. That's his fault and I never let him forget it" Wilko added, in reference to the 6 foot 1 inch striker.

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