TOWN are throwing a protective blanket around star striker Jonathan Stead.

The 20-year-old has been subject of massive transfer speculation during the past three weeks and manager Peter Jackson is keen to shield him from some of the spotlight.

Jackson insists that while Stead hasn't found the net in the last four matches, he has not been affected by an offer from Sunderland or by reports of interest from Glasgow Rangers.

Nontheless, Jackson intends to keep Stead away from media interviews so he can concentrate on his football, though today's match is the main feature on Yorkshire Television's Goals on Sunday programme tomorrow.

With no Premiership matches this international weekend, a big posse of scouts were expected to attend today's Division III clash with leaders Hull City at the McAlpine.

It has also been suggested Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy might take the chance to run the rule over Stead first hand, as the Black Cats have no fixture.

Meanwhile, it is all-ticket for Town fans at Mansfield next week and at Macclesfield on Saturday, December 13.

For the Mansfield game, tickets are now on sale priced £15 (adults), £11 (students) and £8 (Over 65s and Under 16s).

At Macclesfield, Town have been allocated 388 seats and 1,500 terrace spaces.

Tickets are on sale now to season-ticket holders only and will not go on general sale until a week on Tuesday, November 25.

Seat prices are £15 for adults and £10 concessions. On the terrace, it's £11 for adults and £6 concessions.

Details for disabled supporters are available on 0870 756 3160 for Mansfield and from the McAlpine for the trip to Macclesfield.

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