Chris Buckley: Let's keep spurring Notts County on as momentum keeps building

Yesterday whilst appearing as a guest on BBC Nottingham’s Match Talk, I was asked the question by David Jackson - "is it time to believe in promotion yet?"

It’s a question which I have asked fans myself, and it's one which the majority seem unsure how to answer.

Myself, I always remain optimistic about any season, especially as the table is still taking shape - but the 2017-18 season does seem special.

I also recall a discussion that was started by PON member Liampie which asked “Should we avoid getting carried away?”

At the time I felt similar, although I would say I was more quietly optimistic.

I could already sense a ‘positive vibe’ around Meadow Lane that just felt that season could be very different, I always tend to warn caution to the fans I know – yet it’s difficult when things are going in your favour for once to play down the fact Notts could gain promotion.

It’s still very early days within League Two, however I do believe we as supporters should try to really get behind the team.

In our match against Lincoln City, it was brilliant to see so many fans being vocal about encouraging the Kop to sing and once the home support had silenced the away end (the opposition fans didn’t really do much did they?) – it was one of the most enjoyable experiences that I had had in a number of seasons.

Not just purely because our lads controlled the second half well, or due to Lincoln continuing to try to get something from the match – despite all hopes.

It was more so because everyone around me - and I moved around the Kop as I watched the game - was fully enjoying themselves and I honestly feel it made a huge impact on the way that Notts played.

It’s also good to see that we have a bench made up of players who could start regularly and the fact we have a manager who can make several changes now that he knows who forms the best starting 11.

Another point made by David Jackson was the amount of luck which we had, as any fan will know we have had a tendency to attract opposite previous seasons.

Yet the striking difference this term is how hard-working we are as a team, this was visual against Swindon Town – a game which the majority felt we didn’t quite have the power to shrug them off, but we did manage to keep them mostly quiet.

I felt extremely proud during that game, as for once it seemed like we had a team which would protect the lead at all cost. A team that would run, scrap and work hard for their manager.

It’s still very early days, and I would echo the discussion myself and Joe Jones had in the latest Pride of Nottingham PONcast – things can change differently, yet whilst the squad works hard and puts in those determined performances – no matter what happens on the pitch, we will always be better off, and I think that is the prime example of what we have witnessed so far during the 2017-18 season.

Kevin Nolan has done a fantastic job keeping the players focused, he takes things game-by-game.

The Exeter win will have instilled further hope and ambition within my fellow supporters. However, let’s make this season less about luck and more about the passionate, free-fighting squad that gets the right results.

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