Can We Do It Again?

Pride of Nottingham is undergoing the task of comparing the last time Notts County were in a similar position as we find ourselves now. The last time Notts found themselves to be in the bottom half of the table in this league was back in the 2010/2011 season.

The majority seem to share similar views to myself that we can avoid the drop but no doubt Derry/Abbott have a task on their hands. Yet until the maths are virtually impossible, we should try to remain optimistic about surviving. We can get behind the squad, even when games are difficult and this might impact the game more than some might realize.

Back on 19/02/2011 Notts County found themselves in the 18^th position. This was the year we first returned to League One and perhaps underwent our progression a little too quickly, as the squad who helped us gain promotion from winning the League Two title was sadly dismantled.

By the start of March Notts were a position higher, with 4 to 6 games in hand of the teams beneath. However, only Tranmere Rovers could move a place ahead if they won and Notts lost their upcoming game against Leyton Orient. Yeovil Town couldn't move ahead due to -15 goal difference, so things were vastly different than what we see today.

Notts slipped to 19^th by the start of April, after we lost 3-0 to Huddersfield Town away from home. Dagenham & Redbridge who would go on to be relegated after finishing 21^st, had played one game more than Notts at 37 and the difference in points was only 1.

Right now on the 19/02/2014 things are very different, we sit 21^st ourselves with 30 points and various teams above and beneath have games in hand.

The final game of the season was at home to Brighton, which we drew 1-1.

By the end of the 2010/2011 season Notts had avoided relegation by finishing 19^th. Walsall finished 20^th 2 points beneath Notts who stood on 50.

The teams relegated were Dagenham & Redbridge, Bristol Rovers, Plymouth Argyle and Swindon town.

Dagenham & Redbridge –P 46 - 47pts

Bristol Rovers –P 46 - 45pts

Plymouth Argyle –P 46 - 42pts

Swindon –P 46 – 41pts

Interesting is the amount of games played compared to the final total of points. On the 12/03/2011 Notts had 42 points compared to our current 30 points.

One of our contributing factors to the current season 8 out of 14 home games, however we can't rely on solely winning at home. We must start picking up wins and draws, if Derry can motivate the players further and avoid the drop he would have achieved no doubt what some fans would've felt impossible.

I have every faith personally that we can avoid the drop.