George Abbott Reflects on Thrilling Derby Day and His First EFL Assist for Notts County

Notts County's young defensive midfielder, George Abbott, recently took part in his first East Midlands derby, and it proved to be a memorable occasion for the 19-year-old on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

Abbott, who has made eight appearances for Notts County, was visibly energised by the derby experience and the electric atmosphere created by both sets of fans.

“Yeah, it was unbelievable to be fair,” he said. “The crowd were proper up for it today from both sides. I mean, it was a big game for both teams, and I think we both played pretty well.”

In a game where Notts County initially fell behind, Abbott praised the resilience shown by his teammates in fighting back.

“They obviously started well, and we went behind early on, which is not ideal,” he noted, “but we showed character to come back, and it ended up being a very good game.”

Abbott's versatility on the pitch has been a key asset for Notts County. Although he’s primarily a defensive midfielder, he’s been deployed in various roles, even taking up an unfamiliar position out on the right.

“Not too much,” Abbott admitted when asked if he frequently plays wide right. “But I mean, I can play there. I can play quite a few positions, so wherever the gaff wants to put me, I'll play there.”

In fact, it was from his position on the right that Abbott delivered an impressive cross, setting up teammate Alassana Jatta for a headed goal. Describing the moment, Abbott shared, “When I played it to Dan, I was just thinking about getting in behind the defender, so Dan could slide me. I saw that he was quite close to me, and he was going to slide, so I just dinked it over him, over the keeper, and it was a great header from Jatta.”

The assist, his first in Notts County colours, clearly meant a lot to the young midfielder. “Hopefully the first of many, but it felt unbelievable getting the assist, and I’m really happy about it.”

Abbott was also quick to acknowledge the influence of his teammates, particularly Kellan Gordon, who shared his attacking intent.

“Kellan was playing unbelievable against his man. He was always getting past and getting the cross in, and so was I on the right-hand side. So I mean, it was good to have both wing-backs being able to do that and make so many chances from it.”

The significance of the rivalry between Notts County and their opponents wasn’t lost on Abbott either.

With a hint of appreciation for the history and passion of the clash, he said, “You could tell this meant a lot more than the other games I’ve played in. All the games mean something, but this was… it was good to come back and get the draw.”

Reflecting on a second-half substitution, Abbott provided insight into the unpredictability of football.

“My number wasn’t up at first, and the guy put it up, and I was a bit confused. I think it was meant to be someone else coming off,” he recounted. “But it was all good. I was watching from the dugout, and it was great that Didzy [McGoldrick] followed up on the penalty.”

In what has already been a significant loan spell, Abbott is clearly focused on helping Notts County improve and climb the League Two table.

Away from home, the team is unbeaten in six, and Abbott is confident that improvements at Meadow Lane will further boost their chances.

“It’s a big thing that away from home we’re doing so well in picking up the points,” he said. “As soon as we sort out our games at Meadow Lane, I think we’ll be flying.”

With a quarter of the season gone, Abbott is optimistic about the future. “We’re doing pretty well, so I mean, if we get the home games sorted out, then I think we’ll be flying, and, so we’ll make it to the top of the table.”

And as for his first EFL goal? Abbott is hopeful it’s not far off, saying, “Hopefully soon, and hopefully that’ll be the next time you’re interviewing me.”

In just eight appearances, George Abbott has already shown his adaptability, his enthusiasm for the club, and his dedication to helping Notts County succeed.

As he continues to make strides in his loan spell, fans can look forward to many more key contributions from this promising young talent.

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