John Sheridan wants Notts County strikers to concentrate on attack

John Sheridan has earmarked home form as the key for Notts County's promotion hopes, adding that his strikers ought to focus just on attack as opposed to tracking back.

The Magpies won just nine of their 23 home games last season as they limped to a bottom-half finish in League Two despite being expected to bounce back from relegation.

Sheridan told reporters: "Home form is vitally important. We will be very attack minded. You will rarely see me play one up front.

"Of course, it's easy to come in to say the right things, but I've always had a 20-goal a season striker.

"I just want my strikers being strikers. Don't think about anything else apart from scoring goals, because I have the other seven or eight who can defend. That's the way I am going to go about things."

Sheridan also praised his side's display in their 1-0 friendly win at Carlton Town on Tuesday night.

"It was a good run out for us," he said.

"It's still very early and for some of them it was the first match they had played, but I am pleased with the way things are going.

"The opposition gave us a good test and the goalkeeper made some wonder saves. Credit to Carlton they worked hard, but I thought we moved the ball really well in the second half. The only downside was we didn't score more goals.

"The lads have got to get used to the way I want us to play. I've not done anything shape wise, I just want the lads to get a feel for the ball.

"Overall I was pleased with the performance."

How will Notts fare in terms of goalscoring next season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.