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Matt Palmer Reflects on ‘Long Road’ to Returning for Notts County


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Notts County captain Matt Palmer made a triumphant return to the starting line-up as the Magpies came from behind to secure a stunning 4-2 victory over Bromley at Hayes Lane. 

Palmer, 29, who had been sidelined by injury since last season, showcased his leadership and grit in a match that saw Notts County continue their unbeaten run, cementing their place at the top of the League Two table.

Palmer’s return marked a significant moment for both the player and the club. Speaking after the match, the midfielder described his emotions on returning to the starting eleven: "It's a brilliant feeling obviously. It's been a long road, lots of hurdles, lots of challenges. Coming off the bench was nice, but it's not the same as what I'm sort of used to at Notts. I actually find it more difficult coming off the bench if I'm honest."

This match also put Notts County's resilience to the test. Within six minutes, they found themselves two goals down. However, under Palmer’s captaincy, the team dug deep, displaying the character and determination that has become a hallmark of their early-season form. Reflecting on the rocky start, Palmer said, "It wasn't the ideal start. When it's your first start, you want it to maybe run smoothly at the start, but look, we showed good character. We showed maybe something that we've not had last season."

Bromley is known for making life difficult for visiting teams, and their home ground’s conditions posed further challenges for Notts County. Palmer noted, "Bromley's a hard place to come to. They obviously do certain things where the pitch is not Meadow Lane, so passing the ball on here was difficult. But I thought in the end, we've dealt with it really well."

The captain was full of praise for his team’s response to adversity, as they not only equalised but took control of the game, scoring four goals and dominating after their shaky start. Palmer recognised the significance of scoring just before half-time and then immediately after the break: "When we went into half-time 2-1, we felt if we come out and score a goal, we'll go on and win it. And obviously, that's exactly what happened."

Palmer’s calm and understated style of leadership has endeared him to Notts County fans, and his influence is clearly felt within the squad. He attributed much of the team’s success to the depth and talent around him: "We've got a very good squad. Numbers-wise, it's probably a lot better than last season. It's an exciting time to be a Notts County player and an exciting time to be a Notts County fan."

Palmer also had words of praise for his attacking teammates, including Jodi Jones, who wasted little time making an impact: "Jodi [Jodi Jones] performs week in, week out, doesn't he? He gets the numbers. He started really well this season, and for me, it's just about getting on the ball and feeding him."

The victory, Notts County’s fourth consecutive win, has sent a strong message to the rest of League Two. As Palmer put it, "It's a really good start, and it’s something we want to build on." With Palmer back in the fold and leading from the front, the Magpies look poised to continue their impressive form.

Don’t miss out on 'Incredible Mentality': Stuart Maynard Reflects on Notts County’s 4-2 Victory, exclusively on Pride of Nottingham! Head over now and drop a comment to share your thoughts on the head coach’s perspective.

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Matt Palmer returning to the lineup was exactly what we needed. As fans, we've missed seeing him at the centre of our midfield, orchestrating play and leading by example. His composure during the match against Bromley, especially after such an early setback, demonstrated his high calibre as a captain. He not only recognises the obstacles the team faces but also actively contributes to overcoming them. His praise for the team's depth this season gives us fans a lot of optimism moving forward. We’ve got a solid squad, and with Palmer back, the sky's the limit. I’m excited for the rest of the season and what we can achieve with him at the helm.

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I would have liked to see Matt Palmer start. He’s such a good guy and speaks well. I like his attitude and think he’s perfect to be one of the leaders on the pitch. David McGoldrick has done well during Palmer’s absence, but I think Palmer is the right choice to take over. He’s a quality midfielder who plays extremely well in our system. When he’s out, like last season, we feel the loss. We’ve signed good players to fill in and do something different, which takes the pressure off Palmer, but he’s first-team material every day of the week. I hope his fitness continues to improve so we can see him get regular minutes. He’s such a vital cog in this Notts County team that he can impact the players around him even without the armband.

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You wouldn’t know that Matt Palmer prefers starting because he finds it harder to get into the game. He just goes about everything so smoothly and controlled. I think people mistake captains as being loud and in your face, but when you have someone calm and steady with their performance, they can encourage the players around them. It was great to see Palmer back. He’s had it tough while injured and he was missed. It’s fantastic to see him getting minutes. I look forward to him playing 90 minutes like he did before his injury. He’s that important to this team.

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Matt Palmer's journey to full fitness has been so well managed by Notts. They have allowed Matt to take his time & not to overdo it.

This is now paying off in a big way for Notts after he started a match for the first time since his return against Bromley.

Matt is a class player at this level, his calming influence is a great asset to the team. He is also very influential for Notts in the centre of midfield.

The team missed his presence last season & it's not an accident that Notts have improved as a team since his return.

Matt has many attributes but he is a great leader on the field too, & his team mates look up to him & have lots of respect for him.

My wish is for Matt to continue to get stronger & fitter so that Stuart will be able to pencil him in for every game.

But it is a good situation that Matt can be rested on occasions if necessary by Stuart, so Matt can continue to ease back into full fitness.

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Matt Palmer's return to the starting lineup was nothing short of inspirational. Coming back from an injury is never easy, especially when you've been out for an extended period. Palmer’s leadership on the field was evident as he helped propel Notts County to a remarkable win against Bromley. The way he spoke about the challenges he faced highlights the mental and physical hurdles players have to overcome. Yet, it was his calm, understated style that guided the team to recover from an early setback and dominate the rest of the match. Palmer's reflection on the squad's depth and talent further cements just how dedicated he is, not only to his own performance but to uplifting the entire team.

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From the initial whistle against Bromley, it was clear that Notts was in for a tough match, especially going two goals down so quickly. But Palmer's composure and leadership were crucial in turning things around. His praise for the team, and particularly for Jodi Jones, shows that he understands the collective effort needed to secure such victories. By the way Palmer described the match and his own return, it's evident that his mentality and experience are invaluable to the squad.

It's also heartening to see how grounded and realistic Palmer is about the journey ahead. His honesty about preferring to start matches rather than coming off the bench gives us fans a real insight into his mindset. Palmer’s return isn't just a boost on the pitch; it’s a beacon of hope and inspiration for both the team and the fans. Achieving a fourth consecutive win sets a strong foundation for the rest of the season, and with Palmer at the helm, the future looks promising.

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Since his arrival, Palmer has always been a key player for Notts County, and his return was absolutely vital for our recent win. His ability to rally the team after such a poor start showcases his leadership qualities. It’s not just about his skill on the ball, but his presence and influence that clearly elevate the team’s performance. The comeback was a testament to the squad's character and determination, much of which can be attributed to Palmer’s influence. His praise for his teammates, especially Jones, shows his humility and recognition of the collective effort. It's these elements that make him an outstanding captain and a much-loved figure at the club. Thrilled to have him back!

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fantastic player, just so calm and focused. had he not got injured last season, who knows? we might not have done much better, but i don’t think we would have struggled so much. i can see why stuart maynard is pleased. he’s a big part of the jigsaw and overall picture of what this notts squad is about.

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Seeing Palmer back in action is truly uplifting. As a fan, you can’t underestimate what he brings to the team - both in terms of skill and leadership. His performance against Bromley illustrated why he is so crucial to Notts Despite the shaky start, the way he helped the team stay composed and turn the game around was remarkable. His candid reflections on his journey back from injury give us a real sense of the challenges players face. Plus, his focus on team effort rather than individual glory is what solidifies him as a true leader. His return has undoubtedly boosted our chances this season, and here's hoping he stays fit and continues to inspire.

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Palmer’s return has been marked by an incredible performance and much-needed leadership. His ability to come back from a serious injury and immediately make an impact speaks volumes about his resilience and professionalism. Against Bromley, his influence was unmistakable as he guided the team from a precarious position to a glorious victory. His reflections post-match highlighted the depth of the squad and his admiration for teammates like Jodi Jones. It’s clear that Palmer is not only a player but also a mentor and motivator. His experience will be pivotal as we continue in League Two, and his return could not have come at a better time.

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We're better with Matt Palmer than without him. The stats from last season and before show how important he is, with more wins when he's in the squad than when he's out. I agree with Robbie that Stuart Maynard hasn't rushed Palmer back, which could've easily happened, but I do recognise that Notts are stronger in midfield now. It's great to see Matt Palmer playing over 70 minutes and starting!

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