Stuart Maynard Prepares Notts County for Tough Bromley FC Clash

As Notts County gears up for their trip to Bromley, head coach Stuart Maynard shared his thoughts on the team's current form and provided valuable insights ahead of what promises to be a challenging fixture.

With Notts sitting second in League Two after five games, Maynard’s squad is brimming with confidence, and the coach believes that their hard work and unity can push them even higher this season.

One of the major talking points ahead of the match was the news that Jodi Jones has committed to the club by signing a long-term contract. Speaking on the club’s official website, Maynard expressed his delight at securing Jones’ services for the foreseeable future. "It's incredible news. Jodi's been a top, top player since he signed for the football club,” Maynard said, reflecting on the player’s impact since his arrival.

Jones, who has faced several injuries earlier in his career, has now found stability at Notts, and his commitment to the club has lifted both the players and fans.

Discussing Jones' dedication, Maynard added, "Even when he came on loan under Luke [Williams], he performed to a very high standard... Mentally, he’s in a good place now, and his consistent performances are a testament to his hard work." Jones’ passion for football, coupled with his resilience in overcoming serious injuries, has made him a key player for the team. However, Maynard also highlighted the physical treatment Jones often endures on the pitch. "It's always difficult for Jodi because week in, week out since we've taken charge, teams are trying to kick him off the pitch," he remarked. The coach urged referees to manage games properly, ensuring that players like Jones aren’t unfairly targeted.

Despite the physical challenges, Jones has remained unfazed, notching up five goal contributions already this season. Maynard praised Jones’ focus and professionalism, stating, "He’s just come in every day, worked hard, and wants to play football. He’s absolutely committed to this football club." For the fans, Jones’ contract renewal is a clear indication of the club’s ambition to retain its top players.

Turning his attention to the upcoming match against Bromley, Maynard is fully aware of the tough test that awaits his side. Bromley, who recently earned promotion to League Two, have started the season well and pose a physical challenge for any team. "They’re a physical team, and they’ve adapted well to League Two," Maynard explained. "We know they’re very good from restarts, and they’re happy to not have the ball, which they use to their advantage on the counter-attack."

Maynard emphasised the importance of being vigilant when in possession, as Bromley’s counter-attacking style could be dangerous. "We’ve got to be very wary when we’re in possession; they’re most dangerous when we have the ball," he said. Despite the challenges, Maynard is confident in his team's ability to rise to the occasion, especially with the strong away support expected at Hayes Lane. "Our away support has been phenomenal, and they’ll be our 12th man on Saturday," he added.

The Notts County squad is also boosted by the return of players from injury. Alassana Jatta, who has been side-lined due to concussion, is back in contention. "He’s trained fully this week, and we’re delighted to have him back," Maynard confirmed. The return of such key players provides the coach with some selection headaches, but he welcomes the competition for places. "It’s the type of headache we need," he said. "We want everyone fit and fighting for a place."

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Maynard remains cautious but optimistic. Despite their strong start, the coach knows the road to promotion is long and filled with obstacles. "We’re five games into a league season. It’s a marathon, not a sprint," he cautioned. "We’ve had a great start, but we’ve just got to keep focused now on the next game."

With Notts County sitting comfortably near the top of the table, fans can dream of a promotion push, but as Maynard wisely notes, the focus remains on taking each game as it comes. As the squad prepares for their next challenge, There’s a strong sense of belief within the team, a belief that this could be their year.

Read Jodi Jones' exclusive interview on Pride of Nottingham as he opens up about his commitment to Notts County, his drive to improve, and his gratitude for the opportunity to shine with the Magpies, while aiming for even more goals.

Join the discussion on Pride of Nottingham's forum as Alex Bass shares why Notts County is the perfect fit for him, and have your say on his impact so far!