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Stuart Maynard Reflects on Notts County's Depth Ahead of Gillingham Clash


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Notts County’s dramatic 4-2 victory over Bromley highlighted the squad’s strength in depth and tactical flexibility under Stuart Maynard. 

After falling two goals behind within six minutes, the team showcased its firepower, led by Jodi Jones and Dan Crowley, to maintain their unbeaten start to the League Two season.

While the attacking display caught the eye, Maynard was quick to highlight the tactical shifts and the depth of his squad, which enabled the comeback. Speaking after the game, Maynard revealed the importance of making adjustments during the match. "Cundy [Robbie Cundy] was excellent in the first half, but we had to sacrifice him at half-time to change it tactically. The state of the game changed, and we fully deserved our win."

Jodi Jones, with his brace, including a penalty, was a standout performer. Maynard has been pushing Jones to be more clinical, and the winger is delivering. "We’ve said all year that we can’t be predictable. There’s so much more in Jodi, and I’ve demanded more goals from him. I think he’s really focusing on it now. If you look at him coming inside, last season he probably tries to slip something in, but now he’s pulling the trigger."

Jones’ work ethic has also been a key part of his improvement. Maynard was impressed with the winger’s defensive contribution. "Jodi’s work ethic today – the amount of times he got back around his 18-yard box and was defending one-on-one, stopping crosses – was incredible."

Dan Crowley, who scored his second goal since joining the club, also drew praise from Maynard for his overall contribution. "Dan is a special player, with ability way above this level. But if you look at his all-round game now, he’s making tackles on the edge of our box and then dribbling past players. His ball for AJ’s goal was incredible."

Beyond the individual performances, Maynard reflected on the squad's overall depth, especially in midfield, an area he strengthened during the summer. "I’m so happy to have Matty Palmer back. He’s so influential on and off the pitch, and that’s why he’s our skipper. We’re very strong in that position. I thought George [Abbott] was excellent as well, and for Hinchy [Jack Hinchy] to come on and see the game out for five minutes, that’s not easy, but what a performance."

As the Magpies prepare to face Gillingham in a top-of-the-table clash, Maynard highlighted the need for continued support from the fans. "We need Meadow Lane packed next week. Our fans have been incredible, home and away, and we need them as our 12th man all year. They drove the team on today, even when we were 2-0 down. That’s what we need for the rest of the season."

Notts County’s squad depth and tactical flexibility will be crucial as they continue their push for promotion. With players like Jones and Crowley stepping up, and Maynard’s tactical acumen on display, the Magpies are proving they are more than capable of handling the challenges of a demanding League Two season.

Check out TheSkipper's latest article on Pride of Nottingham, explaining why Jodi Jones' contract extension is more than just a new deal - it’s a clear sign of his commitment to Notts County's future. Dive into the full story and see how Jones’ ambition aligns with the club’s goals.

Piethagoram has shared a fantastic picture of Johnny Bostock and Tobi over on Pride of Nottingham! Join the discussion and share your memories of these two key figures with fellow fans.



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Fan of Big Tone

Posted

He’s right to say that squad depth is important and I believe we’ve got a very good squad now with competition in almost every department this can only be good as the season progresses and the inevitable injuries start to kick in.

  • Like 5
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liampie

Posted

tbh i dont think taking robbie cundy off was a 'sacrifice' i thought he looked quite poor and taking him off, we played much better. i think stuart maynard is being a good manager by protecting him in the media but i thought everyone else looked really good. it was jodi show.

  • Like 18
Robbie

Posted

Notts should be able to take on Gillingham on Saturday with lots of confidence. Stuart has every right to be pleased with how the team is playing.

He should also be very pleased with the strength of the squad. Notts now have a very strong squad with potential game changers ready to come on if necessary.

Gillingham will be a big test for Notts. They are playing well too. A mouthwatering top of the league clash is going to have meadow lane rocking.

I'm confident that Notts will be victorious on Saturday, because Stuart has so many options to play with.

Stuart's squad of players are working together so well at the moment, & I believe they will only get better as the season progresses.

  • Like 2
  • Love 10
TheSkipper

Posted

Jodi Jones had a significant impact on the performance. When we went two down, he became motivated to get us back into the game. I agree with Liam - Robbie Cundy perhaps shouldn’t have started, but I could see what Stuart Maynard was thinking. Changing the formation helped bring us more into the game. David McGoldrick and Jatta up top looked impressive.

  • Like 1
  • Love 18
allardyces tash

Posted

I am happier knowing Notts are at home to Gillingham than playing at their ground. I feel the 12th man will encourage the players to perform at their best. Stuart Maynard is right about the depth. Rotation at times is useful too. It was good to see Jodi Jones, Jatta, and Dan Crowley find the net.

  • Like 11
  • Love 6
JustLikeJuve

Posted

The squad is performing well together. They look settled and on board with the team no matter who starts. It’s the fight and togetherness that impressed against Bromley. Gillingham will be another test, but the squad is looking good.

  • Like 4
  • Love 14
NottsCountyKev

Posted

The squad has impressed me because they have grown in confidence since the opening day and the 2-2 draw against Fleetwood Town. It’s like those games were matches our players believed we should have won. Therefore, they have the drive to make sure we improve on the performances, and we have.

Notts are looking exciting, and while it’s early days, it’s promising! I hope we can maintain our undefeated start against Gillingham.

  • Love 19
NiftyNick

Posted

I appreciate how Stuart Maynard is showing confidence in trying new things. His lineup wasn’t questionable and could have worked from the start. The pitch and Bromley just needed figuring out, but we got punished. The squad showed quality, and Maynard used the depth to help us get something from it.

  • Like 15
OoooooTommy

Posted

I think Stuart Maynard is showing a good understanding of the squad. He can’t be faulted, and it wasn’t due to him that we went 2-0 down. It was partly because of him and Jodi Jones that we came back, as his changes gave Notts more to fight for. The swing of the game became more encouraging as you watched on. The football at times was stunning, and we could have had more than 4 goals, just like Bromley could have had 3.

  • Like 1
  • Love 15
NottsTastic

Posted

The squad is coming into its own and really improving its form. An early slip can be overlooked with the impressive comeback, but we need to start steady in away games just like we do at home.

  • Like 14


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