By PON_News
Notts County loanee George Abbott has reflected on his first full 90 minutes for the Magpies, describing it as an "unbelievable" experience.
The 19-year-old, who joined the club on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur, made his first start during Notts' 2-0 win over Accrington Stanley at Meadow Lane. The young midfielder, known for his versatility, slotted into the defensive midfield role and spoke highly of the trust his teammates placed in him.
Abbott’s inclusion in the starting line-up came after being informed a few days before the match during training, allowing him time to prepare both mentally and physically. Reflecting on the game, Abbott said, “It was unbelievable, honestly. From the start, I enjoyed myself. I got on the ball a lot, and it was good to see that all the boys around me trusted me on the ball as well, and then from there I was able to grow into the game.” His joy was evident as he recalled how the game unfolded, crediting his teammates for helping him settle into his role on the pitch.
The match, which took place in front of a crowd of over 10,000 at Meadow Lane, proved to be a special occasion for the youngster, who was eager to experience the atmosphere. "A couple of days before I found out in training, so obviously I was buzzing, waiting for this game because I knew the crowd would be an unbelievable turnout," he explained. "10,000 plus, I think. And yeah, I couldn't wait to play in front of these lot, and during the game it showed that. They gave us all their energy, and we gave it back by giving them two goals."
Known for his combative style of play, Abbott displayed his enthusiasm for a tackle, particularly in 50–50 situations. “I like to anticipate the ball a bit, but I'll always go in for a slide tackle if it's a 50-50,” he said with a smile. This was certainly on show during the game, as he was involved in several robust challenges. He was quick to point out, however, that his physical style stems from the confidence his teammates have in him. "It came from the boys trusting me on the ball, so I know I can turn out of tight areas and get past people."
The midfielder also spoke highly of his teammates’ contributions, particularly in reference to the team's first goal. “This is a joke, his finishing is unbelievable," Abbott said, clearly impressed by David McGoldrick's ability. "I was right behind it as well, and when I saw him taking it inside, I knew he was going to shoot, but to finish it like that was unreal."
Abbott recognised that the team’s energy dipped at the start of the second half, but they soon regained their momentum and pushed for the decisive second goal. “We didn’t start as energetic and well as we did in the first half, but as it grew on, we got better. We were pushing for that second goal, and we knew it was always going to come. It was just about when,” Abbott said, reflecting on the game’s turning point.
For Abbott, this start wasn’t just about the match itself, but also the significance of his first full appearance in men's football. “It means a lot to me,” he shared. “It was my first men’s start as well, and to play amongst these players is just incredible.”
Though this was Abbott’s first full start, he previously made a brief appearance for Spurs at Elland Road, playing just a minute in added time. “I’ve got a tackle in at the end, so I was buzzing with that,” he joked. Despite this, the game against Accrington Stanley represented his first true test in front of a large crowd, and he relished the experience.
Abbott’s family was in attendance for his big moment, and he revealed they were impressed by the Meadow Lane atmosphere. “My sister, my younger sister, and both my parents were there. I think they’re going to turn up to a couple more games, especially after how good the crowd is. I think they were loving it, and yeah, they’ll definitely turn up more,” he said, clearly proud of his debut.
With his first start now under his belt, Abbott will be hoping to make more appearances for Notts County as the season progresses. If his performance against Accrington is anything to go by, the Tottenham Hotspur loanee looks set to make a significant impact during his time at Meadow Lane.
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