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Mark Cooper wants Notts County to lift fans with victory at Mansfield Town

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has praised the club's fans and called on the players to give them a lift by claiming local bragging rights at Mansfield Town.
The Magpies have played the Stags twice this season, losing to them in a League Two clash right at the start of the season but then clinching a 3-1 win in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Cooper said: "It would be nice to give the fans something to smile about. They've been really good since I've been here. It would be good to give them a lift and a good result against Mansfield would do that.
"They will be coming in their numbers and you always want your fans' backing away from home – they always seem to be louder. I am sure it will be a really good atmosphere.
"The first thing you have to do is compete. You have to match the opposition's work rate.
"But the players have to be calm and realise that the team which deals with the occasion the best, usually comes out on top.
"It's about playing the game, not the occasion. You don't want to be taken in by the hype, it's about going to do a job."
Can Notts County get the better of Mansfield? Share your thoughts with Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the discussion.
Joe Jones

Mark Cooper says "everybody" connected to Notts County deserves credit for unbeaten run

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has praised "everybody" for conjuring up a four-game unbeaten run that saw the Magpies secure Football League safety.
Jon Stead’s goal was the difference between Notts and Hartlepool United on Tuesday, while Liam Noble struck to ensure victory over Stevenage at the weekend.
Prior to that, Cooper’s charges drew 2-2 at Northampton Town and claimed a goalless draw over Wycombe Wanderers.
The former Swindon boss said: "The credit has to go to everybody – the staff, the players and the supporters. They've all got together and we are there as one. That's the only way it can go to get success."
Discussing the Pools game, he added: “Our decision making, the weight of the pass, the option of the pass, the runs the forwards we were making were wrong and that's something we need to get right, but the effort, commitment and organisation was there."
Who deserves the most credit for Notts County's resurgence? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Mark Cooper wants to keep Liam Noble at Notts County

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has pledged to try and keep Liam Noble at the club if he is appointed on a permanent basis this summer.
The midfielder scored his 10th goal of the season in the 1-0 win over Stevenage on Saturday to give the ex-Swindon Town boss his first win at the Magpies helm.
Noble, however, is out of contract in the summer and is said to be attracting interest from Cambridge United and Portsmouth.
Cooper, whose side secured their Football League status with a 1-0 win over Hartlepool United on Tuesday, said: "The club needs to keep players like Liam because he can turn a game on its head like he did on Saturday.
"He's done it on more than one occasion this season and when you are talking about creativity in the final third, he has got that.
"There will be times he gets space and blasts it over the bar, but the next time he gets it, he will put it in the top corner.
"If I am going to be here, then I would love him to stay."
Do you want to see Noble in a Notts shirt next season? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Match Report: Notts County record consecutive home wins after beating Hartlepool

Notts County have secured their League Two status with five games to go as they recorded their second home win in a row, beating Hartlepool United 1-0 in Tuesday's clash at Meadow Lane.
Both sides were quick off the starting blocks in the first half as the visitors forced a corner after just two minutes, while Notts threatened through Jon Stead and Liam Noble, the former nearly nodding a ball into the path of Izale McLeod but being thwarted by a defender, while the latter came close with a free kick.
Noble came close again in the 37th minute, moments after Hartlepool threatened with an effort that Scott Loach had to save with his legs - ultimately neither side could break the deadlock in the first half.
Mark Cooper's side were the brighter attacking force after the restart as Wes Atkinson and McLeod came close in the opening minutes of the second half, and 53 minutes in, the breakthrough finally came courtesy of Stead, who finished off a pullback from Elliott Hewitt.
The Magpies had to withstand a dangerous flurry midway through the second half as Loach saved from Rob Jones and Noble cleared off the line from the resulting corner, but in the final stages the hosts had the upper hand and were able to see the game out.
What did you think of the performance and result? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Half Time Report: Goalless between Notts County and Hartlepool

Tuesday's League Two clash between Notts County and Hartlepool United at Meadow Lane is goalless at the break. 
The visitors won an early corner, which came to nothing, and before long Mark Cooper’s side got into the game and threatened through Jon Stead, whose early header at the back post was blocked before it could get to Izale McLeod, plus several efforts from Liam Noble.
Notts were solid at the back too, with Mike Edwards and Thierry Audel playing steadily and making sure several Hartlepool forays and half-chances were rendered harmless.
When Scott Loach was called into action, as he was in the 34th minute, he was steadfast in between the sticks and made sure his side would hang on to the clean sheet at half time.
In the 41st minute Rhys Oates burst into the box but his effort flew wide of Loach’s left-hand post as the half-time whistle blew on a scoreless scoreline. 
What did you make of the first half? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting th forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Preview: Notts County vs. Hartlepool United, Tuesday 12 April 2016

Notts County manager Mark Cooper is expected to have an unchanged squad for the visit of Hartlepool United in Tuesday's League Two clash at Meadow Lane.
It was thought that Curtis Thompson might return to contention after missing the home win against Stevenage at the weekend through injury, but Cooper said at his pre-match press conference on Monday that the midfielder will remain sidelined.
Long term absentees Blair Adams and Will Hayhurst both remain out and are unlikely to play again this season.
Tuesday's visitors are expected to make a number of changes to his line-up after their Football League status was confirmed on Saturday.
Pools claimed a 5-2 victory at Morecambe on Saturday and are now 16th in League Two, 18 points ahead of second-bottom York City.
That means manager Craig Hignett could use the remaining games to rotate his squad with a view to next season and the likes of defenders Dan Jones, Scott Harrison and Michael Duckworth, midfielders Josh Laurent and Brad Walker and striker Rakish Bingham could get a run-out.
Hignett, whose side have lost just once in their last nine matches, is also monitoring the fitness of top scorer Billy Paynter as well as Matthew Bates and Jake Carroll.
Can Notts secure their Football League status with a win over Hartlepool? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Meet the Fans 15/16 - Stevenage FC

Mark Cooper secured Notts County's first home win of 2016, and first under his reign, as a much improved magpies' score late goal against Stevenage.

Jon Stead volleyed home for magpies' in the first half, however his spectator effort was ruled offside.

Stevenage's Fraser Franks produced their best best chance of the game from Chris Whepldale's free-kick, but Notts keeper Scott Loach saved superbly. With time running out, Liam Noble rifled into the corner from the edge of the area to give County the points.

The defeat left Stevenage 22nd in the table, but nine points clear of the relegation places with five games remaining, while County climbed to 18th.
Don't forget to subscribe to PrideofNottinghamTV | Also, please share, like and comment on the video. Your support is appreciated - You Pies!
Chris

Liam Noble glad to help Notts County to first home win of 2016

Notts County midfielder Liam Noble has expressed his joy at helping his side to their first home victory of 2016 by scoring the winner against Stevenage on Saturday.
The former Sunderland man curled home with just 11 minutes to go of the League Two clash at Meadow Lane to all but secure survival for the Magpies.
Noble also said he was glad to send the Notts fans home happy after weeks of poor performances and results.
He told reporters: "It was a massive win. When the gaffer came in, the Portsmouth game was dreadful really, but we did have chances. We then should have beaten Wycombe as well and then likewise against Northampton.
"But I would have been devastated if we had only taken a point against Stevenage because I thought we battered them. I thought we played really well, but just needed to be a bit more clinical in the final third.
"The lads at the back kept a clean sheet, but it was the lads up front who didn't do it as we should have won by three or four. We'll take the blame for that.
"The fans pay good money to come and watch the lads run around and give all they've got. If we do that and even if we get beat, I am sure they will clap us off.
"But it's brilliant to get the win for them and send them home happy for the weekend. I just hope they will come again on Tuesday and support us against Hartlepool."
Will you be at Meadow Lane for the game against Hartlepool? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Ray Trew breaks Twitter silence to reveal Notts County takeover bid details

Notts County owner Ray Trew has revealed more details regarding the imminent takeover of the club, stating that two concrete offers are being considered and should be finalised in the coming days.
Writing on Twitter for the first time in three years on Saturday, the Magpies owner says a UK hedge fund and an Asian corporation are racing “to the finish line”.
Trew wrote: "A phoenix has risen from the ashes after a three year exile to address some of the nonsense that's being banded about on here and other forums.
"To set the record straight, there are two serious buyers left in the hunt. All other buyers have been discarded.
"One of the buyers is a UK hedge fund and the other is a large corporation from Asia.
"Both have met my asking price and now it’s a race to the finish line. I expect an announcement will be forthcoming in days rather than weeks."
Share your thoughts on Trew's comments by signing up to Pride of Nottingham, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Liam Noble scores winner against Stevenage to give Notts County first home win of 2016

Notts County have finally managed to give their fans a long overdue win after overcoming Stevenage 1-0 in their League Two clash at Meadow Lane, with Liam Noble’s sumptuous curling strike giving Mark Cooper his first victory as Magpies manager.
The hosts fashioned the first chance of the game five minutes in, when Ronnie Henry forced a block from a Noble effort, while at the other end Chris Whelpdale dragged his shot wide of Scott Loach’s near post after finding space just inside the box on the quarter-hour mark.
Mike Edwards was next to threaten in the 20th minute, but despite leaping and getting his head onto a free kick, the ball flew wide.
Notts succeeded in getting the ball into the Stevenage net not once, but twice in the first half, but both Jon Stead’s impressive volley and Adam Campbell’s one-on-one finish were overruled by the linesman’s flag.
The second half saw large periods of stop-start play and plenty of boos from the home fans as referee Mark Heywood took to using his whistle quite freely, mostly to penalise the Notts players.
Despite the ref’s whistle-happy demeanour and the stubborn Stevenage defence standing in the Magpies’ way, they succeeded in breaking the deadlock 79 minutes in after Noble gathered possession just inside the box and curled the ball home into the far corner to give his side the win – their first at Meadow Lane of the calendar year.
The result sees Notts climb to 18th in League Two with 45 points from 40 games – 15 points clear of York City, with 30 points from 41 games, and Dagenham & Redbridge, with 28 points from 40 games.
It is unlikely that either of those two will win every single remaining game and overturn their inferior goal difference to drag Notts back into relegation worries, but to be completely safe, the Magpies just need two more points from their next six games to ensure that they mathematically cannot finish in the bottom two.
What did you make of the game and the result? Share your views with Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Rob Milsom: 'Notts County must finish this season strongly and aim for promotion next year'

Notts County midfielder Rob Milsom has urged his side to finish the season strongly and build towards promotion in 2017.
The Magpies - and their long-suffering fans - have endured a wretched season comprising of multiple managerial changes, the club being put up for sale, a combination of public fallouts among various elements of the club, and many abysmal performances on the pitch which has put the team among the bottom five of the entire Football League.
"It's not just a dead end to the season because there are players who are out of contract and will want to earn them," said Milsom.
"Okay, maybe there is not so much to play for in the league, but personally there is and especially working towards next season.
"What goes on at the back end of this season is going to carry on into next and we want to give the fans hope for next season.
"If they can see a huge improvement now and then achieve what we set out to do this season – which is challenge for promotion – then they will be happy."
Will Notts get promoted back to League One before the end of the decade? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Stat Attack: Notts County vs. Stevenage FC, 9 April 2016

Notts County and Stevenage FC have only ever met eight times, the first meeting coming on 17 September 2011 at Broadhall Way (known as the Lamex Stadium) - the result on that day was 2-0 to the Magpies.
Our head-to-head record is pretty simple: four wins for Notts, four wins for Stevenage, no draws. Our last two games have both resulted in wins, the last meeting taking place earlier this season.
Stevenage in their current form have only been in existence since 1976, but there have been numerous incarnations of the club that stretch back over a century.
A club called Stevenage FC was formed in 1894, but they soon adopted the name Stevenage Town.
In 1951 the club were founder members of the Delphian League. In 1956 they merged with Stevenage Rangers to form Stevenage FC, before reverting to Stevenage Town four years later.
They had some success in the Southern League but folded in 1967, after which Stevenage Athletic were created in their place a year later. This incarnation again knocked about in the Southern League but went bankrupt in 1976.
This brings us to Stevenage Borough, formed shortly after Athletic's demise, and this time they managed to prosper and work their way up the leagues until finally reaching the Football League in 2010, at which point they took the whole thing full circle by dropping the Borough from their name and becoming Stevenage FC.
Despite their relatively short history, Stevenage have won a number of trophies and competitions, including two FA Trophy cups in 2007 and 2009.
The Lamex Stadium holds 6,722 people, 3,142 of which can be seated. To put it into perspective, three full houses at Stevenage could fit into the Meadow Lane stands with 45 seats to spare.
The highest attendance recorded at the stadium was 8,040 for a match against Newcastle United in the FA Cup fourth round on 25 January 1998. A temporary stand was erected behind the away end to increase the stadium capacity to 8,100, enough to satisfy FA requirements.
Two films were set in and around Stevenage: "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush" and "Boston Kickout". "Spy Game" was partly filmed in Stevenage but set in Washington DC.
A number of famous sporting figures were born in Stevenage, the most notable of which are Lewis Hamilton, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Young, Ian Poulter, Kevin Phillips and Jason Shackell.
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Notts County manager Mark Cooper is facing somewhat of an injury crisis for his side's League Two clash against Stevenage FC at Meadow Lane, as he will be missing Curtis Thompson, Rob Milsom, Graham Burke, Blair Adams and Will Hayhurst.
After Izale McLeod's lively performance as a substitute at Northampton Town, the ex-Swindon Town boss could decide to slot him back into the starting XI.
Striker Greg Luer is a doubt for Stevenage after going off with a knock in Tuesday's goalless draw with Yeovil Town, which has left Boro 10 points clear of the drop zone with six games to go.
Byron Harrison recovered from illness to replace Luer and could start again, while midfielder Chris Whelpdale made his first appearance since Boxing Day following a groin problem and could also start.
Midfielder Keith Keane missed the Glovers game with a knock and could again be a doubt, while Steven Schumacher and Dave McAllister are long-term absentees.
Predict the scoreline and scorers for the League Two clash between Notts County and Stevenage by signing up to Pride of Nottingham, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Mark Cooper calls for Notts County fringe players to step up amid injury crisis

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has bemoaned his side’s injury crisis ahead of their League Two clash at home to Stevenage, but has called on the side’s fringe players to step up.
Curtis Thompson is struggling with an ankle injury picked up at Northampton Town, while Rob Milsom is struggling with a problem in his left knee and Graham Burke is also out of action.
Cooper said: "We are struggling injury wise. But it gives somebody else an opportunity.
"I've never been one to moan about injuries. It's a big squad so there are players in there who will have an opportunity.
"It is frustrating, but it's football. You've got to come up with solutions.
"That's what we have tried to do this week. We had hoped Curtis might make it, but I don't think he will.
"Rob declared early doors that he wasn't right, so we will have to change a couple of players.
"You can look at it either as a positive or a negative. It could bring freshness because somebody will get an opportunity to show for six or seven games they are worth a new deal."
Who should come into the Notts squad against Stevenage? Share your opinions with Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Mark Cooper: 'Notts County have desire but give possession away too cheaply'

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has claimed his side “give possession away too cheaply” and need to work on controlling games better.
Since taking over at Meadow Lane, the ex-Swindon boss has transformed his side within a matter of days, with promising performances against playoff-chasing Wycombe Wanderers and League Two leaders Northampton Town that led to draws.
Cooper said: "In terms of the players' will to win and their desire, I am pleased, but we have to be better in terms of controlling a game.
"We give possession away much too cheaply. At times we surrender possession when there is absolutely no need.
"If you are going to lump it, then at least lump it into an area where it's not going to come back straight at you. I have lots of work to do on that."
Notts take on Stevenage this weekend. Can they win? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the site, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Notts County winger Will Hayhurst reflects on "toughest season" of his career

Notts County winger Will Hayhurst has claimed that his experience of recovering from two broken legs as a Preston youth player has helped him mentally overcome the "toughest season" of his career.
The 22-year-old has not played a competitive game for the Magpies this term after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Carlton Town in pre-season.
Hayhurst told local media: "If I hadn't had those injuries I wouldn't have realised what it takes and how you can come back from one like this.
"The first leg break was easy to overcome because it was my first serious injury and I knew I would come back fitter and stronger.
"But the second break was harder, knowing I would have to go through the same routine again having worked so hard to get back.
"Having that experience has helped though, and I've done a lot of psychology work that I think has benefited me as well.
"It can be difficult being away at the gym every day, away from the lads. You do get the lads in and out with little injuries, but when they are fit in a few weeks and you're still going it's tough.
"But to be fair the lads, they have been brilliant with me, the more time you have around them, the easier it is to get through it all."
Hayhurst arrived at Meadow Lane in January 2015, but is out of contract in the summer.
Will Hayhurst play again for Notts County? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Report: Notts County to be sold this week

The sale of Notts County is close to completion and could even be announced by the end of the week, according to reports.

Current Magpies owner Ray Trew put the club up for sale at the end of February, and according to the Nottingham Post, talks with the purchasing party have progressed over the last few days to the point that the sale is imminent.

Businesspeople and consortiums from Denmark, China and the United States have all been linked with Notts over the last few weeks, as has local businessman Alan Hardy, the chief executive of the Paragon Group and the only bidder to make his interest public.

Trew has owned the club since 2010, after he bought it for a nominal fee of £1 following the Munto debacle.
Do you think the club will change hands this week? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Thierry Audel: “We want to enjoy the rest of the season”

Notts County defender Thierry Audel has admitted that his side have had an awful season, but is hoping to at least finish on a high and enjoy the final few games.

The Magpies were expected to challenge for promotion, but after 39 matches they sit in the bottom division’s bottom five, although they are 13 points clear of the bottom two.

They are also on their third manager of the season in Mark Cooper, having previously sacked both Ricardo Moniz and Jamie Fullarton.

"I am not the gaffer, but now we will take it game by game and try to enjoy it because it has been a tough season," Audel said.

"We started the season well and we had a lot of belief. But the players and the fans have been disappointed how the season has gone from month by month."
Where will Notts finish this season? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Northampton manager says Notts County have been "badly managed"

Northampton Town manager Chris Wilder has claimed that Notts County’s poor league position this season is because they have been badly managed throughout the campaign.
More than six thousand Cobblers fans crammed into Sixfields on Saturday in the hope of sealing promotion to League One, but the Magpies – now 20th in the table – fought back from Ricky Holmes' opening strike to lead through Thierry Audel and Jon Stead, with 2-2 the final score.
"I thought we played well," Wilder said. "(Notts) were tough opposition shape-wise and have good players who've been badly managed this year with the likes of Stead, Izale McLeod and Liam Noble.
"They've played at a good level and sometimes when you go away from home against a team who's about to be promoted, you don't want it to be against you."
Where would Notts be had Mark Cooper taken over directly from Ricardo Moniz? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Notts County produce impressive performance to hold Northampton Town to 2-2 away draw

Notts County have held table-topping Northampton Town to a 2-2 draw in Saturday’s League Two clash at Sixfields, Thierry Audel and Jon Stead bagging the goals for the Magpies.
The hosts were first to threaten as Ricky Holmes' cross found Marc Richards before the loose ball was struck towards goal, but Scott Loach was able to make the save.
Mark Cooper’s side enjoyed the odd foray into the Cobblers’ final third but the home team was on top in the opening stages, Nicky Adams coming close on the quarter-hour mark.
Northampton then went on to take the lead 32 minutes in when Holmes struck a clean volley past Loach, sending the Sixfields crowd wild.
Their joy lasted just four minutes because the Magpies pushed forward, with Liam Noble sending a header towards goal, and despite Smith’s save, Audel persevered to get to the ball and nod home.
After the restart Notts threatened through Noble’s corner to Stead, which was blocked en route to goal, while 54 minutes in the latter felt the visitors should have had a penalty, though this was denied.
Stead did eventually win a penalty midway through the second half after he was bundled in the Cobblers box, and he chose to take it himself, powering the ball into the roof of the net.
Just a few minutes later, however, Northampton won a spot kick of their own, which Holmes – who won the penalty – slotted down the middle to make it 2-2.
This is how the game finished, Notts fans in high spirits and voices at the final whistle to praise their side for another impressive performance, while Northampton's promotion champagne had to be put on ice.
What do you think of the game? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Half Time Report: All square between Notts County, Northampton Town

Northampton Town and Notts County are playing out a 1-1 draw in Saturday’s League Two clash at Sixfields.
The hosts were first to threaten as Ricky Holmes' cross found Richards before the loose ball was struck towards goal, but Loach was able to make the save.
Mark Cooper’s side enjoyed the odd foray into the Cobblers’ final third but the home team was on top in the opening stages, Adams coming close on the quarter-hour mark.
Northampton went on to take the lead 32 minutes in when Holmes struck a clean volley past Loach, sending the Sixfields crowd wild.
Their joy lasted just four minutes because the Magpies pushed forward, with Liam Noble sending a header towards goal, and despite Smith’s save, Audel persevered to get to the ball and nod home.
What do you think of the game so far? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Pride of Nottingham: PONcast Episode 22

Hello and welcome to episode 22 of the Pride of Nottingham PONCast, the number one Notts County podcast.
In this episode we look at Jamie Fullarton’s departure as Magpies manager and the appointment of ex-Swindon boss Mark Cooper.
We also discuss comments made by Liam Noble over the old manager, assess the impact of Mike Edwards, and much more.
Remember you can subscribe to our PONcast.
You can do so by using iTunes for IOS devices, downloading any of the main podcast apps from the Google play store or even listen to show using the TuneIn Radio app.
As always, let us know your thoughts on this week’s PONcast on the forum or on the Facebook page, and once again, thank you for joining us.
--
The Pride of Nottingham PONcast - back with a vengeance!
Episode 22 features the departure of Jamie Fullarton and arrival of Mark Cooper, an interesting revelation from Liam Noble, the impact of Mike Edwards, and plenty more.
Regular playback (including direct download).
Website
http://poncast.co.uk/
Be a part of our community if you're not already - Join Us | Also, don't forget to subscribe to PrideofNottinghamTV - Here.
Chris

Notts Joe: 'I hope toxicity leaves Notts County for good'

Like so many Notts County fans, I had big hopes for the 2015/16 season. I generally do get ‘excited’ at the start of any season, but this time round things felt different. Pre-season we seemed to be building a robust squad, unlike previous years – Ricardo Moniz took to assembling a squad, which at face value had a lot of character.
The arrival of so many unknown players really gave the spark to light up my hopes because they looked technically very good, albeit against lower non-league opposition at first.
However, for me the captures of Graham Burke and Adam Campbell really impressed.
Seeing Notts having signed two youngsters, who I was well aware, had potential really gave me more encouragement – whilst the arrival of Scott Loach announced at the Carlton friendly felt somewhat surreal, as it meant Notts would have two solid keepers, who within their own rights would be fit to start as a regular no.1 for most teams above League Two.
I headed to Stevenage at the beginning of the season with so much confidence for the year ahead; I never once felt that by this stage Notts would be sitting on 41 points, glued to 19th place and with the real possibility that they could slip further down.
However, despite the two previous campaigns ending in a fair amount of disappointment – the confidence of a new start really did resonate with me.
I should probably acknowledge at this point, it did take some initial time to process the fact we ended up being related back to fourth division of English football. However, the way seasons turn out is something which I do accept – It’s the passion and pride of supporting a lower tier club, one which the ‘local roots’ hold a firm grip with my family that I cherish.
So, back to Stevenage. Where did it all go wrong?
I left the game feeling very entertained, having witnessed Notts produce some of the best football I had done for years.
Yet somewhere along the lines (and I believe our home defeat to Mansfield didn’t help) the pride and togetherness of the players disappeared – as did the performances. Matters only made worse by the departure of Moniz and the arrival of Jamie Fullarton.
Whether certain players found it difficult to cope with expectations, I am unsure. If the fact we weren’t winning every other game or really contending for promotion put others off – I don’t think it makes much difference but from a point of view from the fan.
Rewinding back, you really can see how the 2015/16 campaign really unravelled before our very eyes.
I suspect it’s a combination of ‘confidence’, ‘expectations’, ‘disappointment’ and to a degree both prior managers making poor uninformed decisions when it came to their squad selections.
I’m just pleased that under Mark Cooper some of the positivity has been restored, as I will openly admit I have felt extremely uninspired during Jamie Fullarton’s reign. It’s with that I hope the turmoil and ‘toxicity’ (a word I heard a lot of around Meadow Lane during that period) doesn’t return, that we may finally be able to push on and secure a bright future eventually. Whilst talk of next season seems ‘bleak’ when there are so many unknowns, I am fully committed to fight for the love of the team I support.
Like Joe Jones, I find myself wanting to end the current campaign and for the next to begin. But I want us to try and do it the right way.
Chris

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