A Stuart Maynard Notts Team? A Tactical Analysis.

Robbie · January 25

On 22/01/2024 at 17:00, Ohh Tommy Johnson said:

Looking at that video I tend to think he may be exactly what we need - a new perspective and ideas to tweak a system that has been very successful for us over the past few years.

I agree. The team only needs to have small tweaks, and Stuart is already working on it in training, according to what he said in his pre Barrow presser.

Robbie · January 25

On 22/01/2024 at 01:08, AmericanPie said:

It will be good if Stuart Maynard can rein in the defensive mistakes, but if his playing style is too similar, it might not be tactical changes we need but new defensive-minded centre backs. I'm sure he will be able to coach it out of the players eventually. The main thing is to build on our foundation and hopefully secure the playoffs.

Stuart was explaining in his pre Barrow press conference that the players had been working on small changes to the shape and the way they play to reduce pressure on the defence when the opposition gain possession. So I expect small tweaks on Saturday.

Robbie · January 27

I am looking forward to looking at the tactical changes and possible change of shape for the Barrow Match later today. I'm sure there will be lots to talk about afterwards.

Robbie · February 15

The Newport win on Tuesday was down to the hard work carried out by Stuart and his team with the players over the last few weeks.

The changes that we witnessed at Newport, clearly improved our defensive play not just at the back but all over the pitch. Our attacking threat wasn't compromised either. We look as much as a threat than we have been all season.

Stuart got the balance between attack & defence almost to perfection on Tuesday. Reverting to a back 4 with traditional full backs was a good move. The emphasis on a defensive midfield with Robertson holding, giving Jodi a freer role, putting Macaulay wide and Didzy up front worked very well.

There is more work to do, every game is different, each opponent will have different threats that we have to counter, but it does appear that Notts are looking a much solid all round side under Maynard.

Robbie · February 15

Brilliant podcast by Tom Williams reflecting on the win at Newport.

Robbie · February 16

Great analysis by Tom Williams.

Analysing the 4-2-3-1 against Newport.

CLick in the Link.

Great analysis by Tom Williams.

Analysing the 4-2-3-1 against Newport.

CLick in the Link.

Robbie · February 18

Useful Stats from the match against Wrexham

All the key match stats from yesterday’s defeat at Wrexham AFC .

Didn’t make the most of early chances and ended up paying the price. Despite seeing plenty of the ball, especially second half, it was the hosts who created more chances.

Robbie · February 20

Excellent stats regarding Scott Robertson.

Robbie · February 20

This is a very interesting article by Tom Williams related to tactics and how a team uses the "high press"

PPDA explained.

Robbie · February 27

The game against Sutton tonight is going to test Stuart's tactical acumen to the full.

Sutton are a strong, physical side that have several tall players and they are very direct in their style too.

They are going to test Notts's defence to the full and Notts need to be on thier game for full 100 minutes if the game goes on that long.

I've come to the conclusion that the game tonight isn't going to be an easy one. It is going to be very tense if the match is close going into the final quarter.

The Notts fans can make the difference tonight by shouting the roof off. We need to be that 12th man tonight for the team.

Robbie · August 1

So we are now very close to the start of the season. Stuart Maynard has nine new players to work with.

He also has two more players that have recovered from long term injuries

So Stuart has 11 players that he has never managed in a league game. That's half the squad.

So Stuart now owns the squad. The ghost of Luke Williams has finally departed. There are no longer any excuses. Stuart Maynard now has to deliver.

The pre season games where the new players have figured have been somewhat dissapointing.

Stuart has the decide, which players are in the starting eleven in the first match against Tranmere.

He also has to decide how Notts will line up. Will it be a back three with wingbacks or a traditional back four?

Will he have a three or four man midfield, two strikers or just one?

Lots of questions to be answered.

One thing is certain, Stuart has to mould this squad into a cohesive unit that will be competitive this season. Will he be successful or not. The first half a dozen games should reveal all.