Chris

There were certainly alarm bells ringing in my head four games into the season, with Notts County losing three and drawing one in all competitions. After the first home game, I found myself feeling much like everyone else I spoke to and the phrase ‘It’s the same old Notts’ was mentioned multiple times. Game number five, however, saw the Magpies finally claim a win which instantly brightened up the mood and ended the unwanted continuation from the monstrosity that was the 2015-16 campaign. There is certainly something promising about John Sheridan and of course his additions to the squad. Before the season started, upon hearing the news that Jon Stead was reportedly attracting interest, I wasn’t that bothered. However, he is quickly proving his worth yet again and it’s vastly important that we form a new partnership up top – one that can not only impact on games, but also control them. It’s on this note that I feel I should highlight how I personally think Sheridan’s handling of Izale McLeod has only produced unnecessary tension. Most fans that know me or visit the Pride of Nottingham community will know just how much Izale frustrates me, but I don’t think his disclusion from the first team sends out the right message. It doesn’t say that those on the bench will be given a fair chance, nor do I feel it represents value in the £150k we paid for him last season. It’s almost like it was a decision to bring a sigh of relief to us fans, but really, it doesn’t – instead, I think that Sheridan should attempt to make the most of all options available to him. None more so than Genaro Snijders, who I, like many fans, believe that a good run could produce something quite exciting to watch. Plus, in recent press conferences, Sheridan has said that he’s looking to bring in pace on the wing. Perhaps making use of the fairly large squad would reap its rewards on a consistent basis? We should make each player fight for their position - let’s face it, there are some already who have earned a time out for failing to perform at a satisfactory level. However, it is important to keep a base and allow mistakes to be worked through – something I feel dearly cost Ricardo Moniz, who seemed to be able to fall out with virtually anyone and freeze them out instantly. It's good that we have our first win but, going forward, Notts need to be more consistent. We need to run at our opponents and not just play the ball around nicely across the centre of the park. Utilise the wing, play splitting cross-field passes – this might be the basement division of English football but we should strive for quality and I do believe we have the depth to play it. It’s just a case of finding it, yet Stanley Aborah’s new found role is exciting – can he be the man to unlock games? Meadow Lane needs to breed confidence and more importantly become somewhere we can get results, whilst the away games top our point tally up. Perhaps then we can progress and actually give this league a proper crack at gaining promotion? Come on you Pies!! What do you think about Notts Joe's views? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

I must admit that, when I heard the rumour that Notts County were keen to sign Louis Laing on loan, I sort of dismissed it. Why? Quite simply, I couldn’t see a return on the cards, despite the fact he appears to be out of favour at Scottish Premier League outfit Motherwell. However, he is the exact type of signing which instantly reassures fans and after a disappointing start to our 2016/17 League Two campaign, it’s a boost we needed. His performance against Hartlepool was nothing short of glorious. There’s no hiding, the Notts defence does have weaknesses and it’s becoming even more clear. The ‘silly mistakes’ made by various players reveal more of about how woeful the defending has been for the past three or more seasons. Yet we continue to see the focus on the ‘attack’, which we appear to have more than enough capable at League Two. Yet, it’s the defence where I had hoped to see further strengthening and if Haydn Hollis’s wish of going out on loan happens, John Sheridan must insure we have another quality centre-back ready to come into the first team. There’s no denying however just how much of an impact Laing can have for Notts over the course of his loan spell. His qualities are pretty known among our fan base, and his fearless style of defending and leading by example is something we have greatly missed. John Sheridan and the club have done very well just to get a defender of his quality to come back, let alone drop down to League Two, as I do feel he is good enough for League One. I now wish that Notts could sign Alan Sheehan as he would be a great addition alongside Laing at the back, as well as a defensive midfielder to shore up the back line. If Laing can indeed form part of the missing jigsaw puzzle, perhaps we can go from strength to strength. Yet it’s early days and I do not feel anyone should overly worry, and provided Notts continue to strive for better, the results should keep on coming. Share your thoughts about Louis Laing and about Notts Joe's piece on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.