Blink1862

The mood around the Notts camp at this moment in time must have taken a blow after losing three nil to Conference Premier side Grimsby Town, as it must be hard to accept a defeat even within the late stages of pre-season. After losing to Port Vale, Notts manager Ricardo Moniz spoke about simple things having effected Notts’ chance of winning the game. However, what struck me the most was these comments made by the man himself, “The loss against Port Vale was a big warning because we will play a lot of games like this next season”. I feel, the Port Vale game was not one we should have expected to win. Yet, the loss against Grimsby Town sends a far bigger warning, as optimism at his current stage seems to be dwindling. There can be no argument that against Port Vale, the substitutions affected the game, however much you weigh up, having lost to Grimsby is far worse. Pre-Season is very much a transition period, with sides getting fitness and tactics in place for the new season, but did Ricardo leave it too late to settle his squad down? I say this, as going into the final friendly against Scunthorpe United could have been much different, as it stands Notts have lost two back to back friendlies and the ambition for the season ahead seems to have damaged the famous black & white wheelbarrow once more. I mean, I am not personally concerned – I think it takes time for players to settle and friendlies do not always give a clear indication as to what fans can expect. Yet going into the League Two campaign having convincingly played throughout the pre-season, no doubt would have given Notts a boost going into the opening game against Stevenage. That said, Notts still have been playing quite well and were beaten by a very good Grimsby Town. At this stage, I think we should not dwell too much on the result, however bad it may seem. I do, feel the result was quite poor but at the end of the day, we can still be optimistic about the upcoming season. It leaves me with questions regarding the chosen tactics, whether or not; a central defender will make all that much of a difference because I feel we may be more offensive minded with the players introduced by Ricardo Moniz. If this is the case, I think we may have to employ some more defensive minded players and not just to bolster the defence. I would rather see this money rumoured to have been offered Craig Mackail-Smith, made available to sign a strong-minded midfielder who can play deeply behind the advanced players. Whilst a solid Centre Back would be a blessing right now, with perhaps another right back who is not prone to being caught napping. Notts have done well within the transfer window, as Ricardo Moniz had greatly strengthened the squad. On paper, regardless of the defeats we look strong. It is all about how we employ players and what they offer us going forward. We have to be spend more time revising our opposition, as the homework seems to have paid off for Grimsby but I do not think we will see many games like this during the 2015/16 campaign. So, let’s try to go into the only home friendly we have and lets show the new signings why WE ARE NOTTS COUNTY.

This upcoming season Notts must not forget the importance of playing at home, as last year’s abysmal record will no doubt prove, yet high-flying football clubs build their promotion form based on how they do in front of their own fans. Therefore, we must reflect this within our bid for promotion back to League 1 and find the right balance of players in order to do so. I have been to a number of games whereby the build up to the match adds to the interest of the game ahead and some clubs really do fortify the use of their home crowd who attend. This is something that, in my personal opinion, Notts fail to do. So, it’s not so easy for the club to just ask for the backing of the fans because they have to do something in order to warrant it. Having the squad warm up and train in front of the crowd is a way to get the players to lift the moment, yet it is on the field when and where it truly matters. Watching games at Meadow Lane can be extremely awkward, even against sides which are supposedly weaker than us. Having the right players will make a massive difference, as would players who represented themselves within the local community and around the actual supporters. It would go a long way, as the support is part of the key to the success and if we can go back to the days whereby we moved the ball forward, I am sure this would have supporters encouraging play by singing or making noise and not just repeatedly shouts from the guy behind informing fans nearby x player is a pile of (well I won’t say it). Only five of the 23 home games at Meadow Lane were won last season. 16 games in, Notts had already achieved the lonesome figure away from home. It was afterwards where form just went completely out of the window and it lead to our relegation back into League 2. Notts must put the relegation behind them; they must look to reuniting and firmly getting the victories, which will pave the way for fans to return to see the mighty magpies, rather than the attendance lowering each season. For a club which operates on the income generated by its supporters, they must not forget that home victories are what ultimately draws any interest into the football club. ---- If you would like to write for the Pride of Nottingham, either as a one of piece or more regularly, please get in touch by contacting us at [email protected]