TheSkipper

Michael O’Connor for me was the standout signing at the start of the season. As a player, he looked to have all the right qualities that Notts would require. However, for the most part of this 2016/17 season, he has been nothing short of average. I believe the recruitment at the club at the time had identified a player very much capable of being a fan favourite. Whilst the decision to name O’Connor as the captain did seem to be a good call, I would say that in hindsight it has lumbered the Northern Irish midfielder with additional pressure. He’s not an experienced head within the Notts camp, where too many players have largely gone missing. It may have been wiser to name Jon Stead the captain, yet to say this season we aimed to sign “leaders” on the pitch, Notts really don’t have many other suitable candidates. The captain [or Skipper as I prefer] must have the ability to drive other players forward, they’re the inspiration in the starting 11, the player that others look up to and demonstrates a never dying attitude. There’s been no better leader during my time of supporting Notts than Neal Bishop, even when Notts looked out of games, Bish would lead the squad to the best of his ability. As a footballer, he introduced the hard-working ethic that won over many fans. His ability as a player may have been limited, yet he had many other defining qualities that made him the perfect candidate, none more so than the sheer desire to give 100 percent. He picked others up, offered the type of personal pride that goes along way and that respect of the Notts shirt is a rare asset. O’Connor could very well redefine himself under Kevin Nolan - his performance against Crawley Town was one of his better appearances. I would like to see him communicating with his teammates more, ensuring that we attacked games and actually moved forward when possible. His encouragement to anyone who may be struggling may offer the togetherness that the 2016/17 squad lacks. You have to lead by example, something I do not feel O’Connor has been doing. Yet I wouldn’t question his dedication, more his performance and attitude to work on improving on the field. Hopefully as I have mentioned we will see a different player under Nolan, there is no denying what skills and assets he can bring, the question is will he? I think he may be one of the players who will largely improve next season, provided he stays around long enough. If he focuses more on preparing for games rather than what he is doing on social media, gives 100 percent and tries to impress in the right way. He can help to keep Notts in this division, and I am interest in seeing him alongside Nolan. If they, as a pair can offer a partnership that benefits the strikers and defenders, we may turn the season around without the help of signings made on deadline day. Yet Mark Yeates, Jorge Grant and Marc Bola all seem excellent captures, so really it’s a suitable time for Notts to find its leader on the pitch. Whilst I don’t think Michael may be anywhere near our worst player, I wouldn’t name him as someone who isn’t replaceable and as a captain I really do feel this shouldn’t be the case. Notts have some key games to play in the coming weeks, like Cheltenham Town and later Leyton Orient. These are all must win games and the inspired O’Connor that took the field against Crawley Town, helping to seal the second home victory of the season, would be like having a new signing within its own right. Share your thoughts about this article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.