TheSkipper

Of all the players Notts County have within their squad, it’s often the youngsters who are referred to as being the key in order to survive the drop from League Two. In January, the club reinforced itself with the arrivals of Jorge Grant, Marc Bola, Josh Clackstone and Tahvon Campbell. However, it was the arrival of experienced veteran striker Shola Ameobi that captivated the fans' excitement the most. I value the experience that players of Ameobi’s quality bring. Mark Stallard mentioned on BBC Radio Nottingham that Ameobi has the quality to help, noting that the frontman may not be in the prime of his career but if he can regain match sharpness there is no doubt just how significant his arrival would be. Having the likes of Ameobi, Kevin Nolan and Alan Smith on our books as players, individuals who have competed at the highest level and had the careers they've had, does look naturally impressive. They process the right type of knowledge, which is beneficial to a club that is lacking leaders on the pitch, especially one that is in a relegation battle. One thing which struck me recently as I watched Notts play, we tend to be almost one-dimensional and it’s only the senior players who try to overcome this issue. The only exception has been the return of Curtis Thompson, who is a true grafter, yet position-wise, during our own attacks, players are often unsupported and this limits the chances that can be created. Ameobi has gotten stuck in, with another veteran player Mark Yeates currently failing to make any sort of impression for the most part of the minutes in which he has featured. A few good dead balls doesn’t make up for much, yet even he could be a pinnacle player and if Michael O’Connor, Richard Duffy and Robert Milson continue to step up, perhaps it will only be a matter of time for Yeates? I am unsure how much of a part the inexperienced players can play in our survival, Jordan Richards does seem to be a great young player but nowhere near first team standards. However, I am dead certain that the veterans at the club can contribute when it truly matters. The depth looks to be the right balance for survival and I am convinced we have more than enough in order to achieve that. It may be unpopular to suggest seeing Alan Smith, however he can make the odd cameo appearance and provide some real grit in the bulk of midfield. Nolan at this stage must continue to identify the players that can affect and change games, critics may argue that Smith doesn’t have any future as a player. They may argue that Yeates and Jon Stead are both past it, however Notts do look much better with them around. Survival will go down to who is the most prepared, so having a squad which is highly unpredictable, full of experience, and eagerly awaiting youngsters who can make an impact when required. I would hope that the defence, along with Richard Duffy, continues to impress, with Thierry Audel looking all the more like a new signing for the club. It does appear that Nolan does have the right types of headaches when it comes to his selection, with a surprising comeback against Exeter City. It does show that the players are responding to the training and are well aware of the importance these games have on the future of the club. Share your thoughts about this article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

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.