With McFaul & Riley being 2 of our best players on Monday, surely it is now time for Billy to show some faith in youth.

In my first article for the Editor's Column since Stevo & Loakesy departed I ask the question: Why doesn't Billy play more youngsters?

It seems a mystery to me as to why he doesn't, especially as our squad may never be as small (assuming we are bought by the Pavis consortium) & also, that Billy consistently threatens to bring in they youngsters but never seems to carry out his threat.

Paul Riley- has shown good potential

With Shane McFaul the latest youngster to grace Notts' first team & show his potential it really does add to the argument that the youngsters should play more.

Paul Riley also impressed Saturday, hinting that maybe he should have replaced Nicholson earlier, with Notts' regular left back looking badly off form of late.

The two youngsters that impressed so much last season, Willis Francis & Shaun Harrad, have made just one appearence between them this season, with Francis coming on as a substitute on the opening day defeat at Bristol City.

There is a rumour going around that Billy & Willis have had a tiff over Willis' lack of first team opportunities & it seems something must have gone on, with Francis again being ignored on Monday's game.

I would also suggest that if the 2 men have had a disagreement then it is Billy's responsibility to put it to one side as, for me, Willis has every right to wonder why he has not been given more first team chances.

Shaun Harrad hasn't even been named as a substitute in any of Notts' league games or in any of the pre-season friendlies.

Fan favourite?

If he doesn't get a chance in the upcoming weeks, with Stallard out injured & Heffernan suspended then Harrad may have to wait until next season to make another appearence.

Whatever has happened no one can argue that Francis, Riley, Harrad or McFaul have let the team down when given their chance & maybe that proves that more should be given a go.

Another thing that baffled me this week was people frequently chanting for Tony Hackworth to come off the bench on Monday.

Now, don't get me wrong i'm all for Notts fans getting behind their team & individual players but I just felt I'd missed something when it appeared Hackworth has become a massive fan favourite, can someone please update me??

Whoever plays lets hope we get a result (or at least a goal!) this Saturday away at Barnsley.

You Pies!

rob@nottscounty-mad.co.uk