Hello Mark. We think we've had a pretty frustrating transfer window at Notts, but things appear to have been even worse at Bournemouth. What's been going on?
Our success last season didn't go unnoticed and we expected bigger clubs to come calling, we're not big wage payers and are often seen as a stepping stone club. What we didn't expect was a mass exodus with only a couple of first choice players now remaining from last season. In addition to the couple of million received in sales there's been free agents walking out and retirements.
We've also found bringing in replacements hard, the club appear to have dithered for much of the summer leaving a mad scramble right in the last few days and indeed hours of the transfer window which proved fruitless. We've brought in only 4 new contracted players, which is hardly enough to replace all those departed. We've got some loans to fill the gaps, and have promoted youngsters up the pecking order. The result is a totally new team who don't know each other yet.
You had a fantastic season last year, whilst we struggled after we both came up the year before. What do you think was the key to your success last year?
The same ingredients that got us promoted - Eddie Howe's team ethic with players fighting for him and for each other. A side full of pace with a good balance. Added was a couple of quality additions last summer, and it made for a potent side.
Lee Bradbury certainly had a tough act to follow in Eddie Howe. How do you think he's done so far?
Howe is a massive act to follow. 'Bradders' started off brilliantly as he kept things ticking over from Howe, going 10 unbeaten. After a while the 'Howe' effect seemed to wear off and problems started appearing, ultimately we limped into the play-offs and people myself included questioned some of the team selections Bradbury was making. However our heroic showing in the play-offs showed just what Bradbury can do.
His job has been made incredibly difficult due to that entire team being decimated this summer, even the most experienced manager would find it tough let alone a new manager.
However more questions were raised in the summer regarding the positions of players he was looking at. Only one new centre back when 2 or 3 were required for example, but probably more midfielders than we needed. He also frustrates supporters through his substitutions in games, they're always about 20 minutes later than required! One thing we saw with Howe was decisiveness, if it wasn't working it would be changed immediately. But any criticism of Bradders has to be taken in the context that he's working in ridiculous circumstances.
With Danny Ings and Liam Feeney the latest players to leave, who would you say is your dangerman on Saturday?
Our striking options are looking limited, midfield is stronger. Harry Arter has bagged 3 from midfield already and new boy Shaun MacDonald is lively.
It's been a disappointing start to the season for you, from the outside at least. What are your expectations for this season?
Considering all the upheaval, simply surviving in the division has to be the bottom line, anything into midtable would be a bonus.
What do you see as the prospects for Notts this year?
Perhaps slightly better than last year, so less of a relegation battle and more into midtable.
Are there any players in our side that you're particularly worried about facing?
You can never discount Lee Hughes if he gets a chance. Bencherif could cause us problems in midfield.
Thanks. Finally, a prediction for Saturday's game?
Both teams have their problems, I can see a scrappy 1-1 draw.