Inconsistent Parkinson starting to get in the groove

Last updated : 22 May 2007 By Paul Smith

Appearances: 48

Goals: 5

Season highlight: Notts' formation switch from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 saved Parkinson's season.

As a rigid left winger he looked out of sorts and incapable of showing the form he demonstrated in a loan spell under Gary Mills.

Willing worker... Parkinson shows his outstanding determination

However, moving further forward allowed him more time and space in the right areas to show his obvious abilities, and it heralded an upturn in form for both Notts and Parkinson.

Season lowlight: The former Tranmere ace has spent time on the substitutes bench following a loss of form, and this would rank as his biggest disappointment.

Considering the 27 year old attacker steered clear of injuries and suspensions, he could have been on for over 50 appearances, but his often questionable form got in the way of this.

Whenever he appeared from the bench however, he looked like a man with a point to prove - scoring against Torquay and changing the game as Notts beat his former club Grimsby Town 2-0.

Best game: The Liverpudlian was superb as Notts dumped Championship outfit Southampton from the Carling Cup but his most effective performance came when he replaced the injured Junior Mendes early in the 5-2 home win over relegated Torquay United.

After a shocking display a week earlier at Accrington Stanley, Steve Thompson dropped his summer signing to the bench but was forced to introduce him following Mendes' knock - and what a blessing it was.

Parkinson frightened the life out of the Gulls defence and scored the crucial third goal just before the break that effectively won Notts the match.

Aswell as that Parkinson created chance after chance and his direct dribbling and work ethic made for a pleasurable afternoon.

The only black mark was that fellow striker Lawrie Dudfield performed even better - beating him to the Man of the Match award.

The Mad verdict: Of all the summer signings, the capture of Parkinson was seen as Thompson's most encouraging by the Notts supporters.

However, minds were swiftly changed as Parkinson failed to begin his new life at Meadow Lane well.

Looking ahead... Parkinson will want to start better next time
Remembered as a goal getter and creator who excites the crowd, he showed no signs of that and appeared on the periphery of games despite Notts' good start.

His creative spark was found wanting, particularly when the Magpies hit a bad patch.

Always a willing worker, Parkinson should be commended for his determination and effort for the cause - and his form eventually picked up.

One of the players who didn't want the season to end considering he was looking at his frightening best as the business end drew in.

If he can find the form that saw him net at Hartlepool and Macclesfield in the last two away games of the season, and also saw him dominate games at times towards the end of the campaign, from the off next time, he could be one of the main men in Notts' expected promotion push.

He should be netting twice as many goals as he found this year, and will do that if played in a 4-3-3 where he certainly looked brighter.

Rating: 6/10