Still a fans favourite despite Piping down

Last updated : 09 May 2007 By Paul Smith

Appearances: 42

Goals: 0

Notts rejected Lambert's advances

Season Highlight: Notts showing their faith in his abilities by refusing a £100,000 plus transfer offer from Paul Lamberts Wycombe - a big offer considering Notts' still strained finances.

Season Lowlight: Being sent off at Accrington Stanley - his first ever professional red card. It may have been undeserved considering the challenge put in on him for him to retaliate but he consequently missed three important games for the Magpies.

Best Game: Wrexham (home). Performing as a right-winger, Pipe destroyed Wrexham's left side with some pacey and direct attacking. He played like he did on most occasions last season, with the Welsh outfit giving him too much room and not enough respect.

Getting to the by-line on several occasions and whipping in several dangerous crosses for the Notts forwards, Pipe created the second goal in the 2-1 win, blocking a Wrexham attack and counter-attacking before releasing Jason Lee to finish. Andy Parkinson got the earlier goal.

If his attacking exploits weren't enough Pipe was moved to right-back to shackle danger man Josh Johnson and he did that with some excellent last ditch tackles to prevent a draw.

The Mad view: After picking up the 'Supporters' Player of the Season' last year, Pipe was expected to be the main man again by the fans who adore his determination, love for the club and individual displays of brilliance.

Pipe remains an integral member of the team
Unfortunately, Pipe's displays over the duration of the season haven't quite lived up to the high expectations he set himself last time around.

It is hard to completely fathom why. Some say it is because he was in a lesser squad last time, others say his heart isn't as in it - particularly since Wycombe's interest became apparent - but the truth is probably that Pipe cannot be expected to perform to that standard every week, and he has played a more withdrawn role this time.

He remains one of the most crucial members of the squad, with his versatility and will to win. As one of the longest serving players he will always be in the majority of the fans hearts.

He performed solidly in the first half of the season but appeared to be affected by the speculation of him leaving despite his signing of a new two year deal last summer.

Excelling more as a right-back towards the end of the season, the best could yet be to come for the former Coventry man.

Rating: 7/10