Season ratings... The defenders

Last updated : 10 May 2008 By Paul Smith
Adam Tann

Appearances: 44
Goals: 1

Clean sheets when he played: 14
Best moment: Being given the captaincy on a permanent basis following the arrival of Ian McParland as boss.
Worst moment: A truly abysmal performance in the derby match with Mansfield Town at Field Mill. Allowed Michael Boulding, who he was meant to mark, to run riot and made plenty of errors as Notts went down 2-0.
Verdict: Tann has divided opinion on the NCM messageboard in a season in which he put in a number of excellent displays but mixed them in with a few costly errors, such as at Mansfield. Deserves credit for taking the captaincy when the chips were down, and was named staff Player of the Season as a result. A gritty campaign, with plenty of determination, but must concentrate more.
Rating: 7 (out of 10).

Lee Canoville

Appearances: 36
Goals: 0

Clean sheets when he played: 12
Best moment: A fine display in Notts' critical 1-0 home win over Accrington Stanley towards the end of the season.
Worst moment: Just a week later Canoville recieved a public lashing from boss Ian McParland for his part in Wrexham's winning goal as Notts' survival bid slipped.
Verdict: Well Canoville was this week released and there must be reasons why his contract hasn't been renewed. He was simply too error-ridden. When he was on form he had good attributes for a full-back; pace, power and determination. But he too often lapsed and made several goal-giving errors. Deserves credit for the good defensive record though considering he made 36 appearances.
Rating: 6

Mike Edwards

Appearances: 19
Goals: 1

Clean sheets when he played: 8
Best moment: Making a successful return from an horrific pre-season injury to complete 180 minutes of football unscathed in three days back in January.
Worst moment: Picking up a broken leg and dislocated ankle after an innocuous pre-season collision on Notts' Devon tour.
Verdict: Edwards was missed hugely in the first half of the season. Last year's Player of the Season was expected to have another starring role, and his return in January only served to show just how key a performer he is. In his nineteen games Edwards oozed class and was pivotal in the run-in as Notts' defence led the way to safety. Notts have to persuade him to sign a new deal.
Rating: 8

Guy Branston

Appearances: 1
Goals: 0
Clean sheets when he played: 0
Best moment: Getting withdrawn at half-time of his horror debut.
Worst moment: The whole 45 minutes he played for the club.
Verdict: Free agent Branston was snapped up to add experience, charisma and a 'voice' in the Notts defence but played just 45 minutes for the club in a showing that must go down as one of the worst ever witnessed from a single Notts player. Was at fault for a goal, was booked for a ridiculous challenge, fell out with the rest of the defence and was a general twit.
Rating: 0

Michael Johnson

Appearances: 12
Goals: 1

Clean sheets when he played: 6
Best moment: Finally scoring in the famous black and white shirt. After four years at Notts at the start of his career, with over 100 appearances Johnson never scored, but hit the winner as Notts beat Rochdale 1-0.
Worst moment: Scoring an own goal as Notts crashed 4-2 at play-off hopefuls Rochdale. Not totally his fault, but he didn't make it easy for keeper Russell Hoult.
Verdict: What is there to say about Johnson that hasn't already been said? His return was a masterstroke from McParland, and he epitomises all that is, or has been, good about the club. Was integral to Notts beating the drop, and getting him on a years deal for next season could already be the signing of the summer. Superb.
Rating: 9

Krystian Pearce


Appearances: 9
Goals: 1

Clean sheets when he played: 2
Best moment: Scoring his first ever professional goal to spark a comeback as Notts beat Shrewsbury 2-1.
Worst moment: Getting sent off, also for the first time in his short career so far, as the Magpies drew 1-1 at Dagenham & Redbridge.
Verdict: In his brief spell on loan from Birmingham, England youth international Pearce demonstrated his obvious talents that could see him become a Premiership star in the future. A very classy defender who provided a bright spark during the worst part of Notts' season.
Rating: 7

Stephen Hunt

Appearances: 39

Goals: 2
Clean sheets when he played: 10
Best moment: His superb diving headed goal to give Notts a derby day win over Chesterfield back in September.
Worst moment: A persistent pelvic injury that disrupted his season at various times especially towards the end meaning he couldn't always perform to his maximum.
Verdict: A lot was expected of Hunt following a fine debut season at the club last term where he built a solid defensive partnership with Edwards. Has perhaps not hit the heights expected on the whole this season, but has still performed admirably and kept up the signs that he could develop into a top defender.
Rating: 7

Austin McCann

Appearances: 23

Goals: 0
Clean sheets when he played: 5
Best moment: Securing a deal back in his native Scotland ready for next season as it became apparent that his Notts contract was unlikely to be renewed this summer.
Worst moment: It becoming apparent he had no Meadow Lane future as he fell to third choice left back.
Verdict: The tone of McCann's season was almost set from the very start when he lost the battle to start at left-back to Paul Mayo. He then flitted in and out of the squad, and started just 14 times without really covering himself in glory. A stop start season that ended as it always looked likely to - with a Meadow Lane exit.
Rating: 5

Paul Mayo

Appearances: 31
Goals: 0

Clean sheets when he played: 11
Best moment: Winning the pre-season battle to be regular left back for the start of the season with McCann.
Worst moment: Seemingly being deemed surplus to requirements when he was allowed to join League Two rivals Darlington on loan for a month.
Verdict: A weird first season for the former Lincoln City stalwart. Started impressively and was one of Steve Thompson's better summer signings, but his form dipped and he was made something of a scapegoat when McParland allowed him to join the Quakers. However, it revitalised him and an impressive month there paved the way for a return to Notts' starting eleven and he flourished again, performing with passion, and working hard to keep his place. Question marks remain however, particularly over his distribution which can be very poor.
Rating: 6