Everybody knows the story of Notts on this site. Bad luck, poor management, crippling finances, poor passion and dwindling crowds. Notts fans have had it all over the years, particularly so in recent times.
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Usually though, it occurs in the start to the season on the field. Under Thordarson last season, Notts marched to the top of the table by the end of August, and remained inside the top eight through September. Eventually things petered right out and Notts were unsure of a position in League 2 even, as they went into the final day's play.
This season, under the guidance of former joint manager Steve Thompson, whose summer arrival was greeted with murmurs of discontent from fans remembering his previous, unsuccessful spell, Notts again started particularly brightly.
An opening day draw at Lincoln City has been confirmed as a valuable away point, such has been the brilliance of the Imps so far this campaign. Following that, Notts continued on an unbeaten fashion throughout August, with victory over Wycombe at Meadow Lane a particular highlight.
August also saw the start of Notts' incredible Carling Cup campaign. A visit to Championship side Crystal Palace in round one didn't offer much, particularly with a hard fought victory over Rochdale only three days previously. However, despite shuffling his pack, Thompson masterminded a fine 2-1 success courtesy of Lawrie Dudfield's first for the club, and Dan Martin. Better was to come later in the campaign in the same competition.
As September started, Notts sat in ninth place, with goal difference the only factor keeping the Magpies from a Playoff place. Goalscoring seemed to be the most potent problem, and that has been the case right up until now with a lack of outstanding contributor on the score sheet, but defensively Notts were performing heroics.
New signings Austin McCann, Dan Gleeson and Captain Alan White formed a successful back four alongside fans favourite Mike Edwards. With Kevin Pilkington also performing well, Notts secured six clean sheets in twelve league games, a good 50% record.
However, September was again most poignant for the huge Carling Cup win at the Riverside Stadium, home of recent winners, Premiership Middlesbrough. Despite fielding International stars Mark Viduka, Gaizka Mendieta and Robert Huth, 'Boro failed to find a way through what was on the whole, Notts' second string. Tcham N'Toya netted as yet his only Notts goal to silence Gareth Southgate's men and place Notts into the third round.
Ending the month with wins over Stockport and Torquay put Notts into a healthy sixth position, level on points with the third automatic promotion place. This put Thompson on course for Manager of the Month, though he lost out in the end to Hartlepool's Danny Wilson.
Fans were changing their opinion of Thompson and his players. His quickly assembled squad were earning rave reviews for being a side with a never say die attitude, including key personnel Matt Somner, McCann and last years Player of the season David Pipe. Other new signings making a name for themselves were Ian Ross, Junior Mendes and Stephen Hunt.
The game of October was set for Saturday the seventh. Away at Mansfield Town, a Nottinghamshire derby. In the proverbial game of two halves, the Stags dominated the opening 45, Danny Reet placing them 2-0 up at the break. A rollicking from ‘Thommo' at Half-Time inspired a second half fight back where goals from Edwards and Dudfield gave the travelling army much to smile about.
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However the big story of the month again arrived in the Carling Cup. A thrilling win over Championship Southampton at Meadow Lane, through Edwards and Lee, plus an outstanding performance from Notts' defensive unit, saw them progress to a deserved Quarter Final draw. A poor draw saw them have to face League 2 rivals Wycombe again at Meadow Lane. This is where the campaign ended, with a 1-0 defeat in front of the highest attendance of the campaign so far, with 7,395 watching.
Notts seemed to be shaking, and have been on a slide ever since. Straight out of the Fa Cup at Leyton Orient, beating Wrexham at home came just before defeats in the league to Walsall, Macclesfield and Hartlepool.
Saturday's important victory at rivals Darlington may have turned the corner, it needs to have, to prevent yet more unfulfilled optimism after such a good start.
Manager: Steve Thompson
League position (on December 20th 2006): 8th
Top goalscorer: Jason Lee on seven.
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Player of the season so far: There are quite a few candidates. Jason Lee has brought a mass of experience, and leads the scoring charts after some competitive displays. Austin McCann started extremely well dominating games from left back, but after the Wycombe game seems to have lost his way a bit. David Pipe continues to produce and Matt Somner has brought a commitment not seen for a while in the heart of midfield. However, Mike Edwards has been the most consistently high performer, helping Notts to eight league clean sheets and chipping in with four valuable goals. His desire and lack of mistakes make him the Player of the Season so far.
Most appearances: Mike Edwards (27)
Best away following: Lincoln City 1,860
Goals for: 28
Goals against: 24
Best league results: Wycombe at home. Junior Mendes' first half strike against the side who have since progressed into the Semi-Finals of the Carling Cup.
Darlington away. After a poor run of results, this win courtesy of a late Alan White header may return Notts to form.
Important fixtures to come: Sat 30th Dec, Swindon (away), Mon 1st Jan, Chester (home), Sat 3rd Feb, Lincoln (home), Sat 24th Feb, MK Dons (home), Sat March 10th, Mansfield (home), Fri 20th April, Hartlepool (away), Sat May 5th, Macclesfield (home).
Drapes' Prediction: A seventh placed finish which will be decided only in the last fortnight.
See the full league table tomorrow for Playoff winners!