Now for a promotion push

Last updated : 14 June 2007 By Paul Smith

Final position: 13th

Top goalscorer: Jason Lee (16)

Player of the season: Mike Edwards. The defender was rock solid all

Mike Edwards was imperious all season
season and his consistency is testament to his mental characteristics.

Never flustered, his concentration is superb and last season he marshalled the defence and was the outstanding member of the Notts squad always on hand to win his tackles, win his headers and put his body on the line.

Though goals dried up a bit, he was always a threat from set-pieces and improved the game of Stephen Hunt through his experience.

Hardly put a foot wrong and was the man with the most appearances on 50 and having only four bookings highlighted his concentration and defensive ability.

Other realistic candidates included top scorer Lee, Lawrie Dudfield for his unrivalled effort and contribution with assists and Stephen Hunt who was imperious in the second half of the season.

Most memorable league game: Notts produced arguably their best performance of the season as they defeated promotion chasing Lincoln City.

At the time the Imps had the best away record in the league and were gunning for automatic promotion.

In Jamie Forrester and Mark Stallard they had the divisions most potent front partnership and brought a huge 2,500 fans to Meadow Lane.

Notts on the other hand had won only twice in their previous eight games making the Imps clear favourites particularly with Notts' patchy home form.

Form went out of the window though as Notts produced a performance of top quality, fully deserving their 3-1 win and with claims that they could have had more fully justified.

It was arguably their best attacking game as they played the ball on the deck aswell as using the aerial qualities of Lee.

Jay Smith bagged the opener after Austin McCann's corner - and what a beauty it was smashed in from the edge of the area though it was too soon for the TV crew who missed the goal.

Lee and Dudfield had the score at 3-0 helped by Forrester's red card when Notts were one up.

A late Spencer Weir-Daley consolation wasn't enough to dampen Notts spirits, particularly with Kevin Pilkington in great form with a superb stop from a Scott Kerr penalty.

Defining moment: A 2-0 away defeat at Shrewsbury at the end of February was the realistic end of Notts' fading playoff aspirations.

That loss, courtesy of a poor, fightless performance and two horror individual mistakes by Kevin Pilkington put Notts eight points adrift and equally as importantly was the third game in an seven match winless streak at a critical time.

Though hopes were briefly raised with four wins on the bounce right at the end, the damage had been done - and against the side who nipped in at the end.

Highlight: The Carling Cup run brought most joy for Magpies fans.

Starting with a tricky tie away at Crystal Palace, Notts put out a side largely

Wycombe players celebrate joyously after cup win at Notts
made up of fringe players but shocked the Championship outfit with a 2-1 win courtesy of Dudfield and Dan Martin strikes.

The reward was harsh as they were again forced on their travels but they again defied expectations and playing with another largely fringe side beat Premiership Middlesbrough 1-0 with Mark Viduka, Gaizka Mendieta and Robert Huth all involved for Boro.

Southampton were sent packing 2-0 in round three before the run was poorly ended at home to Wycombe.

Lowlight: The exit to Wycombe left Notts fans sick in the mouth and especially so the site of their players celebrating wildly on the pitch at the end.

The prospect of glamorous opposition in the next round was seen as a reality when they were drew at home to a side in the same league who they had beaten already at Meadow Lane in the league.

Fans thought they'd do it but Notts were outfought and were forced to look on enviously as Wycombe beat Charlton and drew their semi-final first leg with eventual winners Chelsea.

If only.

The Mad verdict: A solid first season for Steve Thompson and his brand new squad.

At times it was felt Thompson was suffering particularly as Notts went long spells without wins.

The start was great and optimism was abound - particularly with the defence looking better than at any point over the last few seasons.

However some of the players buckled under the pressure and some didn't live up to the expectations.

It was an improvement on last time around but having been amongst the playoffs for the majority of the time fans thought the stall should have been more convincingly set out.

When Notts were bad they were often terrible and the ability to grind out results had to be questioned.

What's next? The revolving door that seems to open at the end of every season has been in use once again.

Ian Ross... too lightweight for permanent deal says Thompson

In coming are Lincoln City stalwart Paul Mayo, young Plymouth goalkeeper Tim Sandercombe, Walsall striker Hector Sam and Leyton Orient defender Adam Tann with more expected.

Out are fringe players Jake Sheridan, Dan Martin, Saul Deeney Tcham N'Toya and Dan Gleeson while Ian Ross' loan deal won't become permanent and Alan White was allowed to leave.

Junior Mendes is expected to be next after a bust up with Thompson.

Those that have left, perhaps Martin aside, shouldn't feel aggrieved with Thompson doing the right thing largely.

All the noises coming out of Meadow Lane are targeting promotion and fans are right to expect it.