Talking Notts - "Rebuilding is a massive job"

Smith: Only one place to start mate, just a point at what NCM billed as the biggest game of the season at Macclesfield. The 1-1 draw, for me, was a major disappointment despite going behind as we controlled the game and

Notts do battle at Moss Rose

we really have to be winning games now. Drawing has been a major problem all season as it shows us to be a tough side to beat which masks over the fact that we haven't been good enough to win. We had to beat Macclesfield and didn't, now I am more fearful.

Moss: I back up your disappointment to be fair. It was definitely a game Notts should be looking to win at this stage of the season. I just think that the appointment of Keith Alexander gave the Silkmen a vital lift for this game. That said, County had the chances to win the game and failed to take them. I just hope they are not left to rue this. You must be beating the sides around you. It is the quickest way of steering clear of trouble.

Smith: Of course it is and the fact that everybody around Notts seems to be winning just heightens concern. The old chestnut of looking after yourself first applies for Notts with a fair amount of fixtures left, but we aren't doing that at the moment. Two wins in 15 is an abysmal record and I don't know if Ian McParland has been criticised enough. By that I mean that he hasn't really changed much has he? Why not? What is he asking of the players differently? A lot of fans suggest the players are good enough. So is it the manager again?

Moss: Your comments take me back to the interview in McParland's office and it was obvious he is, alongside Dave Kevan, trying to bring in new players and new ideas. He will be striving to get the team playing in a different style but cannot do so until he has time to bring in his own players. The fact that he has brought in on the whole players who have been

Sam... McParland did well to ship him out

successful tells me he cannot be criticised. Sometimes I really do not understand what the fans want. It is crazy to believe he could have completely turned around Notts' season. It is not until next term that he can be judged.

Smith: Yes I know but if anything Notts have gone backwards. I sincerely hope he keeps us up and takes us places, that is obvious of course. And I'm not saying that he can't, I'm just pointing out that very little has changed in terms of results. Certainly the squad is better. Good point regarding transfers, he has brought in some decent players. I think the likes of Gavin Strachan, Danny Crow, Ryan Jarvis and Michael Johnson will be great additions. He is also doing a decent job of clearing out the dead wood. Getting rid of Hector Sam today was another good move, and it is clear he doesn't rate many of the squad that was left to him by predecessor Steve Thompson. Expect more to follow.

Moss: Rebuilding the club is a massive job in my opinion and as you point out McParland has made some positive steps towards starting the process. Fair enough the indications on the field are not evidence of progress but I think the club are going about their business in a different and better way now. He took over a sinking ship.

Smith: Of the players still at the club, who do you think should be next to go?

Moss: In my opinion Ali Gibb. When I've seen him he has been shocking.

Smith: Next up of course is Barnet, another six pointer, and another game NCM will label as the biggest of the season because every next game will be that until safety is secured. You know a fair bit about the North Londoners,

Fairclough... A terrific job at Underhill

being from that neck of the woods. Surely Notts are better than small clubs like that?

Moss: 'Better'?

Smith: They are a non-league club in my eyes. Only two or three players of Barnet's would get near Notts' starting eleven. It is mismanagement that has got us where we are, and not just on the coaching side but at the very top. Also not just this season, I'm talking for years and years that have seen us below the likes of Barnet, Hereford, Macclesfield and Cheltenham Town who are now even in League One. It is ridiculous and pains me to see Notts in this way. But I'm telling you now, we will beat Barnet because they have nothing compared to us!!!

Moss: If only football worked like that. But that is what makes the game so exciting to follow. The shocks! Notts County have no divine right to beat Barnet but I agree it is mis-management that sees Notts where they are in the Football League. As you say, I know a fair bit about Barnet and where they are today is a credit to the players and the club as a whole. The players have been given a chance at this level and have taken it. Fairclough has built a well oiled machine in his side and they will be a tough test for Notts. There is no forgone conclusion. The Magpies cannot take any game for granted.

Smith: That they can't, but as a fan first and foremost I think I'm just reflecting what a lot of supporters feel. I'm not stupid enough to say Notts should be top of the league which in terms of history you could say that

Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez...Awesome

should be the case. That isn't the way it works as you say. In terms of the league, Peterborough are now top, can you see MK Dons reclaiming first place? I can, but ultimately I do see the Posh ending up champions.

Moss: MK Dons go into unknown territory playing catch up for the first time this season. They have the quality to do it and the management team to end the season strongly. Posh will slip up still, I am going to stick by my guns and say MK although the form book would suggest otherwise.

Smith: And just finally, the Champions League is in full swing at the moment, who do you see finishing it as winners? I thought Arsenal were excellent last night but don't think they have the experience to go all the way. I fancy Manchester United for the title and the Champions League. Their squad is just so strong. If Rooney has an off day, Ronaldo is there. If he does, Tevez takes over, if he does Anderson or Nani can. Then there is their defence. Awesome, truly awesome, and much better than their famed 1999 treble winning squad.

Moss: A foreign team will win the Champions League.