Cambridge Utd: Match Preview

As the season reaches it's long-awaited climax, it's not exactly inspired to say that this has been an instantly forgetable one for Notts County. But, as the old saying goes, there's always someone in a worse position then yourselves and that is certainly the case tomorrow.

No, not the plunging Nottingham Forest, but tomorrow's opponents - Cambridge Utd. It's been a bad season in every possible way for the U's.

Tomorrow's venue...

Whilst their position at the foot of the table - confirming they'll be playing non-league football next season - is bad enough in its own right, their current cash crisis is a far more serious matter.

Put quite simply, there's grave danger that Cambridge - managed by former Notts chief Steve Thompson - won't even be around to play Conference football next year. The U's need to raise around £250,000 from their own pockets to stave off the Football League.

It's a situation almost uncannily similar to that of the Magpies were faced with 18 months ago, with the figure needing to be raised exactly the same amount that the Supporters Trust eventually managed to scrape together.

Notts have since come out of administration - which Cambridge filed for two weeks ago - and, despite on-the-field fortunes not being great, have been all the better for it.

Vice-Chairman John Howard is the source of the U's fans anger, after he refused to sell the Abbey stadium back to supporters' recently. After advise from the local police and safety officers, Howard will not attend tomorrow's game.

Hopefully, the game tomorrow must serve as a reminder to Cambridge fans that it can be done, with Notts one of the few clubs at this level to remain debt free and a lifetime supporter appointed as Chairman this week.

We wish them all the best.

If this preview seems a little too focussed on Cambridge for a Notts County website it's not because I have nothing worthwhile to say (though this may be suggested), it's because, basically, this is how tomorrow's going to be.

Despite a few happy-go-lucky prankers choosing to go to the game in fancy dress, all the media attention will, quite rightly, be focussed on the U's.

The Magpies will be left to quietly plan for next season, with the latest count as to prospective new managers taken into five figures this week.

Richo: Last game as boss

The main talking point for travelling supporters will be - as is testament to the last day of the season - saying goodbye to one or two of the staff. Ironically, the main one of those is Ian Richardson, a man still likely to be here next season.

Richo's Notts County managerial career has been short, and not always sweet, but he's likely to receive a warm send-off from Magpie supporters grateful for all his hard work.

Probably the second most popular Notts County player behind Richardson is Mark Stallard, who is likely to be playing his final game for the club tomorrow. On-loan from Barnsely - despite claims he wants to stay - it is unlikely the striker will be here next season. He is sure of a warm send-off.

Richardson has a few more selection options than in recent weeks as he aims to halt his side's four game win-less run in his final game in charge.

Shane McFaul returns from International duty and, after impressing as a substitute last weekend, young Aussie Ruben Zadkovich could be in line for a start. Out-of-favour Irish winger Tony Scully could receive a surprise inclusion.

Saul Deeney will be between the sticks, quite possibly, for the final time as he mulls over a new contract offer.

Whatever happens, the football on the pitch will take a backseat in what promises to be an emotional 90 minutes for the home side.

Enjoy the game.

Notts (possible): Deeney; McFaul, Wilson, Baudet, Pipe; Zadkovich, Gill, Oakes, Scully; Scoffham, Stallard.

Subs (from): Dryden, Friars, Palmer, Harrad, Hurst, Williams.