What first attracted me to being a Notts County supporter? Ignoring the fact that being a Notts County fan came with the territory as a member of the family to which I was born into, it was the sheer entertainment of every game I attended that bestowed me as a Notts fanatic.
|
Today, as a much-developed follower at 17 years of age, I stand with totally the opposite thoughts on the football club that runs so passionately through my blood.
I have many a time jumped on the older members of the County following for constantly harping on about "the great past". Don Masson, Tommy Lawton, Jimmy Sirrel, how many times I’ve had to contend with those names, when all I want to hear about is how the present players are doing, and how they will be perceived in my history.
Now, I can see exactly why these people often neglect the recent signings and venture so often into the great histories of this faltering club.
The reality of the present predicament is extremely harsh. In Gary Mills, Notts have possibly the most enthusiastic manager in ‘League 2’. However, what they lack in this manager is great tactical awareness, something you’d think was vital to any teams chance of success.
In today’s home encounter with a poor Cheltenham Town side, Mills, in great panic, changed the formation; personnel and style of play more often than Manchester United change their kit.
This didn’t help the balance and rhythm of a beleagured County side. Not even the rampaging Tony Scully could inspire a goal, or decent attempt on target, as Town looked the more positive side, forcing many a corner which County stopper Saul Deeney fortunately dealt with most easily.
As the half-time whistle sounded to a chorus of boos from the despairing County faithful, I found myself wishing to go home for the first time ever as a Notts fan.
|
Other than the dependable Kelvin Wilson, who again looked assured, particularly when switched to his favoured right-back slot, following an unsuccessful attempt at right wing-back, John Gaunt and his fellow youth team coaches, have failed to throw up a product, who wants to stay with the club, and has the ability to produce. Because a club with the financial restraints Notts have, need progression from these players, if we are to become successful once again.
Whilst one wallowed in these despairing thoughts, Matty Williams blasted Notts’ best move of the match over the bar, after Gavin Gordon and Paul Bolland had for once used the ball intelligently.
Cheltenham’s bursts forward also came on rare occasions, and when they did the influential Ian Richardson was more than a match for anything hurtled into the area.
Indeed, it’s the defence that has given Notts fans their only source of optimism so far this season. All of the players who have figured in that particular area have done themselves justice, with only Paul Terrys goal for Yeovil in the 2-1 defeat being preventable.
A clean sheet again today, and Notts desperately looked on in search of something, anything, to take the joy of 3 points home, and the first Notts home victory for 7 games. A sorry statistic; for a sorry team.
Surprise, surprise, the only moment that got Notts fans on their feet came from a defender. Rob Ullathorne, fresh from a cracker at Bradford entered the visitors penalty area, and daringly blasted the ball towards goal, only to see the inside of the post prevent any celebration.
Even with Notts performing badly again, the luck still wasn’t there. Without luck, skill or balance, Notts are also without hope. Gary Mills has to address this, as fans begin to lose confidence in his managerial abilities.
Next weeks encounter with local and promotion rivals Northampton Town should be an encounter to look forward to. If Notts perform like they have done here today, that it certainly won’t be. Defeat there, and it’s the Conference which beckons more so than the expected challenge for ‘League One’.
The defence has been made, but it’s the prosecutors who have enjoyed their day, once again!