Hey, big spender!

Last updated : 06 December 2004 By Richard Brown

Stef Oakes’ bolt from the blue on Saturday – in a champagne cup tie that had been seriously deflated over the course of the game – looks a very positive and timely financial boost indeed for Notts County FC.

Show me the money!
Besides the unaccounted for money to be received from the FA Cup Second Round replay in less than ten days time, the Magpies have also been notified that the clash will be played on Sky TV. On top of that, however, should the Magpies progress further in the competition, then there is also the possibility for a none-too-shabby home tie with Premiership Middlesborough.

And – as if no added incentive was needed – club director, Steve Thompson has also dangled the proverbial carrot in front of manager Richardson’s nose, offering the chance of further squad additions from the cup coup funds, however Thompson did insist, "We have to beat Swindon first."

Talking to the Nottingham Evening Post, Thompson said, "It is a great tie for us, it really is - but at the moment it is entirely hypothetical," he said. "I refuse to think about facing Middlesborough at the moment."

"We have to play Swindon in the replay first and they are a very good side."

"Yes we should be more confident of playing them at home, when we will have Paul Bolland and Glynn Hurst available again."

"But we cannot take anything for granted."

The Magpies are all set to face Andy King’s Swindon in nine days time.