No game, but plenty of action

Last updated : 07 January 2007 By Paul Smith

Following the progression of Barnet into Round three of the FA Cup, plus Notts' own first round exit in that competition, Steve Thompson's men had a free weekend.

Not that it was a quiet one down at Meadow Lane, the Magpies certainly didn't take their free Saturday lightly.

Youngsters Stef Frost and Matt Austin have joined Gainsborough of the Conference North on loan. They team up with former ‘Pie Liam Needham. Frost, in the first year of his recently signed professional contract, has yet to feature so far this season. Austin, a second year scholar has joined Gainsborough on a work experience basis.

Another midfielder out on loan is Tom Curtis. His move last week to Nuneaton Borough has coincided with some first team football, where he has impressed in two outings, though both were defeats. Curtis is said to remain in Thompson's plans, with Thompson telling the Official Site: “Tom realises there are limited first-team opportunities at the moment. We will have to see what Tom's initial response is when he comes back. He wanted to play some games for match fitness, but we will assess things when he comes back and see what he wants to do.”

In an interview with the ‘Official Site' Thompson revealed a plan of action: “We aren't making any excuses. Excuses are for weak people. What we are trying to do is reasoning with things.”

On to the training pitch the players went, with Thompson unconcerned with the fitness, but more so tactically: “It's in our heads to kick-start now. It's a key time to re-group. We don't have to work on fitness heavily because I don't think that has ever been in question, and the only way we are going to get things right is by getting out on that training pitch and putting it right.”

“I was given a three year contract and miracles take a bit longer.”

Thompson also spoke out on the transfer front: “It doesn't look good at the moment (regarding Ian Ross). I will be disappointed if Sheffield United take him back because he's not going to play in the Premiership. I think it will be better for his development if he stays here. I want to extend Jay Smith's loan until the end of the season. Arguably he's been our best player in the last two games.”

Supporters were the most disappointed to miss the Saturday action, here's what some of the NCM Messageboard regulars got up to.

Roweyp: “Hull v Middlesbrough, not a bad game and arrive home without feelings of misery and despair which makes a nice change.”

POM: “Putting together a "flat pack" wardrobe. Here is a tip-THROW the instructions away and follow your instinct.”

ArnoldPie: “went to see Altrincham v Rushden & Diamonds. Altrincham won 2-1. The standard was no worse than what we watch week in week out and, if anything, far more entertaining!”

JustLikeJuve: “Spent it down the boozer, played some pool and watched some footy.”

Deutschepie: “Setting up the folks broadband and Essay writing... dull as hell!”