When the team was announced at Meadow Lane last night to the 3,800-odd present and our multi-billion strong audience in TV land, it was rather unnerving, with all due respect to the player, to learn that Shaun Harrad – still awaiting his full ‘County debut – was to be in the starting XI. Coming from the bench in the very early stages of the season against Chester, Lincoln and Cheltenham before a successful loan spell with Tamworth, first team opportunities here have been at something of a premium for our home grown front man.
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The Nottingham-born youngster, in the event of star-striker Glynn Hurst’s bout of ill health, appeared for the first time under Ian Richardson and must surely have thrust himself into the thoughts of the boss’ thoughts for a place in the squad for the forthcoming trip to Swansea.
Ian Richardson, speaking to the press after last night’s match, said, "I don’t think there are any people more pleased than Johnny G [John Gaunt, Notts’ assistant] and myself with how Shaun Harrad performed."
"Since he came back from his loan spell at Tamworth and served his three-match ban he had lost his way a bit"
"I only played him from the start because he looked sharp in training on Monday, and I told him he was and that he looked a different player."
"I told him to work as hard as he could up there, and when he got on the ball to relax and hold it up. Shaun did that down to a tee."
"He is only 20 and he is learning all the time, and he can be pleased with his performance. I knew he could do it."
Yet more action and reaction to come from NCM. Stay tuned.