Notts County's 2003/2004 season hopes.
Last updated : 23 April 2003 By Dominic O'Halloran
Much like last season, many of the fans are saying that a push for promotion is a realistic achievment. Next season and this summer, will bring changes to the Notts County camp on and off the field. The takeover bid - most likely to succeed is "consortium A", has meant that the departure of Albert Scardino is written on the walls. Changes on the field are also more then likely. The total sum of expenditures needs to be cut down, for Notts County to be succesful in the long run.
One way that it can be altered is by cutting the wage bill. With a number of player contracts coming to an end in the summer, it will be viewed by the new owners, as a golden opportunity of cutting the wage bill, and will try to sell these players before the Bosman ruling comes into action to get what they can before they are allowed to transfer on a free, like what Darren Ward did. Fortunatly for us, we have the saviour of Steve Mildenhall.
It has been well documented, that "consortium A" has the deep pockets to fund
Notts County, this probably being the reason why many fans have forgot that
expenditures need to be cut down.
Having said this, dont expect to just see faces go. There is a high possibilty, that Billy Dearden has already decided who he wants to keep in the squad, and who he relistically, would like to add to it. Its is firmly believed that Dearden has the experience and contacts to bring in some good strong players that can give Notts the extra push and depth in the squad if he is given the resources to work with. For example, little was known of the loan signing Patrick McCarthy, but he has performed well for Notts in all games.
The phrase "a good workman never blames his tools" comes to mind. But how can a manager work in these conditions? If the resources are available for Billy Dearden and the team at Notts, a good season is to be expected. The thought of playoffs or promotion to Division 1 as a result of next seasons campaign would be exaggerated but a comfortable season, and a top ten finish would be the start of a good time for the Magpies.
Dont expect next season to be a smooth one, or to be as bumpy as the one just endured. If the new owners are the corect ones, is this the start of a new era for the Magpies?
