Weston signs... Now the squad is taking shape

Last updated : 05 July 2007 By Paul Smith

Goalkeepers.

Kevin Pilkington.
Experienced stopper beginning his third year at the club. Knows what is expected of him by the fans now and will need to show his best form yet with such a young understudy. Will surely begin the campaign as number one and will be favourite to hold the jersey all season.

Tim Sandercombe. Unknown quantity with little experience. Sandercombe will be learning from Pilkington and is more for the future. Big frame and a good attitude that belies his youthfulness.

Defenders.

Adam Tann.
Versatility across the back line, Tann is favourite for the right-back position should David Pipe exit. Equally as good as a centre-half Tann has a good football brain and is strong in the tackle. Likes to get forward.

Gary Silk. Although he ended the season in midfield, right-

back remains the youngsters best slot. Grew in stature as the season wore on and is set to play a big role next season. Strong in the tackle and a very determined customer who gets more comfortable with every game.

Mike Edwards.
The newly installed club captain who oozes consistency, maturity and strength at the back. Hard to get the better off, Edwards is one of the most comfortable centre-backs in the division who is also good on the ball.

Stephen Hunt. Strong and physically imposing, Hunt doesn't look like getting a beating by any kind of striker. Has a lot of pace and is composed with it too. A great attitude and a superb partnership developing with Edwards.

Austin McCann.
Strong-willed left-back who loves his football. Won't lay down and die for anyone and likes to get down the wing where his crosses do cause problems. Good positional sense.

Paul Mayo. Another determined player who likes nothing better than to win a 60:40 challenge against. Has a strong left foot and causes trouble with long throws into the box.

Rob Austin. Youth team graduate given first professional contract will provide enthusiastic back-up at right back.

David Pipe?
Possibly departing as early as tomorrow to Bristol Rovers. Should he miraculously be in Notts' starting eleven against Grimsby Town in the season opener, Pipe will bring his usual passion, guts, pace, versatility and tackling ability.

Midfielders.

Matt Somner. Holding midfielder who is at his best when marauding across

the pitch to protect his back four and diving into challenges. The hard man at the club who will do whatever job is asked of him.

Neil MacKenzie.
Excellent passer of the ball and typical League Two box-to-box type of player. Won't hesitate to challenge for a ball but is better when going forward and arriving late to score…usually great goals.

Jay Smith. Similar to MacKenzie but with a better goals to game ratio. The two will strive to bring a creative presence to the side and will link up the attack well.

Andy Parkinson.
Attacking wide man who loves a goal. Was getting into his stride at the end of last season and will use his experience to work his way into a regular starting role again. Brave, hard working and hard to mark.

Myles Weston. New signing who impressed during a loan spell

last term. Will surely be the fastest player in the squad and the trickiest to boot. Likes to attack and will be a real danger man, particularly with him having that unknown quantity.

Stef Frost.
Youngster who will be desperate to get some first team action after not getting a taste last season. Battles hard down the wing and looks a clever player who will create chances for the strikers.

Matt Austin. Rob's twin brother who will also be back up in his first year as a professional. A central midfielder who likes a pass.

Strikers.

Hector Sam. Bustling forward known more for his creativity and awareness

in the box than his prolific goalscoring. Will surely be capable of ten goals next season and will probably create more with his unpredictability, pace and trickery.

Jason Lee.
Warhorse with all the experience in the world. Captain will combine playing responsibilities with coaching but will still be most threatening on the pitch causing havoc with his frame and physical nature. Great in the air.

Lawrie Dudfield. Never stops working. Creative and with

great feet and awareness. Can finish when given more central role but is likely to be used most as an impact player where he will be very effective. Great attitude to the game.

Spencer Weir-Daley.
New signing who has got every fan applauding. Pacey, direct, willing worker and a good finishing pedigree. Fans expect a lot from the youngster who clearly has potential.

Junior Mendes? Still transfer-listed but without interest is

likely at the moment to start the season with the club. His experience may be useful. As could his pace and trickery when he is in the mood.

And the squad that was available for the first game of last season?

Kevin Pilkington

Saul Deeney

Gary Silk

Dan Gleeson

David Pipe

Mike Edwards

Alan White

Stephen Hunt

Austin McCann

Andy Parkinson

Matt Somner

Ian Ross

Dan Martin

Tom Curtis

Stef Frost

Jake Sheridan

Liam Needham

Junior Mendes

Jason Lee

Lawrie Dudfield

Tcham N'Toya