Brindley is back and eager to spark Notts
RICHARD Brindley says reaching the National League play-offs is an “absolute must” for Notts County.
The Magpies’ promotion challenge has stuttered in recent weeks with four defeats and no wins in their last six games.
Ahead of tonight’s home clash against title-chasing Sutton United (5pm), Notts are 10th in the table but only three places outside the top seven having played a game or two less than the teams above them.
Brindley, who has just returned to action after three months out through injury, is refusing to ponder missing out on the play-offs and is urging the team to stay positive.
“One hundred and 10 percent, it [reaching the play-offs] is an absolute must. It’s very important to us,” said the defender.
“The players have been frustrated with ourselves. When you go through that rocky spell – and it happens a lot in football, you go through ups and downs – you have to be optimistic, you have to remain positive.
“Because if we’re not, it’s doesn’t solve it. The most important thing is that we look to solve the problem, be brave, be courageous.
“We’re giving our absolute all, we’ll continue to do that and hopefully things will turn.”
With only four goals in their last six games, it’s easy to see where County’s current problems lie.
“Goals – that’s the biggest difference,” added Brindley. “We have been exceptional at keeping the ball and causing teams problems.
“Some of the lads in the opposition (at Altrincham on Saturday) said ‘we couldn’t get close to you.’ We’re difficult to play against in terms of the style of play.
“But football is down to goals. You need to shoot, you need to make an impact in terms of taking someone on and making something happen.
“That’s been the biggest issue this season and we haven’t quite fixed that. We’re focused and relentless in trying to put that right.”
On the need for results to turn, Brindley said: “Immediately, it’s critical. There’s a number of games to go to get it right, but they will go by very quickly with it being Saturdaytuesday, Saturday-tuesday. We’re fully aware of that.”
Brindley has been sidelined with groin and abdominal issues but is delighted to be back in action.
“The first game is always really difficult, especially when you play 90. I wasn’t expecting to play 90,” he said.
“But I’m really happy to be back. It’s been a really long three months. It’s been really frustrating to miss the games.
“I just want to focus on getting this team back into the play-offs, doing what we set out to do at the start of the season.”
On watching the team’s recent struggles, which include four defeats and no wins in their last six games, Brindley said: “Painful, it’s been really frustrating for me personally. I don’t want to sit on the sidelines and watch.
“I always want to help the team as much as I possibly can.
“It’s just a case of getting myself back to full fitness, getting my head down, getting back to full sharpness. At the end of the day, the main objective is getting the club promotion, nothing less. That’s still the plan.
“The players and the going to push for that.”
Brindley says he is ready for the physical demands the next few weeks will bring.
“Of course. I’ve spoken to the physios about the issue I had, and still feeling at times,” he said.
“I had two injuries. I was playing with it for about six weeks and I didn’t want to miss any games.
“The groin was causing me an issue to begin with, then I was getting abdominal pain.
“Now I’m back, I want to be back in contention to help the team get in the play-offs.
“Obviously, it’s been a rocky spell for us, it’s been difficult. It’s more important than ever that I get myself back to help the team.”