Positive signs for Magpies as Luke makes his mark
IN just over a week’s time, Notts County will begin their fourth campaign in the National League following last season’s failed promotion bid.
Nevertheless, ambitions have not altered for the Magpies and supporters amid managerial uncertainty and the loss of big-name players.
Now under the stewardship of former Swansea City and Swindon Town assistant manager Luke Williams following Ian Burchnall’s shock departure, any doubt that had been cast upon preparations ahead of the new season has been eased by admirable pre-season displays.
Despite the loss of key attackers Kyle Wooton and Cal Roberts, optimism is rife amongst the club’s fanbase after holding local neighbours Nottingham Forest to a 2-2 draw at Meadow Lane.
Lifelong fan Notts County fan Loz Clough delivered her verdict on summer events and offered an insight into how she believes the season will play out.
■Q. What are your initial impressions of Luke Williams?
One major characteristic I’ve particularly warmed to is his honesty. In post-match interviews he pulls no punches which is extremely refreshing for supporters to see.
He sees what the problems are and even acknowledges them following on from matches, this personally provides me with great faith that errors will be addressed, and excuses will not be made.
■Q. There has been plenty of transfer activity at Meadow Lane this summer, how do you view the window thus far and what would you like to see happen?
The main target for the club has to be keeping Ruben Rodrigues, who was ever so impressive against Forest. It would not have been a surprise to see him playing on the other team such is his quality!
Whilst certain departures have made headlines, I believe it is important to remember the impression that our new additions have made. Sam Austin seems to be a player that can add value to the squad after signing from Kidderminster and Macaulay Langstaff will hopefully continue to score goals as he did for Gateshead after picking up his first at Meadow Lane on Tuesday.
I would, however, add that I am slightly concerned with the lack of experience within the squad, it is something that we’ll need to compliment youth-focused ethos that our board uses with recruitment.
■Q. What have you made of Pre-season performances?
I have been massively impressed with the pre-season matches that I have seen. The stand-out would have to be that game against Forest in front of a packed Meadow Lane.
We managed to restrict the opportunities that they created and only conceded two very well taken strikes.
Despite being played with no fans in attendance, beating Leicester City was also a great result. Only four clubs have played multiple Premier League sides and are unbeaten in pre-season – one of them is Notts County!
■Q. Where would you like to see the team improve?
I think last season our major problems were defensively. We conceded the most goals of any side in the play-offs.
As seen in the match against Grimsby Town, we struggled to defend set-pieces effectively and that was the ultimate cause of our downfall.
If we can become more resolute at the back and maintain our ruthless streak in attack it should be a positive season.
■Q. Finally, while it is still early days, where would you predict Notts County will finish at the end of the 2022-2023 season?
I think we’ll win the league. I really do.
It’s a combination of factors, there were positives to take from last season despite missing out on promotion, I have total faith in the new manager’s ability and I think we’ve recruited well!