ROLE MODEL
MAGPIES YOUNGSTERS SHOULD LOOK TO ‘MR CONSISTENCY’ DUMMETT AS THEIR INSPIRATION
NEWCASTLE United coach Ben Dawson has challenged his players to produce some consistency in their Checkatrade Trophy clash at Notts County tonight.
Dawson’s side picked up an excellent 3-1 win at Doncaster Rovers in their first Group G game earlier in the season but then endured a slump in form.
However, back-to-back wins last week against Fulham and tonight’s opponents Notts County got the season back on track.
Dawson has asked his players to use Paul Dummett as a case study for their own playing careers.
The coach told the Chronicle: “We said that to the players on Monday, we told them we were striving for performances.
“The first thing people look for in the newspaper though is the result. It is a difficult situation for us as coach. We’re trying to teach them the importance of results.
“But ultimately we need to get these lads to 7 out of 10 every week. Paul Dummett is a great example of that from a professional coaching point of view.
“He gets a 7/10 and then jumps up to 8/10 or 9/10. He never falls below that consistent level of 7/10.
“Sometimes we have players in the reserves at 8/10 or 9/10 but then slip to 4/10 or 5/10.
“So we are trying to raise the standards. We want a level of consistency from this group.”
United face football’s other Magpies with men from Meadow Lane currently in a good run in of form.
Former Toon favourite Kevin Nolan was sacked by County earlier in the season but Harry Kewell has guided County away from the relegation.
He added: “It is something the lads look forward to. After two games last week we now have an eye on this game.
“We have stressed the performance to the players of being professional. We have already start preparing.”
However, Dawson feels confidence is running high in his own squad at the moment. He said: “We played their Under-23s the other week and won 2-1 which was important as you want to get off to a good start in the Premier League Cup. They have played Saturday and Thursday so we will see what team they put out.” United will be without Jamie Sterry (groin) and it remains to be seen if Achraf Lazaar is involved in the tie. Sean Longstaff who was outstanding at Doncaster is expected to be involved again.
Ben Dawson
Dummett gets a 7/10 and then jumps up to 8/10 or 9/10. He never falls below that consistent level of 7/10.