Final nail in coffin for sorry Fullarton

JAMIE FULLARTON was in defiant mood after a thumping home defeat to Exeter, but it was too little, too late for the Notts County boss, who was swiftly sacked after just 69 days in charge.

A defeat at home to Exeter was cue for more protests about the Scot who was subject of ‘Fullarton out’ chants.

It was a sixth defeat in seven games for the Magpies who look set to be taken over by an American consortium that have agreed a deal in principle with owner Ray Trew.

Fullarton, who was appointed in January, said after the game: “I understand the fans’ frustrations, but they have the right to express their views.

“If they think that’s correct, then that’s up to them.

“I live my life by my standards and every individual has a different way of looking at it.

“While I understand their frustration and share their disappointment, everybody reacts differently. I am always focused on the game and the players, so if there are banners behind me telling me they want me out, then I wouldn’t see them. I am only focused on what goes on the pitch. It’s not about if it gets to you, or affecting me, it’s my job to try not to let it affect the players.

“Unfortunately, the heads dropped after the second goal, but it’s happened over a period of time that for an hour we are capable of matching any team.”

However, his words proved fruitless, as Fullarton was sacked two hours after the full-time whistle.

Jayden Stockley had given Exeter the lead with a header before Izale McLeod equalised at the end of a good period of play in the 36th minute.

After Jon Stead hit the bar, however, Notts fell apart. Jake Taylor scored with his first touch having come off the substitutes’ bench before Christian Ribeiro made it 3-1.

The lead was then extended when Ollie Watkins scored a fourth goal.

And Exeter boss Paul Tisdale was a delighted man afterwar the final whistle.

“I was very pleased with the win.We were very solid, very disciplined and it was a good scoreline,” he said. “It gave us some breathing space for the last ten minutes.We had a really good tone about us. The intensity was good and I really liked the way we played.

“We had purpose, we had connection and we didn’t overdo it. When we had the chance to put the game to bed, we took it.

“Everybody played their part.We had continuity over the last five games and again we have started to get rhythm in the side.

“It gave me a chance to make substitutions to build on it. I wasn’t making substitutions to alter the performance.”