Neighbours likely to be promotion rivals
BEST OF THE WEEKLY NOTTS WEBCHAT
HERE are some of the fans’ questions and answers provided by our Notts County writer Leigh Curtis in his weekly webchat.
Question: Are you surprised, as I am, that Lincoln have sold all their season tickets for next season already? Who is your top three based upon signings so far and your potential play off contenders?
Answer: No I am not surprised. I obviously live in Lincoln and the buzz around the club at the minute is huge. They’ve won the National League, then they won the Checkatrade Trophy and finished in the play-offs. Obviously, success breeds interest and that’s been reflected in the season-ticket sales and has allowed them to strengthen considerably.
Notts, Lincoln and Mansfield have all done brilliant business and those games next season should be absolute crackers. Based on the strength of their transfer dealings, I think all three will be in the promotion shake up come the end of the season.
Question: It’s rumoured that Akinde is signing for Lincoln. Were Notts ever in for him?
Answer: I am led to believe that Akinde is Lincoln-bound which, if it comes off, would be a great signing, providing they can keep him fit.
But it’s funny isn’t it? Yesterday I was talking to a manager, who is currently out of work, and he was really impressed by Notts’ signings and that Hemmings and Dennis looked such a well-balanced strike force.
Question: Other than Notts, which L2 signings have impressed you the most and make that club a serious contender?
Answer: I think you’ve got to look at Notts, Lincoln and Mansfield as a real shout for promotion but I am going to mark the card of a couple of other teams to look out for.
I think Port Vale have done some excellent business so far this summer and I would keep an eye on them next season.
I also think Grimsby, under Michael Jolley, have made some very good acquisitions, John Welsh being one of them. I think they could have a good season too.
Stevenage have also recruited well, it just depends on how quickly they can acclimatise after losing Matty Godden.
Question: Was Noble’s departure a surprise or had it been in the works for a while?
Answer: I was really saddened to see Liam go. The kid has a heart of gold but I think he’s had a real burning desire to get back as close to the north-east to be with his family.
I can’t begrudge anybody wanting to be closer to their home and where their loved ones are. I hope he enjoys being back at home and that he has a fabulous season with Hartlepool.
I think he is a terrific talent and one that I believe will thrive in that environment. It’s a really good signing for Pools. People may be surprised but the location was everything.
Question: Now the Yeovil game has been moved to the Friday night, is this too short a time for effective player recovery with the game against the smoggies being on the Tuesday night?
Answer: It’s going to be a tough week, that is for sure. The players would usually have the day off on the Wednesday which in theory only gives Notts one day to fully prepare for Yeovil.
It is what it is and unfortunately the Test Match at Trent Bridge is a big deal. I suspect we may well see some squad rotation that week.
Question: With the wages freed up from the departures of O’connor and Noble, would you expect Notts to be looking up the leagues to bring in a high calibre experienced central midfielder?
Answer: I would say the club would definitely explore that ave-