The Statesman

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Adi87

Afternoon,

It's been about 2 years since my last post as I just found this board to be a little to emotionally pessimistic at the time, however, given our current trajectory, I thought I'd pop up like a former drug addict finding a baggy on the floor.

Question.

As Alan Smith and Mike Edwards left in the summer, did that leave a huge void (experience and knowledge) that is the catalyst for our current form?

---

I think the loss of those players was minimal at the time but is now looking to be massive... I could imagine Smudge in the dressing room yesterday ripping into those wasters and telling them to show a bit of pride in the shirt... Edwards is a legend at this club and it was hugely disappointing to see him leave...throw in the likes of Colin and Ameobi and we lost some big personalities in and around the dressing room.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HAPPYMAGPIEHAPPY

Yes and who kind of replaced them ?
A couple of ex red dogs that are completely detached from Notts County football club, they have never played for us, only against us and have absolutely no feelings for our great club !
Throughout all the different managers since Sheridan then crossley has remained whilst he’s spouted pro florest rubbish on his twitter account !
The sooner these pair are out of our club the better ! No time for hangers on

---

I do agree that we are missing something with the staff we've got and I think it's something that the hierarchy have alluded to recently with Hart and Regis.

Issue is we burnt bridges with a few of our better known former players, Edwards, Draper, Johnson (both Tommy and Michael) and Short. I'd love us to get back some of ol' school class with the likes of Pilks, Edwards etc but I believe that someone Forest-pointed is close to the ear of Hardy.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Elite_Pie

This obsession with age is something I don't understand. Every player is different, but to many it seems that once they reach 32 years of age "their legs have gone". I remember when the subject of Neal Bishop was discussed pre-season that I was in a very small minority who would have loved to have him back, the majority saying he was much too old and past it. It annoys the hell out of me having to listen how he's dominating games for Mansfield every time I drive home after seeing what we have to put up with in midfield.

---

Couldn't agree more re Neal Bishop. Every time I hear how well he's doing at Mansfield I remember how angry I was to hear people saying we didn't want him because he was both past it and not up to the required standard. If we could have just signed two Neal Bishops we'd be clear of the drop zone by now.

I’m afraid it happens far too often in the lower leagues, too much change and not enough stability. All Notts needed after last season was a bit of pace on the wing, a striker to replace Ameobi and another centre back. Perhaps a Ravenhill in the centre.

Dickinson and Collin are big loses as we are realising but under use of Forte on hindsight should be seen as the disgrace it was.