Quote Originally Posted by StagManStan View Post
We had 2 very different displays against a team denied autos on GD. the home leg we, at times, taught them a lesson in how to play football, but eventually got brought down to their physical game as the match wore on. 2-1 probably a fair result.

The away leg, we dropped our more technical players in favour of hardworking physical players. We defended resolutely were solid down the middle and made things happen down the wings.

Two very different matches. Clough got the tac-tics spot on for me. Not much of our best football was played last night, but we managed to win both our matches against Northampton and be clear winners of the tie. On balance, you can't deny that the better team won.

the tackles were flying in.

good luck against Grimsby.
Sounds like you are playing the way I wished Notts were playing - with a balance between the fancy technical side and the tough-tackling, physical side. Unfortunately, we only offer the former, and that will probably be our downfall.

You've got a cracking manager in Clough. I'd put you as firm favourites in the playoff final, but if you don't make it, I'd put money on you getting automatic next year.

It just goes to show what a quality manager can do. You can have a talented playing squad and fat wage budget, but without the right man in charge, it doesn't mean much. And after a few years of experimenting/gambling with the likes of Dempster and Coughlan, you've finally gone and got someone with a proven track record. The last time you did that (Flitcroft), it nearly paid off as well.

At Notts, we're still in that experimentation mode. It might work, but it probably won't. As much as I respect Birchnall's coaching ability and desire to play the 'right' way, I'd love a manager like Clough at Notts.