Time for common sense

[Davy500]

No, there are no guarantees. The thing I like about the Broz, is that their intent is to improve the team year on year. Promotion is never a promise, but it's always an intention. I was sick of hearing about those 5 tier pans that were never delivered.

Pavis delivered big time - and even today we can thank him for our lovely staduim that allows impressive gates

[Davy500]

Perhaps there's something to be said for this, in the sense that if we don't get found out at this level, we will get found out in tier 3 and that it could work out quite badly for us if we went up too early, similar to what happened in 1991/92.

I'd still tilt towards grabbing promotion whilst it's on the table though. You never know if this is just a momentum season and we end up sinking back into lower mid-table obscurity for the next five years until the next owner comes along if we don't go up whilst we've carved open the opportunity. Gates would suggest that won't be the case and that we will consistently challenge but there's no guarantees in football.

Well in 91/92 we remained championship level for another 4 years, and after Munto we remained League 1 - for 5 years, so promotion definately seems worth it - if it up for grabs ..

[marky]

League 1 is Notts County's natural level in terms of the size of the club, an awful lot of things would have to fall into place for us to get higher.

[Davy500]

...
In my opinion, as mere supporters, many are used to the promise and let-down of supporting our great club, NCFC. As quite often happens, when we are playing well we attract an increased number of NC (some perhaps uncommitted) viewers to matches, only to fail in front of them. Never mind we'll get over that and continue building the support over time.

Longer term supporters have attended matches, often nervous about our defensive capabilities; often brilliantly off-set by out successful attacking prowess. We have a formula implemented by the players, under the guidance of LW, which worked well in the NL. The new L2 level requires us to adapt - that means LW and staff, and the players.

So far, even though we have a commendably high position in the league through good results, somehow, the way we play is often unconvincing, IMO. Some supporters appear to take the view that success has come from the LW formula and he can mostly do no wrong; after all, look where he has taken us.Yes, most are truly thankful.

The requirements of our progress in this better quality league require our players, and LW/staff, to be more flexible in playing their football - as some will recognise, a complex game played often by uncomplicated players. So we can look at our players in terms of what we see and their attitudes, knowledge/understanding of the game and skill. It is clear that some are not adapting well just yet; but this can change if players recognise their role, as professionals, to develop to new standards. Some will be capable; sadly, others not - and we are grateful for their service as they, in their own interests, will move to pastures new.

Some things need saying. What is frustrating is that players, who we believe are intelligent and capable, are not playing to potential. For example, we have seen Richard Brindley well able to produce good performances, who now drives many to the brink of 'insanity' (forgive the exaggeration) with his back passing approach when there is a clear forward pass available. We can only assume it is by LW directive and there is method being applied. Well that may have worked last year, against less capable opposition, but smacks of either lack of management flexibility or fear of making a mistake by the player. One consequence of this is that we have an under-utilised winger, Nemane, who rarely gets to play 90 minutes when, if correctly supported, is one key to unlocking defences.

On Saturday, it was both disappointing and surprising to see many of the team lacking in personal drive and effort to recover our difficult situation. The phrase is 'hard work' ; an attitude sadly missing. I exclude Rawlinson, Crowley, Langstaff and Austin. One of the biggest disappointments is Matt Palmer, who, last season strolled through games and was an architect for many fine moves. He's certainly not a Don Masson. Perhaps the NL is his level. Either way, he showed little drive and football leadership when it was needed. This leads me to our Jimbo, who has all the characteristics required in a professional footballer but now, sadly, is losing/has lost the battle against anno domini. Thanks Jim.

So, are we seeing 'the kings new clothes' in performances or can LW grow and develop to solve the many problems facing him. It is said that 'a good big 'un' beats a good little 'un' and that was certainly true against the very effective Mansfield Town. Credit to Mr Clough who has been building his squad for some time.

By all means 'keep the faith' but let's not rush our journey. COYP

I havent really given LW much credit so far, as i believe the main credit goes to the owners . However LW has done very well , and almost certainly deserves time to mold the team thats capable of promotion - LW seems a fast learner so i am optimistic ..

[Davy500]

League 1 is Notts County's natural level in terms of the size of the club, an awful lot of things would have to fall into place for us to get higher.

Maybe, but with our owners and ground, i think we could hold our own in the championship for an extended time

[i961pie]

Agree with some of what you say but suggesting Palmer is NL level is crazy and way off the mark.
He’s been superb this season.

Ditto

[TheBlackHorse]

... Palmer: in lots of opinion, MP is outstanding. However, he is 'missing' in some of the bigger games. That's when class really shows; he doesn't.
I just want to see that the club, coaches and players are learning and developing to resolve the consistent mistakes that occur. That's all.

[PedroTheFisherman66]

Joint top ! Still creating and scoring whilst carry injuries. The futures got to be fair to moderate at worst.!

[TheBlackHorse]

... yep, in the top group. We know, don't we (?), that we've ridden our luck defensively for months. What we do have, and haven't had for YEARS, is and outstanding attacking force - wonderful and joyous for those who have witnessed some of the dross of earlier years. We're enjoying the ride, but some of us are not blind to the need for sustained development.

[Kent Magpie]

... yep, in the top group. We know, don't we (?), that we've ridden our luck defensively for months. What we do have, and haven't had for YEARS, is and outstanding attacking force - wonderful and joyous for those who have witnessed some of the dross of earlier years. We're enjoying the ride, but some of us are not blind to the need for sustained development.

I don't think anybody is advocating anything other than sustained development. Except maybe those who go into meltdown as soon as we concede a goal. They seem to be after unsustainable change which isn't likely to end well. We are doing OK. We have weaknesses, it's up to LW and the players to resolve them. They are still finding their feet, learning what is needed to compete at the very top of the table, but I would say we have already shown enough to say we will be competing towards he top of the table, if not right at the top.