During their first season back in the Football League, The Imps only picked up one point against tomorrow’s opponents Notts County. The first meeting of last season between the two sides (Saturday 23rd September), which was played at Meadow Lane in front of a crowd of 11,672, finished 4-1 to County. The Imps were very much in the match and if I’m honest, on top, until Seb Stockbridge sent Billy Knott off in the 28th minute for a high foot on Ryan Yates. John Stead put County ahead in the 39th minute. After the break, The Imps came back out fighting, and Harry Anderson made it 1-1 in the 47th minute. The other goals were scored by Matt Tootle (55′), Jorge Grant (71′) and Terry Hawkridge (88′).
The match at Sincil Bank on Saturday 13th January finished 2-2, in front of a crowd of 9,603. Jon Stead put The Magpies ahead in the 35th minute, but two minutes later Lee Frecklington made it 1-1. In the 67th minute Danny Rowe set up Matt Green to make it 2-1 to The Imps, but Jorge Grant made it 2-2 just 9 minutes later.
Anyway, time for the Q&A!
Thank you to Notts County supporter Sean for answering our questions!
How long have you supported Notts County?
I have supported Notts County FC since the age of 5. My first season down ‘The Lane’ was the 1999/2000 season. My dad had never attended a football match before, but my inner-city primary school were offering free tickets, so he decided to take me.
Where did you finish last season?
Last season, Notts finished in the playoffs. Given our league position at Christmas, we were actually quite disappointed to finish in the playoffs. Sadly, we were beaten by Coventry in the playoff semi-finals.
What do you think of your Manager?
Neal Ardley – it’s a little early to pass any sort of judgement on the current management team. All I can say is that early impressions are positive. He’s saying the right things at the right time, but as we all know, it’s the results that count. Ask me again at the end of the season.
What are your hopes and expectations for this season?
If you had asked me this in August, I’d have been disappointed with anything other than Champions of League Two. Right now, if you offered me 22nd place, I’d bite your hand off. Sadly, I fear that this season will be the season that the Football League will have to wave goodbye to its oldest club.
One(s) to watch?
Enzio Boldewijn (if he plays). In the words of our infamous chairman, “He’s fast, he’s strong, he’s skilful, he’s ours”. Also, Lewis Alessandra (if he plays).
Who do you think will finish in the top 7?
In this order: Lincoln City, Mansfield Town, Exeter City, Bury, Milton Keynes Dons, Carlisle United and Colchester United.
Who do you think will finish in the bottom 2?
Hopefully Morecambe and Yeovil. Realistically, the mighty Magpies and Morecambe. I think Sol Campbell will steer Macclesfield to safety.
What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?
My honest opinion of Lincoln City is that they are a slightly overachieving club. That said, the Cowley brothers are fantastic.
What do you think the score will be?
Given the turmoil at Notts County at the moment, I think Lincoln will turn us over 4-0. I hope I’m wrong.
Random fact about your Club?
Notts County FC are an FA Cup winning team! Admittedly, we won it back in 1894, but it still counts.
If you could steal one Lincoln City player for your own team, who would it be and why?
It has to be John Akinde. He certainly knows where to find the net, and that’s exactly what we need right now.
What are your proudest and most embarrassing moments as a Notts County Supporter?
My proudest moment as a Notts County supporter, or at least the moment I’m most proud of, was the day I met footballing hero Jimmy Sirrel. He lived just up the road from me and he knew I was a fan so invited me over for tea and biscuits in his living room. It was such a privilege and he was such a lovely man. I think this weekend probably goes down as the most embarrassing time to be a Notts County supporter. I won’t go into specifics…
Who would you say is your most underrated player?
I would have to pick Matt Tootle. Last season, when he wasn’t being hampered by injuries, he was probably the best right back in the league.
Do you have a Supporters Trust and what role do they play at the Club?
Yes, NCFC have a supporter’s trust, and were it not for them in 2003, the club would almost definitely have folded. Their current role, as far as I’m aware, is as a safety net, to ensure the club never finds itself in a similar situation.
Which was your favourite match involving Notts County?
My favourite match involving Notts County was Notts vs Man City in 2011. Neal Bishop’s headed goal in the 59th minute has to go down as my favourite goal ever. The match eventually finished 1-1 and meant a day out to the Etihad!
Which was your least favourite match involving Notts County?
A difficult question. Win, lose or draw, I honestly enjoy them all.
Do you have a Former Players Association at Notts County?
Yes, NCFC have a former player’s association. It was founded in 1999 after the tragic death of Arthur Mann.
What’s the best thing about Nottingham?
A difficult question. One I’ve really had to think about. I think for me, I love it because it’s home. I’ve grown up on these streets, with these people and I owe a lot to the community that made me the man I am today. That, and Hooters.
What do you think has gone so very wrong at your club over the last 12 months?
Another difficult one. The squad never clicked. After the success we had last season, perhaps we shouldn’t have played around too much with the winning formula. A lot of ins and outs have probably contributed to a less than adequate season.
Did you honestly expect after last season, to be cut adrift at the bottom this season?
No. Did you? Or anyone else? The bookies certainly didn’t.
Enzio Boldewijn was recently quoted as saying the Notts lads are really up for the Lincoln game. What have been the major issues with morale this season and why are they really up for Lincoln to visit?
Frequent change in management and playing styles hasn’t helped the lads. High expectations probably didn’t help either. Beyond that, I think you’d have to ask them.
Do you still have Delroy Facey Day?
I’m afraid I haven’t celebrated Delroy Facey day for some time now. That isn’t to say others don’t.
Are you worried about a points deduction next season, be it in this league or the national league, due to financial fair play?
I’m more worried about the fans deduction. And the money deduction. And the quality deduction.
Would you settle for this scenario now: Forest going up and you stay in the Football League? Pretty unlikely I know (Forest going up that is).
My opinion on this is probably quite controversial amongst Notts fans, but I would like to see Forest promoted regardless. At the end of the day, I love football, and I love Nottingham. Having a local team in the Premier League can only ever be good (unless it’s Mansfield). So in answer to your question, absolutely.
"I'd have been disappointed with anything other than Champions of League Two."https://t.co/w2sLQENpwp#ImpsAsOne #Notts #EFL
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) February 1, 2019
https://www.facebook.com/VitalLincolnCity/posts/2041718055864429
Last night The Imps announced the signings of striker Lee Angol on loan from Shrewsbury Town until the end of the season and goalkeeper Matt Gilks on a free transfer from Scunthorpe United. In the article below you will find the reaction from 100% Imps:
