The Magpies look like a new team under Mark Cooper and have pulled away from the relegation zone in recent weeks with only one loss in five.
Former Swindon boss Cooper has re-invented Notts County since taking over at the end of March.
Previous manager Jamie Fullarton failed to win at Meadow Lane in his short spell in charge whereas Cooper is yet to lose at home. Here are some of the ways he has revitalised the Pies.
1. Consistency in team selection:
The spine of the County side under Cooper has largely stayed the same with keeper Scott Loach, Haydn Hollis, Liam Noble, Stanley Aborah and Jon Stead starting every game so far. You only have to look at Leicester’s amazing season to see what a consistent team selection can do to a side.
The Magpies have achieved back-to-back wins against Stevenage and Hartlepool after naming an unchanged side.
Image: Liam Noble is reaping the benefits of Cooper’s attacking ethos
2. Building from the back:
A large part of Cooper’s success at Swindon came from him putting together a team that were comfortable and positive on the ball, starting with the defence. An ethos he has continued at Meadow Lane. Veteran Mike Edwards alongside Haydn Hollis, Elliott Hewitt and Thierry Audel have contributed at both ends of the pitch and have earned rave reviews for consecutive clean sheets as well as initiating flowing counter attacks.
3. Stan’s return:
Under Jamie Fullarton, it looked as though midfielder Stanley Aborah would never play for the Magpies again. After a war of words between player and manager, Aborah was put out in the cold and forced to train with the youth team.
The Belgian was considered by many to be Notts’ player of the season before Christmas and it is no surprise that the Magpies’ good form has coincided with his return to the starting eleven and he is now part of a formidable partnership in the heart of the Notts midfield alongside Liam Noble.
Cooper said in his very first press conference that he would be looking to bring Aborah back into the fold and he’s been true to his word.
4. Off-the-field excitement:
There is a buzz around Meadow Lane at the minute and the feel-good factor in the stands is spreading on to the pitch. With reports of multi-millionaires and foreign consortiums whetting the appetite of the Notts County faithful, they seem to be in a more upbeat mood than they’ve been most of the season and it is no surprise that the increased encouragement from the stands has come at the same time as Notts playing some of their best football of the season.
5. Playing without fear:
After being trounced 4-0 in his first game in charge against Portsmouth, Mark Cooper could have been forgiven if he had decided to adopt a more cautious approach but regardless of opposition he has not altered his style of play.
Even after going one behind against runaway leaders Northampton Town, the Pies did not keel over and got at the Cobblers, pegging them back twice on the day.
This ‘never say die’ attitude, coupled with Cooper’s expansive brand of attacking football has made County a force to be reckoned with over the last few weeks with the former Swindon man at the helm.
Image: Liam Noble curls an effort into the top corner in County’s victory over Stevenage
Notts County head to the One Call Stadium on Saturday to face local rivals Mansfield Town.
They will be confident after a run of good results at Meadow Lane and will be hoping they can replicate their home form on away turf.
