Notts County - A change in game plan perhaps?

With Dagenham and Redbridge not in action last weekend, it was a chance for fans to give closer inspection to how other teams have adapted to the new League One season. Perhaps the most dumbfounding and surprising of observations can be trailed to our opponents tomorrow, Notts County. Out of the four promoted teams from League Two, it has generally been the opinion of many fellow fans, pundits and ‘experts’ that Notts County would fair the best and may even be dark horses for the play-offs or further promotion. However Notts County have been slapped in the face by the gulf between League Two and League One as quick as Sol Campbell running for the exit sign. Notts County have yet to score, losing their first two games 3-0 to Huddersfield Town and Paul Dickov’s Oldham Athletic. With many Notts County fans bizarrely questioning Craig Short’s tactics already, is this perhaps a ideal opportunity to get our first win of the season although not only that, but away from home where we have struggled in recent years?

Dagenham and Redbridge’s begun their quest for survival or La Salvezza as the Italians call it – Salvation – on the opening day losing to Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at Hillsborough. If anything, this performance produced confirmation rather than doubt that La Salvezza (I may continue to use this term to provoke some romanticism when it may get gloomy) is possible for Dagenham and Redbridge this season. Due to the regrettable circumstances which called off the game against Exeter City last week, Dagenham will now travel away again although will John Still now pinpoint this game with his trusty finger as a game to be ceased on. Many fans will have no doubt trawled through the fixture list looking for possible points. The home games against Exeter, Tranmere and Leyton Orient seem achievable, however Gillingham’s one season stay in League One last season proves that home form on its own simply won’t be good enough. Gillingham finished 21st last season, after going the whole season without an away win. Obstinately, Daggers must improve on their travels to have any chance of maintaining their League One status. But how? The ethos is more easily said that executed as we prepare to come up against masterful Ben Davies in midfield and thug but annoyingly good Lee Hughes who tore the Daggers apart last season in a 3-0 win at Meadow Lane.

Transcending with my true Football Manager helmet on, where my CV speaks for itself if you even dare to question, John Still stated the intention at the start of the season that the sky is the limit for the team, therefore he won’t be holding back and will give the team full freedom to attack, fully aware that this could backfire into a few heavy defeats. This was music to my ears and there was no going back on his promise when he started with a 4-4-2 formation against Sheffield Wednesday with Tomlin and Benson upfront in a game where many others would bail out for the cautious and predictable 4-5-1 or 5-4-1. Still is known to favour continuity and will most likely stick with this line-up; however I’d be tempted to make a few changes that would greater resemble the ‘play-off’ or ‘Wembley’ team which was so effective.

I would team up Gain and Vincelot in central midfield again. Infact I was surprised John opted to break them up in the first place; Gain looked missing at times against Wednesday and is much more effective in the centre in his versed age. When Vincelot was moved to partner the Irishman at the backend of last season, I hadn’t seen such stability since the early Taiwo-Gain partnership. I think with Gain’s experience and ability, it is essential that he gives the defence protection against the likes of Davies and Hughes. If Scannell is fit, I would be get him on that left-wing. The early indications have suggested that the full-back area is one of Nott’s weakest areas, with Hunt reportedly suffering a shaky start. Therefore if Green and Scannell can get the space to run at the full-backs, it could be the avenue of much success. Finally, I would get Scott back in place of Tomlin despite the events that have occurred this week . Nothing against Tomlin, I have only seen him in one game, but Notts County possess two burly defenders in Edwards and Thompson, similar to Purse and Beevers of Wednesday who dwarfed Tomlin the whole game. Josh on the other hand offers some strength and may be able to hold up the ball to allow the likes of Danny Green to get in penetrating positions. I await my scouting fee in the post Mr Still.

I’m off for a bite to eat but I’ll leave you with this. It will be hard to dampen the “Dagger” spirit this season as simply we have nothing to lose. On the contrary, Notts County have started the season with much optimism but fell straight on their arses. A rookie manager, no Kasper guarding their net, No payouts from Munto Finance and perhaps fear of a third defeat in a row to little ol Dagenham, we may not get many better chances for a League One away win, just a shame I won’t be there if it does happen.

Come on you Daggers
Shaun (D&R)