As Notts County gear up to kick off their 2024-25 League Two campaign with an away match against Tranmere Rovers, head coach Stuart Maynard exudes a sense of cautious optimism. In an interview ahead of the game, Maynard discussed the club’s preparations, the challenges that lie ahead, and the squad’s readiness for the new season.
Maynard acknowledged both the excitement and pressure that come with the final week of pre-season. “You always get to this final week, and it’s that reality that the season’s here,” he remarked, noting how quickly the anticipation builds as the opening fixture approaches. “Pre-season feels long when it starts off, but it does come around very quickly, and yeah, look, we’re as prepared as we can be at this stage.”
Reflecting on the pre-season campaign, Maynard highlighted the progress the team has made, particularly in terms of defensive solidity. “We’ve learned a lot from the way we defend as a group, and it’s something we’ve focused on,” he explained. The head coach was particularly pleased with the team’s defensive record as pre-season fixtures reached the 60-minute mark. “Once we started getting to the 60 minutes, we only conceded one goal in the first half of pre-season within games, which is a great stat for us,” Maynard said, emphasizing the importance of being hard to beat this season.
The Notts County squad has undergone significant changes over the summer, with several new signings aimed at strengthening the team’s defensive ranks. Maynard pointed out that the allocation of squad numbers from 1 to 6, all to new signings, “tells a story in itself.” He elaborated, saying, “We’ve recruited some defenders, and it’s something we talked about at the back end of the season. We knew we needed to bring in competition for places in those areas.”
However, the head coach hinted that the transfer business might not be over just yet. With nine new arrivals so far, Maynard suggested that there could be further additions before the transfer window closes. “Things can happen very quickly in football, so look, there’s always a possibility,” he said. “We are trying to strengthen. We want to make sure that the squad’s got good depth, which at the minute we feel we’re probably a couple short.”
One of the most notable signings for the upcoming season is Cedwyn Scott, who has been handed the coveted number nine shirt. Maynard expressed his confidence in Scott’s ability to make an impact. “I feel he’s a goalscorer. He’s a very clean finisher,” said Maynard, adding that the player had shown sharpness during pre-season after an injury-plagued previous campaign.
While Maynard stopped short of revealing his starting eleven for the opening match, he admitted that the coaching staff is “pretty close” to finalizing their selection. The team has spent considerable time preparing for Tranmere Rovers, even scouting their opponents in a live match against Wigan. “We kind of know what to expect,” Maynard commented, underscoring the importance of understanding the opposition.
As Notts County embark on the new season, the head coach emphasized that success would depend not just on the starting eleven but on the entire squad. “If we want real success, it’s about being able to look at your bench and then look at what’s outside your squad to make sure they can come and have an impact,” Maynard noted.
Maynard also provided an update on Matthew Palmer, a player who has been sidelined with injury since October. “He’s been in full contact training for the last two weeks,” Maynard revealed, adding that while Palmer is close to returning, the club is being cautious. “We just have to make sure we stick to the timings… because he’s going to be such a key player for us this season.”
For Maynard, the upcoming match against Tranmere represents more than just the start of a new season; it’s also a chance for a fresh start for the management team, who joined mid-season last year. “With a full pre-season, it’s been massive for us as a management team now, and we’re really looking forward to it,” he concluded.
As the season opener looms, Maynard’s cautious confidence reflects the quiet determination within the Notts County camp. The Magpies are ready to take flight, with their sights set firmly on a successful season ahead.
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