TT OPPOSITION Q&A
Paul Mace from the Magpie Circle Podcast discusses his team Notts County
So let’s talk about the Chesterfield game, a great one for the neutral – how was it for you?
A game that will live long in the memory for all Notts fans – but especially so for your younger generation. Game had just about everything – goals, a comeback, injured goalkeeper, late winner, pantomime ‘villain’ with Chesterfield boss James Rowe banished to the stands etc… Great theatre and a great occasion – almost a seasons worth of action in one game.
Do you think playing last weekend will be an advantage for Saturday?
Debated this extensively on our own podcast this week – Kev Nicholson thinks it is an advantage, others don’t. Last season ourselves and Harrogate finished third and second so missed the first eliminator – we beat Barnet, they beat Boreham Wood, so didn’t hurt us last season.
How highly do you rate Ruben Rodrigues and how far do you think he can go in his career?
Ruben has blossomed under new manager Ian Burchnall and been a hugely influential player for us in our finish to the season. Great technique and ability but is now so much more involved in a game than he was when he first arrived when, to a certain extent, matches would pass him by.
Who would you say are County’s other key players and why?
Former Torquay player Mark Ellis has been massive to us – a rock at the heart of the defence and a phenomenal scoring record for us in the other box too – got the 90th minute last week. Keeper Sam Slocombe returned from injury and has been excellent too. Largely been a real team effort under Ian.
TT PLAYER PROFILE – Mark Ellis
Position: Centre Back
Date of Birth: 30th September 1988 – 32 years-old
Height: 1.88m
Former Clubs: Bolton, Torquay, Forest Green, Crewe, Shrewsbury, Carlisle, Leyton Orient, Tranmere
National League Stats 20-21: League – Played: 19, Goals: 5, Bookings: 1
Play-Offs – Played: 1, Goals: 1, Bookings: 1