NOLAN’S SCREEN TEST
Kevin tells team Nott to be TV upset victims
KEVIN NOLAN has warned his Notts County players the TV cameras haven’t come to see them.
The former West Ham, Newcastle and Bolton star absolutely buys into the romance of the FA Cup.
But he has told his League Two high-fliers that their game is being screened only because non-League Oxford City are looking to book a place in the third round.
Nolan said: “The FA Cup never loses its appeal for me. My lads have been fantastic all season, but this is a tricky tie.
“The cameras are here because they want a fairytale and make no mistake, that fairytale is Oxford City beating us.
“It’s not going to be easy. Oxford will play the game ®Êby DAVE ARMITAGE of their lives. They’re live on TV, all their friends and family will be tuning in.
“It’s up to our lads to handle all that.”
Nolan’s good work at Meadow Lane is there for all to see.
Spin
The 35-year-old Scouser put his reputation on the line when he breezed in at the start of the year.
Notts had lost 10 league games on the spin and were 22nd in the table with seemingly no chance of avoiding plunging out of the League.
But the transformation was instant and 10 wins in their remaining 21 games saw them safe. Nolan’s men are second in the table, behind Luton on goal difference.
“What the players here have achieved from that first day when we walked in has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Nolan, on behalf of sponsor William Hill.
“My job title is player/ manager. The problem is the manager has said to me, ‘He’s not good enough’. I’ll have to have a word with myself.” ¬ Notts County are sponsored for the second round of the FA Cup by William Hill Plus – access online funds in shop and cash in shop bets on mobile, more info at williamhillplus.com