Nelson updates ahead of Magpies visit

Interim first team manager Michael Nelson has previewed this Saturday's National League home fixture against Notts County (12.30pm kick-off).

He started by speaking about about the busy week gone by, saying: “It’s been a bit of a mixed week. It was fairly negative yesterday morning when the players and staff arrived, and then a complete contrast this morning when everyone came in really positive and upbeat. A lot of fans have been coming in and buying tickets ready for tomorrow so it’s been a much better mood around the place today.”

He continued to talk about the importance of the fans in tomorrow’s game, adding: “The fans have been good considering the position we’ve been in, and those who’ve come to the games have stuck with the lads as best they can. Hopefully, there will be a lot more numbers and a lot more positivity tomorrow, and hopefully the players will feed off that and put a good performance in.”

Nelson also spoke about the united effort that’s required going forward, saying: “We won’t get relegated tomorrow and we won’t win the league tomorrow. It’s about what happens between now and the end of the season so everyone needs to stick with the team and the club.

“Ian (Sharp) and Simon (Elliott) have come in and put their money where their mouth is. A lot of people wanted this takeover to happen, so let’s back the prospective new owners, get people through the turnstiles, and create a real carnival atmosphere tomorrow to try and help us get the three points we’re looking for.”

The boss talked about the opposition and what he expects from the team, saying: “They’re right up there and we’ve watched a lot of them. They’re a team that likes to pass it and they get a high number of passes in every game. They have a lot of possession so we’re going to have to be patient at times.

“We’ve organised the lads to be disciplined and when we do get the ball we have to keep it for as long as we can. We have to create our own chances to cause them problems. I’m looking forward to it, the lads are in a positive mood, so hopefully it will be a great performance tomorrow.”

Nelson then praised the professionalism of the players following a turbulent week, saying: “Tony (Daws) gave the lads the news (that he was stepping down as interim manager) on Monday so that was little bit of a somber day with some uncertainty going around. We got back on it on Tuesday and the lads trained really well, I spoke to them yesterday and then we had another good session too.

“Today practically looked after itself with the takeover news, with Simon and Ian addressing the group this morning before training. You could feel the buzz around the training ground and we need to carry that through to tomorrow, and hopefully, that will be a catalyst to kick us on.”

Reagan Ogle is match fit again following a back injury, and Nelson spoke about the importance of his return to the team, saying: “Reagan is very athletic and very powerful. He’s a good player and he’s been missed while he’s been out, but he’s had a full week of training, so he’s back in contention to be in the squad tomorrow.”

In other injury news, forward Aiden Marsh (who suffered a foot fracture two months ago) has been recalled by Barnsley, and Nelson addressed this, saying: “They looked at his injury and by the time he gets back fit, it was practically overlapping with when his loan ends, so Barnsley have decided to recall him. Unfortunately, he won’t be coming back so we thank him for everything he did to help us in his time here, and it’s unfortunate that it was cut short by injury.”

Finally, Nelson spoke about Joe Nuttall, who's suspended for tomorrow’s fixture following his red card at Wealdstone last weekend.

The club tried to overturn the decision but it was rejected by the FA. He added: “Unfortunately, they’ve stuck with the referee’s decision which we expected to be honest. It’s another hurdle that we will get over and it’s a chance for someone else to come in, score the goals, and stay in. He will be out of the next three games and back in contention after that.”

See more from Michael Nelson and Andrew Boyce on Iron Player.