Notts County Football Club

It was the Youth Team’s first of five friendly games before the big kick off on August 10, and thanks to four goals by striker Anthony Dwyer, they ran out 5-1 winners against the Leicestershire outfit.

A delighted McMillan told the Official Site: “It was an excellent workout for the lads. You can have as many training sessions as you want, but of course it’s different to see them in a game situation. It’s good to see that the work we’ve been doing on the training pitch it already being replicated on the pitch.

“We had good bits of play and there are areas where we can work on, but overall for a first outing it was a good start.

“They are a good bunch of lads, with a good team spirit and they are all working hard together. No one is getting on anyone’s back. 

“Anthony was excellent. He’s impressed me from day one. I like his attitude, his determination and his rawness about him. He’s a confident character and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“He’s not the only one that shone. The whole team did really well. I could go through them and praise them. The two young keepers, the back four organised by Brad McGowan, Elliot Hodge in midfield controlled the game and getting on the ball and then the strikers were good and worked hard.

“And we had a number of Under 16s who came in and did a job.  15-year-old (16 on Saturday) Jordan Richards had never played right-back and he did really well.”

The Magpies now face Sheffield United away on Saturday and McMillan is expecting a more tactical game.

He added: “Saturday will be a test. We will be working throughout the week, starting by analysing last Friday’s game and then working towards the game. I’m looking forward to it, there will be more football played and we will be looking to put our own stamp on how we play.”

The former York and Barnet Academy Coach also praised the player’s level of commitment already this pre-season.

He said: “The application has been unbelievable. This is my fifth club working between 18-21 year-olds and as a group of players this is far the best I’ve had. You are scratching your head to sort a formation because there are so many good players. 

“That’s one of the key things I’m trying to get across, if you are on the bench, you are still very much part of this team and this football club. It’s a long season and you will all be called upon.

“Personally I’d like to thank all the staff for making me feel welcome to this club. It’s been incredible. Particularly Dan Leivers (Video Analyst) and Tom Jenkins (Physio). I’m really enjoying it.”

The fixture list is yet to be confirmed, but keep checking back to the Official Site for the latest news. The first league game is scheduled for August 10.