Notts County are fired up for this weekend’s big game against Tranmere Rovers, says assistant manager Mick Jones.
Notts suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of league leaders Leyton Orient in midweek but that result has only made the team more determined to turn things around.
Rovers are currently four points better off than the Magpies after seven games and the fixture is seen as a good opportunity Chris Kiwomya’s men to put a slow start behind them.
Jones explained that the pride and passion befitting of the black and white stripes is required against Rovers, who will be eyeing three points of their own at Meadow Lane.
“We’ve got to show a spirit on Saturday that is typical of what I think Notts County should be about,” he told the press.
“The players that we select on Saturday, I’m confident, are going to be fired up for this particular game for various reasons.
“Pride is at stake and we’ve got a lot to play for.”
Jones believes that Notts can draw inspiration from Orient, who experienced a similarly slow start in 2012.13, only to narrowly miss out on the League 1 Play-Offs.
The O’s are now flying at the top of the Sky Bet League 1 table – a stark contrast to this time last term.
“I don’t think anybody would anticipate a start like this and yet I spoke to Russell Slade, a good friend of mine, the other night,” Jones continued.
“He said ‘you might be down tonight, Mick, but you’ve got one point more than we had at the start of last season and look where we are now – we’re flying’.
“He says things can change around and if we can’t believe things can change around then we shouldn’t be here.
“Myself and Andy Watson will work very, very hard with the players and the manager and try to get that vital result.”
For full pre-match build-up, sign in to Magpie Player.
Further coverage will be available on BBC Radio Nottingham and in the Nottinghamshire Topper.
Make sure you’re in attendance to spur the Magpies on to their first league win of the campaign. Tickets are available by clicking here.