Assistant manager Greg Abbott was blown away by Notts County fans’ reaction following the disappointing defeat to Walsall...
...and declared that the squad are determined to pay them back with a strong performance against Preston North End.
Although heavily beaten by the Saddlers, a large section of the County support stayed behind to applaud Notts off the pitch – a gesture that has provided motivation for the players and coaching staff this week.
The Magpies face a difficult test at Deepdale but there is a real determination in the County ranks to put things right.
“This week is probably the most feisty I’ve been since I’ve been at the club in terms of determination to put things right,” Abbott told the press.
“I think that’s down to the supporters clapping us off – I was staggered, absolutely staggered.
“I actually wanted to walk straight off the pitch but they stopped and clapped and we acknowledged their support.
“It’s surprised me how behind the club and how behind Shaun [Derry] and the players they’ve been when they could’ve quite easily grumbled and moaned.
“I think when you’ve got a base of supporters like that and a mindset like that where they really want the club to do well, going forward – not just over one or two games - you’ve got to make sure you don’t let them down.
“On Saturday they were the winners and we owe them this week, but maybe against Stevenage and Peterborough we performed well and they showed us the same support.
“That will certainly live long in my head, the way they stayed behind and applauded, and we’ve got to do something about that.”
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Further coverage will be available in the Nottingham Post and as part of BBC Radio Nottingham’s pre-match show.