Notts County cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal between now and the end of the season – and they will not be allowed to do so, says skipper Dean Leacock.
Anybody not pulling their weight will soon have a boot up the backside from either from the manager or their teammates.
Since the arrival of manager Shaun Derry and his assistant Greg Abbott, the hard-work mentality has quickly spread throughout the squad and, in summary, anyone not giving 100 per cent will soon know about it.
“Myself and other senior players will tell players if they’re not pulling their weight and I’d expect the same in return,” said Leacock.
“The gaffer’s the first person to jump on board when required and he’s been just what we’ve needed, as he’s brought a real togetherness back in the squad.
“He doesn’t give you a second in training and you can’t slack in games.
“I think we needed that – and Greg as well – they work really well together.
“The way it’s all turned around at the moment there’s a good feeling in the camp.
“We’re going into games confident thinking that we can get wins and I feel a lot, lot better in myself
“The enjoyment is also coming back now because the start of the season was tough.”
The Magpies head into this weekend’s Meadow Lane encounter with Sheffield United with every belief of taking three points, following another impressive home showing on home turf in the 3-0 triumph over Bradford City.
Leacock explained that the squad is fired up for the fixture, especially as they have a chance to climb out of the relegation zone for the first time since October.
“They’re only four points ahead of us and I think if results go our way this Saturday there’s a chance we can get out of the bottom four,” he continued.
“That’s a good incentive to win the game and the way we’ve been playing I’m confident we can do that against Sheffield United who near to us.
“I think the turning point for us was the Colchester game and we’ve just got to keep moving forward.
“It’s good so far but it’s got to continue and improve – that’s the aim for us.
“I don’t want to get relegated because when I was at Derby and we went down from the Premier League that was not enjoyable and nobody wants it on their CV.
“I’ll do everything I can to not repeat my worst season and make sure that Notts County are still in League 1 next season.”
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