Jamie Fullarton spoke to the local media for the first time after being appointed as First Team Manager at Notts County…
Fullarton took his first training session on Monday morning, and said the player’s attitude had been first class “I asked the players at every opportunity to do the best they can in everything they do, and that’s what they’ve done today.”
This is Fullarton’s first foray into management, although he has an extensive coaching background and the former Scottish international says the only way to prove himself is with results on the pitch, “In this game, the thing that alters opinion is results and performances. So [I can’t prove myself] until we have the opportunity to win games and play in a manner that people can relate to”
The appointment has come during the January transfer window, but the new manager will give the current squad a chance to prove themselves, before he looks elsewhere, “Players that are already at the club have a chance, in a different environment, which every manager creates, to show what they are, because they will react differently. I think it’s only fair that the current staff have that opportunity to show what they are before we talk about changing the playing staff.”
Notts have conceded the third highest number of goals in Sky Bet League 2, although boasting one of the highest goals tallies, and Fullarton accepts that this needs addressing. “We can’t hide the fact that we have conceded goals, up to this point of 44, and that is an organisation and structural thing that we need to address to win games, in a manner which is attractive but effective. We must look to have structure and organisation to prevent goals, and to continue scoring at the rate we are.”
County have been praised for their entertaining football so far this campaign, a style the manager is looking to build from, whilst making the performances more effective to gain the three points. “Effective means we gain our goal, our purpose, which is win games, in a manner which the fans and everyone involved in the club are engaged by, enthused by and have the passion and look forward to the next game.”
Assistant Manager Dave Kevan and Defence Coach Dean Yates, also departed the club with Ricardo Moniz, but Fullarton will work with the current coaching set up, before deciding if there is a need to recruit further, “As with the playing staff, it’s the same with the [coaching] staff. The staff which are currently at the club, on every opportunity I will call upon them, I’ll beg, steal and borrow. I’ve already apologised to their families and wives, as I will be taking their time and energy. And it’s important to be able to hit the ground running for the club, because that’s the aim. who do we work for? What do we want? It’s the same goal as everyone here, we want success and that’s what I feel and believe we have to do in the short term.”
Finally, the manager spoke of his determination to succeed and achieve the long term goals of Notts County Football Club, “What can I guarantee? A passion, an enthusiasm and desire. I’m relentless to be successful, that’s what I am. A pursuit to be successful and the only way to turn, effect or change [opinions] is what we do on a weekly basis.”