Doyle Rolling Back The Years To Fire Up County’s Future

The world’s oldest professional club are figure-headed by one of the most experienced players in the business.

The Irishman, 38, has been rolling back the years lately as the Magpies have really started getting to grips with the National League.

Midfielder Doyle has called on the fans and his team-mates to put on their best performance of the season in Saturday’s huge game with rivals Chesterfield.

Improving Notts have won five of their last six and are now up to a season-best fifth.

Straight-talking Doyle thinks the live BT Sport game is a big chance to prove to everyone the club are back on the right path as the dark clouds were lifted following a slow start.

“I don’t think it’s a big surprise the first month or so was like it was,” explained the former Coventry and Portsmouth player.

“It was inevitable and there was always going to a hangover from what happened to a certain extent.

“People weren’t getting paid over the summer, there were big worries about the club’s future - you don’t just hit the ground running after a difficult period like that.

“But we’ve worked through it. We’re playing well and now I think we’re coming out the other side and looking to make our mark on the division.

“It was difficult for everyone but now there is positivity about the place and we’re looking to use that confidence on Saturday for sure.

“It’s a big game, everyone knows that. Both clubs will feel they should be in higher divisions but there’s no hiding how much of a challenge this league is. The weekend won’t be any different.

“We need to be at our very best and have the fans right behind us. They will travel in big numbers and we need their backing.”

Manager Neal Ardley has distanced himself from any credit for the club’s splendid recent form.

But Doyle thinks the club have the perfect person at the helm and now we are seeing what the former AFC Wimbledon promotion-winner is all about.

He added: “Both Neal and Neil Cox have got their squad now and while they won’t mind me saying it, it was difficult at certain times - we’re now starting to reap the benefit.

“I actually don’t think it’s now that we are seeing the best of them.

“That was during pre-season when the problems were mounting. That’s when we got to see what a good manager the club has, that is when they kept us together.

“Training was intense and the small group really stuck with it.

“They have copped flack and while some people may have questioned things, the players knew what a great job he was doing in such testing circumstances.”

Doyle has long since faced up to the reality that some of the club’s up-and-coming young stars are half his age.

But he isn’t even thinking about what’s ahead of him and that dreaded question. He just wants to be holding silverware again.

“I have no doubt I could play on, easily next year,” he said.

“There are no plans either way, I’m certainly not saying this will be my final season - who knows what the future holds.

“I run the most in training, I have seen the stats! I think I am feeling the benefit of keeping myself fit my whole life. If you don’t see a reason to stop then why stop?

“I’m not someone who finds football a chore. I get on with it, I enjoy it - it’s certainly not a burden on my life.

“All I am thinking about is the best part of the game and that’s collecting trophies at the end of the season. Nothing else matters.”