Notts County Fans Meet Gudjon Thordarson

The Notts County Supporters Trust-organised fans’ forum on 15 July 2005 attracted around two hundred fans to meet the Magpies’ new manager Gudjon Thordarson and assistant Ross Maclaren.

The event provided supporters the opportunity of questioning the management team, Club Chairman and Supporter Director Steve Thompson, and Keri Usherwood, Chair of Notts County Supporters Trust ahead of the new season.

The evening began with the MC for the evening, BBC Nottingham's Colin Slater speaking to two of the first-team squad, Steve Scoffham and Chris Palmer. Scoffham reviewed his injury-plagued first season at Meadow Lane, admitting that there was a time when he thought he may never play again. Both talked about their aspirations for the new campaign and how pre-season has progressed to-date. Both were queried about Gudjon’s tough double-session training regime, diplomatically responding with a smile!

Trust Chair Keri Usherwood then outlined why the Trust is important, the organisation’s future plans, and flagging up a number of areas where the Trust has been working hard. He warned of the vultures that continue to look at football clubs and said that the existence of Notts County Supporters Trust would ward off investors that haven’t got the club’s best interests at heart. Keri explained the Herculean task of trying to turn the Club around since exiting the eighteen month period in administration, stressing that he never, ever wants to witness Notts County in such a perilous situation again. He finished by stressing that the Supporters Trust is not simply about fundraising, urging everyone who wasn’t a member to join.

Club Chairman and Supporter Director Steve Thompson then took the floor to explain how tight the finances would be for the coming season. He stressed that since the takeover the wage bill had been dramatically reduced by £750,000 with further cuts planned. He echoed Keri’s comments about the difficulties of turning the Club around following a record spell in administration, but stated that in the next season (2006/07) the Club would make a profit, albeit likely to be a very small one.

Steve then took questions from the floor, including why players had been handed only one-year contracts, and why Craig Armstrong wouldn’t be joining the Magpies. In response to the latter Steve said that Armstrong had been offered a contract but that the player wanted more than was available under the current wage structure. He also talked about the local businessmen that have pledged to match ‘pound for pound’ the money raised by the Supporters Trust. When asked whether this money would be used for buying players, Steve said the money (if raised) would be for use across the club. He repeated that the finances this season would be extremely tight and if it came to the end of the season and there was a choice between buying some players and keeping the club in business over the close season, he would choose the latter.

Before the break Gudjon Thordarson and Ross Maclaren were introduced to the audience, and Gudjon began by giving a potted history of his managerial career, including his time as manager of Iceland and their dramatic rise in the FIFA ranking during his time in charge. He outlined his thoughts and beliefs about football management, explaining that when the opportunity arose to return to manage in England he was very keen to take it. He called on the fans to support him and the team as they adapted to the new regime. He spoke about how the Stoke players felt uncomfortable with playing at home when he arrived at the Britannia Stadium, and how he doesn’t fancy the same situation.

Gudjon then explained how he thought pre-season was going, emphasising that he hates to lose. Assistant manager Ross Maclaren then introduced himself before a short break.
The second half saw an array of questions aimed at Gudjon, Ross and Steve on a range of footballing matters, including the situation with regards Saul Deeney, Brian O’Callaghan’s registration, players leaving, preferred team formation and style of play.

With regards Deeney, Gudjon said that he had been offered a contract but had rejected it – which led to Pilkington being signed, whilst they continue to look for another goalkeeper. Saul won’t now to be offered an improved contract. His registration remains with Notts County but he is believed to be looking for another club. Gudjon revealed that Shaun Harrad had approached him, stating his desire for regular first-team football and asking to be released. His contract has as a consequence been terminated by mutual agreement.

Ross Maclaren said that he had seen the Magpies play three times last season – 2 was defeats and one was the victory at Lincoln City. His first comments to Gudjon Thordarson were that the players weren’t fit. Gudjon concurred, stating that he when he first arrived at Meadow Lane, the players generally were unfit, hence the introduction of double training sessions. He stressed the importance of players that have both strength and stamina, and who can last for ninety minutes.

In response to a question about the current injury situation, the manager explained that whilst Rob Ullathorne and Mike Whitlow were behind first team fitness, they were making progress. With regards Ian Richardson, Gudjon said that he was awaiting a report from Lilleshall. Gudjon was then asked about his expectations for the coming season. He said that it won’t be finishing 5th from bottom! When asked what his preferred team formation was, he answered 1 in goal and 10 outfield players! Gudjon was also asked which players he wanted to keep and let go, but said it was too early to tell.

There was also a question about who would be captain, with the suggestion being that Julian Baudet should continue. Gudjon said that Baudet had been captain for the Hucknall friendly, but he had not yet decided who would wear the armband.  All in all, it was an entertaining and informative forum, which was extremely well supported. Keri finished the evening by thanking Gudjon, Ross and the players for attending, and expressed his gratitude to Colin Slater for chairing the event. Thanks also to everyone who attended. Your support is much appreciated.