Notts County boss: Why Carlisle United will be 'real tough test'
Notts County boss Stuart Maynard has warned his side that new-look Carlisle United are good enough to climb the table.
The manager of tonight’s opponents says he is disregarding the Blues’ current position in the League Two relegation zone.
The clash at Meadow Lane sees the sixth-placed Magpies take on Mike Williamson’s second-bottom Cumbrians.
But Maynard says United’s January recruitment work has put them in a position to improve their standing.
“We know it’s going to be a difficult game. We can’t look at Carlisle’s league position,” said Maynard, whose side won 2-0 at Brunton Park in October.
“They won [on Saturday], they’ve signed a lot of good players, it will take time to gel but I see them picking up and winning games of football.
“So we know it’s going to be a real tough test.”
Notts County are themselves in good form with five wins out of their last seven, though they were frustrated at home by Bromley on Saturday in a 1-1 draw.
The Magpies, who include ex-United defender Rod McDonald, have won six, drawn three and lost three on home soil in 2024/25.
“We look forward to playing in front of our home fans. We’ve just got to keep going,” Maynard added to the BBC.
“We’ve got more home than away games now and we’re excited for the next game.”
The County boss said his team gave a “nearly” performance in the Bromley draw, but he welcomed the return to the scoresheet of fit-again Jodi Jones.
Jodi Jones is back from injury for the Magpies (Image: PA)
The winger recently returned from three months out, and netted from the penalty spot on Saturday.
“It’s great to see him back,” added Maynard. “We’ve been building his minutes up. When we get injured players back we want to keep them back.”
County are tonight without club captain Matt Palmer, who suffered an injury to his cheek and eye socket in their 3-0 win at Accrington Stanley on January 18.
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