Fri 17th Sep 1999

Fri 17th Sep 1999 - Notts County preview.

27th March 1999. That was the day that City last won at home in the league. What a time to get back to winning ways by beating the second placed side in the division. While we maybe placed 18th at the moment in the table we are only 8 points from the top. Its still early enough in the season for 2 / 3 good results to catapult us back up the table. Notts County will be a stern test. They were promoted to Division 2 two seasons ago, last season they kept their place in the division and this season they are going to be promotion contenders. Something similar would suit Cardiff City.

Tony Vaughan, on loan from Man City, has been added to the squad on duty against Wimbledon. Vaughan will undoubtedly start the match and relegate one of the current back three to the bench. Most likely to be Scott Young, but Mike Ford did take a knock against The Dons. It would be an outrage if Mr 100% Jeff Eckhardt were left out. There's been no official mention on Danny Hill. Vaughan and Hill trained together yesterday and Hill may make the squad as well. Lee Phillips is fit again. The injured players are Bonner, Perrett, Cornforth and Middleton. It is hoped all could be back in training next week. (There is confusion over Perrett, one side says he hopes to train on Monday, he other side says he may have chipped a bone in his foot and could be out for longer).

Vaughan will only be a loan player. Joe Royle states he has no intention of selling the player but is more than happy for him to be away from Maine Rd getting first team football. It's possible he could stay for up to 3 months. The arrival of Vaughan means that Brahim Thiam who did not impress anyway has returned to Malaga. NOTTSCOUNTY.gif (1648 bytes)

Notts County will be without star striker Duane Darby. The Magpies are unbeaten in the league this season and will provide tough opposition. They are likely to include ex Welsh international Clayton Blackmore in their team.