Garry Birtles: Damning words from Neal Bishop could still ignite Notts County's season

NEAL Bishop showed some guts to come out and deliver a damning assessment of some of his on team-mates.

The Notts County skipper did not hold back when he accused some players of having a poor attitude – and others of spending too much time "wanting to be the best player on the pitch" rather than doing their jobs for the team.

Fair play to him for actually coming out and saying it. Because I bet he is right.

Too many modern footballers don't have the professionalism or pride they should have, when they step out on the pitch.

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Bishop, in contrast, has built his career on being one of the most committed, determined players every time he steps out onto the pitch.

I hope he had told these players to their face what he thought of them, before talking about it in the media, otherwise he may have had a frosty reception in the dressing room.

But, given the bluntness of his words, I imagine he would not be too shy about telling anyone what he thought of them, if he felt it needed saying.

The most important factor out of all of this is that the rest of the squad take it on board.

If he was talking about you, you would know it.

If you can look at yourself in the mirror after a game and know you have given your all, you have not got a problem.

But that should be the very bare minimum that you should expect of yourself, if you are paid to be a professional footballer.

What is clear is that Notts have been inconsistent this season, they have not been at their best often enough.

That, at the end of the day, is why Keith Curle lost his job. Even if it was a hasty, harsh decision.

But, just as is happening in the Championship, one or two of the sides at the top are slipping up in League One.

Notts have tough games coming up, against Brentford and Swindon. It will not be easy to return from either club with three points.

But, if they can claim six points, how much of a lift would that be?

Notts have always had the quality to challenge at the top but, if Bishop is right, perhaps their attitude has not always been right.

It should not take public criticism from a team mate to inspire a change. But, if Notts can approach the final flurry of fixtures with the right motivation and commitment, anything is still possible.