McParland: Win it for Jimmy
IAN McParland will send his players out against Aldershot at Meadow Lane tomorrow with an emotional message: "Win it for Jimmy".
Notts County are still without a win in League Two this season after seven games.
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Jimmy Sirrel
And McParland, who was signed by Jimmy Sirrel from Ormiston Primrose in 1980, believes victory against the Shots would be a fitting tribute to the club's most successful manager who died yesterday at the age of 86.
Click here to listen to Notts County fans pay tribute to Jimmy Sirrel
He has revealed he will tell his players all about the famous feats Sirrel achieved as Magpies' boss, taking the club from Division Four to the top-flight, in his pre-match team-talk to try to inspire them.
He said: "It will be a sad day but I would like to think we could get a win for Jimmy. We are overdue a win.
"Most of the lads in the dressing-room don't know him, apart from Johnno (Michael Johnson) who was coming up through the club when Jimmy was gaffer.
"I will have a few words with them and tell them all about what Jimmy was about. I would like to think they will win for him and the fans."
The club have now decided to hold a minute's applause to remember Sirrel before kick-off, rather than a minute's silence.
And many of the Magpies' legends – Don Masson, David Needham, Brian Stubbs, Dean Yates and Iain McCulloch – will be attending the game in honour of him.
McParland has paid his own tribute to his former manager.
"I cannot talk highly enough about Jimmy Sirrel," he said. "He brought me to this club as a 19-year-old, which was a long, long time ago, and gave me a chance to play professional football.
"He was great for me."
6 Comments
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by Mark, Carlton
Friday, September 26 2008, 8:21PM
“What a great goal by Marlon King to win, a fantastic result for a legend, lets hope County can grt the same response”
by Anon, Nottm
Friday, September 26 2008, 7:47PM
“Give your lads a chance! I remember the first league game after Cloughie died, it was against west ham and we couldnt buy a win with money at the time.....none of those players had played under cloughie yet they still managed to win that game for the man (during a terrible run of form).......so give your lot the best chance on saturday, because when players are given a cause, more often than not they will rise to it. Good luck, RIP Mr Sirrel.”
by Mark, Carlton
Friday, September 26 2008, 5:05PM
“All the stay away Notts fans should go down the lane tomorrow, I am Forest, but I am sure plenty of Forest fans will be there tomorrow to respect a gent who provided good derbies for our great city.”
by john, Notts
Friday, September 26 2008, 2:47PM
“Players nowadays are motivated by money and fame,not the deaths of legends who once represented their clubs in days past.
I am sure McParland will be motivated enough,but i doubt he will be able to pass this on to the current bunch of Notts 'stars'!
R.I.P Jimmy and god bless your family,sir.”
by meat & tattie, nottm
Friday, September 26 2008, 11:04AM
“If the players are not motivated enough before each match why are they with the club? It will be a sad day at the Lane tomorrrow. Jimmy will never be replaced he was a real gent somone McParland can emulate. Jim fixed it once now its the players turn. Pies Forever.”