Staying overnight helps Curle's Notts County
NOTTS County made the trip to Rotherham the day before their FA Cup second round tie against the League Two club.
It is just under 43 miles from Meadow Lane to the New York Stadium – so only takes an hour up the M1.
But Magpies' boss Keith Curle said staying there overnight was a key part of their preparations – and was glad the board backed his unusual plan.
"I've got to thank the club for allowing us to prepare how we thought was the right way so even though it was a short journey we came up the day before," said Curle.
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"It's probably unprecedented, but the value was there.
"Our preparation was key and if we'd left on Saturday morning the players would have been up early and driving to meet at the hotel for 11am for a pre-match meal.
"Because we came up on Friday we were able to have a meeting in the morning and then the players had a leisurely few hours, with no stress, no drama, and we were able to get focused very early in the day.
"It was important the club backed us in our plans and preparation for the game."
Notts were certainly quick out of the blocks in the first half and striker Yoann Arquin volleyed them ahead with his seventh goal of the season, but Millers' midfielder Ben Pringle levelled before half-time as the tie ended 1-1.
"I thought we started the game very well and looked a big goal threat," added Curle.
"We were on the front foot in the first half and caused them a lot of problems, but we gave away a needless goal just before half-time.
"We probably committed too many players forward, which is unnecessary, but that is all part of the learning curve for the players.
"We are a team that likes to spring and get players forward, but they can't all do it.
"They had the majority of the play in the second half because we couldn't build off of our centre forward, which is key when you go away from home."
Comments
by BrindersGod
Tuesday, December 04 2012, 2:11PM
“One night in Rotherham is usually enough. Hope you've ordered extra pies for Mr Evans for the replay.”
by Craigwigan
Tuesday, December 04 2012, 9:49AM
“GOOD MOANING FELLOW PYES
BET IT WAS COLD IN THE CARAVAN PARK
COME ON YOU PYES”
by AndyT01
Tuesday, December 04 2012, 9:00AM
“I agree it seems bizarre that given you can see where the team is struggling you do nothing to change it. Luckily we're still in the hat and I would think we will beat Rotherham at home but surely KC should have done all he could to win the tie the first time around rather than us having to play another game.”
by Wembley_Pie
Monday, December 03 2012, 3:02PM
“Thanks for your patronising allowances, Boy, though quite what gives you the impression that your football knowledge is any better than mine is at best mysterious. I entirely agree that Showunmi has underperformed, but anyone who saw the Forest friendly pre-season will have noticed that he does actually have some useful attributes which, I can only hope because of injury, he has only rarely been able to demonstrate in league or cup action.
That KC pointed out AFTER the game that he could see why we were struggling in the 2nd half, yet bizarrely failed to do anything about this DURING the game (which could have involved a change in system rather than a substitution if Enoch was unfit) is a valid criticism. I would invite any of the Notts fans who have given my earlier comment a negative rating to explain why they dispute my reasoning...”
by BridgfordBoy
Monday, December 03 2012, 2:52PM
“Wembley_Pie,
I will make allowances for your limited football knowledge this time around, Showunmi is not worthy of boot cleaning duties at the Lane let alone leading the line, how many more chances does the player need.”
by Wembley_Pie
Monday, December 03 2012, 11:43AM
“Even less excuse for an awful second half display then. And if KC recognises that "we couldn't build off our centre forward" after half time, why didn't he make a change?! Showunmi can perform that role better than Arquin, provided of course that players do not simply lump the ball long on the false assumption that Enoch is good in the air.”