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Search forMcParland craves first win
Saturday, August 30, 2008, 08:00
It might seem strange that a photograph can stir up such emotions.
But to McParland it meant so much to see youngsters from the Centre of Excellence in the Magpies' colours.
It was yet another sign of progress at Meadow Lane and one more reason for the club to view the future with renewed optimism.
Now, naturally, he wants to taste victory. McParland has seen his side elegantly execute his vision of passing football in all three of their league games so far this season.
But, for all that, he has not seen them win a game in League Two.
A defeat at Bradford City and two draws against Darlington and Luton Town is the sum of their efforts so far. Deserved or not, they have just two points out of nine.
Shrewsbury will arrive at Meadow Lane today with an unblemished league record. Three wins, six goals scored, none conceded. That's why they are top of the table.
It is hard to imagine that things could be more difficult for the Magpies after the opening three games.
But the Shrews, who have splashed the cash this summer to boost their challenge for promotion, will arguably be an even bigger test than all that has gone before.
McParland knows Grant Holt, their biggest summer acquisition at a club record of £170,000, very well.
Holt was the spearhead of Nottingham Forest's attack alongside Nathan Tyson when McParland took charge at the City Ground in February 2006. He scored three goals as the Reds almost pulled off an incredible end-of-season charge for the League One play-offs.
McParland now hopes he can use his first-hand knowledge to instruct his defenders how to stifle this threat.
The 27-year-old striker has scored two league goals already since joining Paul Simpson's revolution at the New Meadow.
McParland said: "They have spent a lot of money during the summer and have a lot of players on big wages for this league. I know all about Grant. He is a massive threat.
"He works hard, he is good in the air and he gets hold of the ball. He is a handful for any defence. He has scored goals in League One too, so he will score a lot of goals in this league.
"It's a big test for our boys, but I am sure we will rise to the occasion."
Notts were held to a goal-less draw by Darlington in their last outing at Meadow Lane two weeks ago.
And while McParland was frustrated at having to settle for a draw, it was a result that extended their unbeaten run on home soil from the end of last season to five games.
Still, the Magpies' boss is calling for his players to be more ruthless.
Richard Butcher's goal at Bradford on the opening day of the season is the only league goal they have scored from open play. Jamie Forrester got off the mark from the penalty spot in the 1-1 draw against Luton at Kenilworth Road last Saturday.
McParland wants the experienced striker to be more selfish in his play – to stop dropping deep, to play a part in the build-up of attacks and to get himself inside the penalty area to apply the finishing touches.
McParland is convinced he could get the goals to fire the club up the table and into the top half.
"It was nice to see Jamie get off the mark last week, he played very well," added McParland. "Jamie has been doing a lot of his work setting up play. He has been coming deep, even when we are going into the last third.
"He has been a bit unselfish and I want him to be a bit more selfish and not come as deep, so he can get in the box when the crosses come in.
"He has got a good goal scoring record. Delroy (Facey) is not as prolific as Jamie but he has also looked sharp in training and in games. He will chip in with a few goals.
"I am happy with the way things are progressing and I am sure everybody watching us play will say we are progressing, but we have still got a long way to go."
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