United will be looking to bounce back from Saturday’s opening day defeat as Gary Johnson’s side travel to Notts County for their first away game of the new season.
Who’s the boss?
Following eight years in the Scandinavian top tiers, Ian Burchnall arrived at Meadow Lane in March 2021 following managerial spells at Viking (Norway) and Ostersund (Sweden).
Burchnall is renowned as one of the game’s brightest young coaches despite having never played professionally himself.
Upon his arrival at Notts County, Burchnall endured a rocky start with seven defeats in nine of his first games at the helm. However his side’s form soon improved with the Magpies winning five of their last seven league games, securing a play-off position in the process.
Burchnall’s side will be looking to build upon their opening day 5-0 victory at Barnet last weekend which currently sees them sat at the top of the National League table.
Player to Watch
Rúben Rodrigues has established himself as a fan favourite and key component of Notts County’s side since his arrival in summer 2020.
The 25-year-old Portuguese forward made 41 appearances and score 13 goals for the Magpies last season. Rodrigues hit form in the latter stages of the season, with 8 of his strikes coming in County’s final 10 games, which appears to have continued into the new season with the striker netting twice in last Saturday’s 5-0 victory at Barnet.
Played for Both
Central midfielder Frank Vincent was part of Gary Johnson’s National League South title winning side and enjoyed two loan spells at Plainmoor. The 22-year-old departed AFC Bournemouth as a free agent over the summer and signed on at Meadow Lane in July in a move which has seen him link-up with former Gulls Kyle Cameron and Aaron Nemane.
Vincent made 32 appearances for United across two loan spells before going on to have Football League experience at Scunthorpe and Walsall.
Previous Encounter
Torquay 4 – 2 Notts County, 12 June 2021, National League Play-Off Semi-Final
United booked themselves a place in the promotion final at Ashton Gate following a 4-2 victory after extra time over Notts County in front of the BT Sport cameras in June.
Gary Johnson’s side took the lead after 35 seconds through a Danny Wright deflected header before Ruben Rodrigues levelled the scores. Wright struck again to give United the lead but Adam Chicksen soon made it 2-2.
The game went into extra time and goals from Asa Hall and Dean Moxey (penalty) saw United through.
United fans making the trip to Meadow Lane for this fixture are being advised that there will be no cash turnstiles available on Saturday, and that the advance purchase of tickets is strongly recommended. Pay on the day is available from the away ticket booth, however queues are likely to be busy close to kick-off.
Further ticket information can be found here: https://bit.ly/3sT1a3B