Head coach Ian Burchnall has announced his decision to retire Notts County midfielder Jake Reeves in the absence of influential Michael Doyle.
Reeves has led the team since the FA Trophy lost to Hornchurch and was instrumental in Notts’ 4-2 win at Woking on Monday as the Magpies climbed to fifth.
It’s just a temporary measure until Doyle is fit again and the Irishman may return to training next week after a calf injury.
Burchnall will have had several contenders for Captain Notts in his absence, as they’re blessed with some great characters like the veteran duo Mark Ellis and Connell Rawlinson.
However, the Magpies head coach said Reeves’ position and the quality of his communication were critical in ensuring that he was given the extra responsibility.
“He’s in a position where I think you can dictate a lot of things on the pitch from that deeper midfield role,” he said.
“He sees a lot of pictures. I think he’s a good communicator. And I think he understands the game and what we want from it.
“We have a lot of leaders out there and natural leaders like Connell Rawlinson, Mark Ellis, and people with experience.
“But it was important for me to have someone who I thought was a good person to carry the way we want to play on the field. I think he’s a good leader in that Changing room.”
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On the subject of matching items
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On the subject of matching items
Reeves will take the lead again on Saturday night as Notts chases victory against promotion rivals Hartlepool. The National League clash is shown by BT Sport.
He is the top goalscorer from mid-midfield and could have added two more goals to his list of four against Woking, a game in which he missed two gold-rimmed opportunities.
But Burchnall has been working on his run with the former AFC Wimbledon midfielder, which he believes can help give Notts better control in the middle of the field.
He said, “He was maybe running almost too much than I was watching him before,” he said.
“He was chasing vast areas to try to get the ball back and chase it forward.
“We just got him to be a little more disciplined and run a little less.
“He picks up a lot more balls and is fresher when he gets them. He’s a smart player. “