Notts County boss Neal Ardley has told his players not to think about the magnitude of the situation as the oldest Football League club prepare for arguably the biggest game in their history.
The Magpies have contested FA Cup finals, play-off finals, won league titles and staved off relegation numerous times during their long and illustrious existence since their formation in 1862.
Ardley, who became Notts County’s third manager of the season when he succeeded Harry Kewell in November, insists he and his team cannot afford to think about what is at stake and must simply play the match.
“This is as big a game as Notts have ever had but you don’t try to think about that because it is never going to help you,” he said.
“If you think about the history and everything else and take that into the game, it will make it a lot tougher. We have to think about just trying to win a game of football.
“We have to remain positive, and that’s the message I’ve been trying to get across all week. We’ve managed to claw back a nine-point deficit and take it down to the final game.
“We’ve got to give it one more big effort and then hope for a little bit of luck and a favour from elsewhere. If that turns out to be enough, then great. If it doesn’t, then… but we can’t have any regrets on Saturday.”
Ardley’s side are 23rd in League Two and two points behind Macclesfield with an inferior goal difference of eight.
“I think relegation would emotionally hurt the fans,” said Ardley. “They have something that they’re very proud of here, being the oldest Football League club. It would hurt me too, but good things can come from adversity though.”
