Stuart Maynard must be brave and make call to benefit Notts County future: View | OneFootball

Notts County's search for a home win in 2024 continues as they suffered a fifth consecutive defeat at Meadow Lane on Saturday afternoon.

Having reignited their feint hopes of sneaking back into the play-off spots with a comfortable victory away to Bradford City in midweek, confidence among Stuart Maynard and his players was seemingly high, but that failed to transpire in yet an underwhelming home display.

The Magpies fell behind when Conor McAleny took advantage of loose play in midfield by Sam Austin, taking aim from the edge of the area and firing the ball in off the post.

Dan Crowley would get the hosts level by finishing with aplomb and into the roof of the net, only for McAleny to secure a much-needed three points for Karl Robinson's side, who watched on from the stands alongside Ryan Giggs and Steve Bruce, with assistant and Bruce's son, Alex, took charge of a victory that moves them 14 points clear of safety.

No sooner than hopes were raised for Notts, they immediately plummeted back down to reality. Many fans have already started looking ahead to next season and looking to see where their side should improve, with one player's performance against the Ammies already guaranteeing him a starting spot for the new campaign according to supporters.

Lewis Macari's performance against Salford City

Despite the defeat, defender Lewis Macari was one of few players on show at Meadow Lane who could walk down the tunnel with their head held high following yet another impressive defensive display.

The 22-year-old had initially joined the East Midlands side on a six-month loan from Stoke City at the start of the season. His arrival was to provide extra cover for Geraldo Bajrami, who suffered a season-ending injury against Lincoln City in the EFL Cup.

But the move was made permanent, signing at the club until the 2026/27 season. Macari missed the first eight games of the season through injury, but on his return to the side, scored a goal of the season contender in a 2-1 win over Gillingham.

Several niggling injuries have seen him come in and out of the side of late, but he has started the last five league games, the first time he has done so this term.

Macari has also showcased in recent weeks his ability to adapt as Maynard continues to figure out which formation is best suited to his squad. Under Luke Williams, the 22-year-old would often play as the right-sided centre-back, offering support to Aaron Nemane in the wing-back role.

He has also played in that position under Maynard, but has sometimes been shifted to right-back with a formation change of adopting four at the back to their usual three that fans have become accustomed to seeing during Luke Williams' tenure at the club.

The Magpies defender has impressed this term, with one of his most dominant displays coming against Salford over the weekend, performing well on the right-hand side of the defence and dealing with the aerial threat of Matt Smith, who would often float across the back three.

Macari should be one of the players Notts look to build around for next season

With seven games of their season remaining, Notts find themselves eight points adrift of the play-off places, despite having started the season in fine fashion and were inside the top seven when Maynard took over in January.

While promotion is mathematically possible, the feeling is that attention has already turned towards next season and ensuring the transfer strategy is as good as it has been in previous summer windows.

The Magpies have eight players out of contract at the end of the season, including the likes of Aden Baldwin, John Bostock and Cedwyn Scott, with interest in Macaulay Langstaff and Jodi Jones likely given the season the pair have had for Notts this term.

The importance of a good team is a good spine, and Maynard has that in midfield with Matty Palmer once he returns from injury and recent arrival, Scott Robertson. If Langstaff stays, then he would be at the top end along with either Jones, Dan Crowley or David McGoldrick, which leaves the defence in question.

It's quite remarkable that while the Magpies are the second-highest scorers in the division (76), they have also conceded the most (74), which is an obvious area for improvement.

Of the nine available defenders for Maynard to choose from, seven were part of their National League success last term and some have found the step-up perhaps more difficult than they anticipated. It's clear that the defence is something that needs improving, but they have a solid base to build around.

Macari has shown that, despite his age and maturity, he has all the makings of becoming a top defender at this level. While only being 22-years-old, Maynard should look to build the defence around the former Stoke man, perhaps taking a different youthful approach with the right blend of experience, having done so with Jaden Warner during his loan from Norwich City.

While it may be difficult for Notts fans at this moment in time given the start of the season they had, they have plenty to look forward to next term, with the hopes of returning to League One in the near future.