06/09/2008 - McParland: Table does not tell all
By James PallattIAN McParland accepts some will simply look at the League Two table and conclude three points from four games represents a poor start for Notts County.
And while he is far from content with his side's points haul, he believes the Magpies have still made a hugely encouraging start to the new campaign.
And he is confident those who have seen them play, rather than those who just judge them from their league position - 15th - will wholeheartedly agree with him.
"If you look at us after four games, people will say Notts County have struggled," he said.
"But if they had come to watch us play they would know we are not struggling.
"They will know we are getting there.
"We have had a couple of blips but these things happen.
"The players believe in what we are doing and I believe that if they keep doing the right things we will get there in the end."
McParland believes draws against Darlington, Luton Town and Shrewsbury will all prove good points in the final shake-up at the end of the season in May - although he was deeply disappointed at the way his side threw away victory against the Shrews last Saturday.
The Magpies were leading 2-1 in the dying stages at Meadow Lane, before substitute Michael Symes struck a leveller with two minutes of the game left.
But while he was frustrated having to settle for a point when Notts were within touching distance of all three, it was a draw that extended their unbeaten record on home soil to an impressive six games - a run that stretches back to the end of last season.
McParland hopes they can extend their unbeaten run even further - but with a victory against Bournemouth today, not a draw.
"I am hoping what goes around comes around and we get our rewards for all our good play, energy and honesty," he added.
"It would be nice to go out and win the game and keep our unbeaten run going here that has stood from last season."