NOTTS COUNTY became probably the most talked about club outside the Premier League this summer after they announced their most probably their most high-profile signing ever, as former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson joined as director of football, write

NOTTS COUNTY became probably the most talked about club outside the Premier League this summer after they announced their most probably their most high-profile signing ever, as former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson joined as director of football, writes MIKE SIMMONDS.

The 61-year-old, who can count Mexico, Lazio, Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Manchester City amongst his former clubs arrived at Meadow Lane in a blaze of publicity.

The fact that County could afford someone of Sven's status was down the takeover Munto Finance, who are a special purpose acquisition company of a Middle East-backed investment fund which is based in Switzerland.

They certainly signalled their intent with the arrival of Eriksson, while a number of new signings have also followed suit.

The biggest capture was that of Kasper Schmeichel, former Man City keeper and son of Manchester United legend, Peter, as the Dane smashed the club's transfer record with a fee that was reported to be over one million pounds.

County have also bought sensibly too, with Shrewsbury midfielder Ben Davies joining, a high-class player at this level, while Neal Bishop, Luke Rodgers, Johnnie Jackson and Karl Hawley have also signed up.

Controversial forward Lee Hughes is also part of the revolution, having signed on a free, not bad business for a player that has racked up almost �8m in transfer fees during his career.

With all the news surrounding Sven, it can be easy to forget the part played by manager Ian McParland.

McParland has been in charge since July, 2007, but before this season, hadn't enjoyed the most successful spell, losing more games than he had won.

That is all set to change this time around though, with County sitting second in the table, scoring 10 goals in the process.

They did suffer a first defeat of the season in midweek at Chesterfield, but 5-0 and 4-0 thrashings of Bradford and Macclesfield show they mean business.

TEAM NEWS

Daggers: Anwar Uddin should keep his place on the bench, while Jon Nurse will be pushing for a spot in the squad again.

Shrews: Defender Graeme Lee is definitely out after undergoing a hernia operation, while Neal Bishop is likely to be on the sidelines with a rib injury.

Kasper Schmeichel could be in line for his debut after a big-money move from Man City.

WE'VE MET BEFORE

Daggers easily had the better of their opponents last season, thrashing them 6-1 at Victoria Road, before a 3-0 triumph in the away match.

Those victories gives Daggers the upper hand in previous meetings, as County have just one victory, while the two side's also have a draw to their names aswell.

ONE TO WATCH

Lee Hughes - a hat-trick on his debut against Bradford from the striker who has scored for fun, with over 130 goals to his name in a prolific career.

FROM THE DUGOUT

"I'll be looking for a response from the players," said County boss McParland after his side went down 2-1 to Chesterfield on Wednesday night.

PREDICTION

After getting my previous predictions wrong, I'm going for a 3-3 draw in a tremendous clash!

Can Daggers emerge victorious at Meadow Lane? Email: mike.simmonds@archant.co.uk

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