Nottingham Forest
Nick Tsaroulla has been a pivotal figure for Notts County this season, showcasing remarkable fitness and consistency. The 26-year-old wing-back has started 33 of the Magpies’ 36 League matches, continuing his impressive availability record from his time at Crawley Town, where he played all 46 League fixtures during their promotion season. His dedication to maintaining peak physical condition has been a key factor in his ability to stay on the field.
Nick Tsaroulla said: “I’m really grateful for my health and with that being able to play as much as I do. I do put a lot of work in off the pitch, and the medical staff have helped me a lot. A lot of it is self-discipline and doing the right things around the football itself in the time when I’m not at the training ground, and the extra bits I do when I am here outside of training. It’s not easy and every footballer knows this. Everyone’s body is slightly different in terms of what they need to do to stay ready but it’s nice to be out there because that is the only way to build momentum as a player.”
Tsaroulla’s commitment to his fitness regime and the support from the medical staff have been instrumental in his availability for the team. His self-discipline and extra efforts off the pitch have ensured that he remains in top condition, allowing him to contribute effectively to Notts County’s campaign.
As Notts County pushes for a top-three finish in League Two, Tsaroulla has expressed his preference for a busy match schedule, which helps him maintain momentum and match fitness.
Tsaroulla explained: “In all honesty, I think I prefer these periods (of having games in quick succession) because it is easier to find that momentum without having long breaks between games. It is all muscle memory at this point in terms of getting in the groove physically, and for us as players, we’re doing something we love in playing football, so none of us shies away from playing games.”
The wing-back also highlighted the importance of squad depth in achieving promotion goals, emphasizing the role of substitutes in crucial moments throughout the season.
And Tsaroulla added: “You need a big squad to be a promotion team. You obviously need the quality in the starting 11 first and foremost, but there are plenty of moments in a long season when it is the subs that make the difference. We believe we’ve got a great squad and have the ability to achieve what everyone wants us to achieve. You want to be involved in these big moments in the run-in.”
Tsaroulla’s insights underline the collective effort required for a successful promotion campaign, highlighting both individual dedication and the strength of the squad. As Notts County continues their push for promotion, Tsaroulla’s resilience and commitment remain crucial to their success.