Jodi Jones names the most underrated player at Notts County | OneFootball

Notts County winger Jodi Jones has named the most underrated teammate at Meadow Lane ahead of the League Two play-off final against Salford City...

Jodi Jones has been a Notts County player for four seasons now, having initially joined the club on loan from Oxford United. He could be crucial on Monday against Salford City in the play-off final, too.

The winger came through the ranks at Dagenham & Redbridge but was perhaps most known for his time at Coventry City. He had an injury-hit time with Cov before eventually finding his way to Notts County.

Now 28, Jones has scored nine and assisted six in 41 appearances this season, having scored five and assisted 23 in 43 league games back in 2023/24. Overall, he has 21 goals and 33 assists in 128 games for the Magpies.

He is undoubtedly one of the team's best players in a squad brimming with quality for League Two, with Salford City in their way ahead of a return to League One for the first time since 2015. Can Jones and co. get over the line?

Jodi Jones praises Notts County teammate Conor Grant

Every County fan knows the quality of Jones, of Tom Iorpenda, of Alassana Jatta and more, but the players see beyond what the fans do by playing and training with their teammates every day.

Speaking to Fantasy EFL on Instagram, Jones was asked for his most underrated teammate in the squad. The winger replied: "I'd probably say Conor Grant."

Grant predominantly plays as an attacking midfielder or winger, with plenty of pace and energy. He has scored three and assisted four in 46 games this term, which perhaps explains why he is underrated given that his numbers don't jump off the page.

After joining the club from MK Dons in 2024, he has scored eight and assisted seven in 82 appearances. He started in neither of the play-off semi-final games but is seemingly a key part of the team.

Like Jones, he's entering the final year of his contract with Notts this summer and promotion could be critical to retaining both players. Will either be a match-winner on Monday at Wembley?

The advantage Notts County have over Salford at Wembley

Notts County should hold a significant psychological advantage over Salford at Wembley because of the difference in supporter size and atmosphere that they will bring. Notts have already sold an impressive number of tickets for the final.

The Magpies are one of the best-supported clubs in League Two and are expected to take a huge following to the national stadium, potentially vastly outnumbering Salford supporters. That kind of backing can have a major impact in a one-off final, especially at Wembley where emotion can often play a huge role.

A loud, packed-out Notts end would likely create a far more intimidating atmosphere for Salford’s players, while simultaneously lifting County’s squad during difficult periods of the game. Big crowds can increase confidence, particularly when players feel the occasion is emotionally behind them.

Notts also possess greater history and tradition as a football club, meaning their supporters are more accustomed to landmark occasions and generating big-match atmospheres, such as the final in 2023.

Salford, despite their rise in recent years, simply do not have the same scale of fanbase. In what could be a tight contest, that emotional and psychological edge may end up being the difference. Jones and Grant could also be that yet.