A firm fans' favourite at Meadow Lane, Ian 'Charlie' McParland returned to the club with a special place in his heart at the end of last year, and now he is looking to create some new magical memories for Notts County.

McParland spent eight years with the Magpies, with a number of highlights including a memorable winning goal on a final day of the season thriller against Manchester United. Now as the Scot prepares for pre-season, armed with the UEFA Pro Licence, he is intent on creating some new magic at Meadow Lane.

Speaking exclusively to TheFA.com, McParland said: "I'm excited, it's a great club and I'm looking forward to getting the season underway.

"I've got great memories of the club and it should be very interesting."

McParland said that the psychology of coaching had changed enormously from his playing days, with coaches having to alter their approach when dealing with players.

Having graduated with the Pro Licence, McParland said: "I’ve learned a great deal from this course, and I think the biggest thing is the difference between coaching and managing, and how much harder it is to manage players now.

"If you go too far with them, you can lose them in the games coming up. In general, players were mentally tougher ten or 15 years ago.

"I think it is society is changing, not just football. Young people have it easier now, even my kids have got it easy. You have to manage players differently as a result, going ballistic won't work anymore, certainly not if you do it regularly."

McParland spent part of his career in Hong Kong, before returning to Scotland to play for Hamilton Academical and Berwick Rangers, and on his return to English football he became a coach at Nottingham Forest.

After working with the reserve team for over a decade, McParland was made joint-caretaker manager at the City Ground together with Frank Barlow. McParland enjoyed a successful spell, but left the club in 2007 and joined Notts County soon after.

As he prepares for a pre-season campaign, McParland was philosophical about the importance of results prior to the big kick-off in August.

"I've been in pre-seasons where we have lost every game, and then gone five games unbeaten at the start of the season," McParland explained.

"And then other times I've won every game in pre-season but lost the first game of the season 4-0. That first game of the season is what you work for, and do all your preparation for."