What a contrast to our previous regimes.

For all his rights and wrongs – and I think there were more rights over his tenure – Ray Trew found it difficult to stay away from social media and club message boards, often falling into the trap of over promising some new signing.

He also seemed pretty keen to hit the fire button as the revolving door rarely slowed down on the manager’s office.

Then, of course, we had the ego which took the club out of the league and almost out of existence, alienating our closest neighbours and making the club a laughing stock while retaining the trigger happy nature of hire and fire.

What we needed is exactly what we have now – stability and a great relationship between owners and manager.

They’re putting no pressure on Neal Ardley and that must be a great situation for him, allowing him and his staff to look on a longer term basis than most managers are allowed.

In fact, they haven’t really said a lot at all, so maybe the things they haven’t said are quite interesting:

- They’ve not shouted about any ‘game-changing’ new signings

- They’ve not made outlandish predictions of where we’ll be in 5 years

- They’ve not been critical of any other team or organisation

- They’ve talked up how good we are 

They have:

- Stayed in the background

- Provided steady hands while bringing the club under control

- Given good, honest answers in the few interviews they’ve done

Of those rare interviews, they actually seem quite reluctant to garner publicity for themselves – how about that for club owners?!

I enjoyed listening to them on Radio Red not so long ago. A half hour chat, thoughtful, constructive and a great insight into how they work.

What I found interesting was that they seem to have a great relationship with Ardley and view changing the manager as a last resort. From studies they’ve done, they’ve identified that it often doesn’t work, so things will have to go pretty badly for the axe to fall, and that stability must be a better place for the club.

So often you see a change of manager followed by wholesale changes in the squad. I’m a big believer that it takes a good 2 or 3 transfer windows before a manager can call the squad his own so unless it’s going badly wrong, give the guy time.

Another thing we need to do, and it’s great that they are so open about it, is that the manager has to be willing to work with them, using data as part of the process to sign someone.

We’ll probably never know how they do it, what info they look at, etc, but you know that some managers would rebel against that and class that as boardroom interference, so the manager needs to see this as a tool to help him.

Brentford brought out a similar process a while ago and Mark Warburton immediately announced he would leave the club, although he did see out the season.

When Leicester City won the Premier League, 2 of their best players were Mahrez and Kante, plucked from Le Havre and Caen respectively. I remember reading that both players came onto their radar because of data they’d used – how far they ran during games, how many tackles, etc.

That was followed up by watching them play, but it wasn’t just a gut instinct, as so much recruitment seems to be.

In fact, I can see this being the way things move in the future and I’m certain the big clubs use this and have been for some time.

We’re lucky to have these guys in charge and I hope they stay a good long time. It could be a real success story of how we appeared to be on the brink of liquidation and ended up with a stable, successful club. 

You never know, it could be a blueprint for other clubs to follow.

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This week, Notts County secured the signing of striker Kyle Wootton from Scunthorpe United having impressed during his loan spell at Meadow Lane this season. The striker signed a two and a half year deal with the fee rumoured to be around £60,000.

Many Notts fans were delighted when the news emerged that the 23-year-old was signing on a permanent deal having been subject to much speculation during the Christmas period and the opening of the January transfer window.

But just how impressive is the signing of Wootton and how will he have an impact of Notts Countys chances of gaining promotion back into the Football League?

When he originally signed on loan from Scunthorpe United at the beginning of the season, there were a few fans sceptical as to how well he would actually do and wondering whether he was even required considering the likes of Nathan Tyson and Kristian Dennis still being at the club.

But Neal Ardley, before signing Wootton, was said to be looking for a strong forward. Which many could say we needed considering the last season it’s something we was lacking. A strong forward with the ability to get past defenders.

According to Notts County Stats (@Notts_Stats) on Twitter, Wootton has a goal every 188 minutes with an efficiency of 2.08 - only bettered by Wes Thomas (1.82) and Kristin Dennis (1.31).

Though he went on an 8 game scoreless run between September and November, despite Notts winning 5, drawing 2 and losing just once during those games, Wooton has certainly now found his feet and seems like every time Notts get a goal this season and now it’s almost as if it's expected that his name will be there on the scoresheet.

Wootton has netted 5 goals in his last 6 games including a brace in the fantastic comeback win against FC Halifax just before Christmas, which in turn was his third brace this season.

Many Notts fans will say we haven’t really had a good striker since the days of Lee Hughes, but who knows, now Wootton has signed on a permanent deal, he might be the answer we’ve been looking for to get us goals and send us back to where we belong, in the Football League.

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Usually, at the beginning of the season, managers rotate their squads a fair amount – this was no doubt the same for Neal Ardley.

While many fans called for him to settle the squad down, myself included, it is quite natural to switch out players here and there. Sometimes, it’s a little concerning when it’s five or more and when it’s never allowed to settle.

Yes, sometimes it’s due to fitness concerns, tactical reasons but you know when there’s too many.

For the most of the 2019/20 season, I have felt encouraged and have seen some good performance.

There have been woeful ones, yet most players work hard to do well in games, and this is all we can ask of them.

Right now, there are several players massively out of form and a few who have been quite poor all season.

To a degree, this is to be expected after the season we had last year and all of the turmoil leading up to the current campaign – but there becomes a time when playing them isn’t the answer.

Before the recent form, I know fans talked about having “depth” in the squad, and I would have agreed, while the likes of Matt Tootle, Pierce Bird and others have been frozen out.

Sometimes it appears quite harshly; It makes you wonder if this is part of the issue, a lack of competition and rewards for performers who have done well.

Strong competition, a good level of morale led to a level of success during the 2017/18 season under Kevin Nolan, players coming into the squad knew what were expected to remain in the squad.

The complete opposite to the season in which Notts were relegated from the Football League for simply being not good enough.

After all, it must be disheartening for some players to put on the shirt, perform to a standard which they’re happy with, only to end up falling out of favour.

Sam Osborne is the perfect example since he’s an academy prospect and has bulked up a fair amount during the close season.

When he starts, I think he does better personally, whereas a sub it does take him a little time to get up to speed, and this is all-natural. I’m not knocking him, I think he’s a great prospect and if I were the manager of Notts County he would be starting a lot more.

Simply due to his work rate and importance of development, as he will only improve with game time.

Which leaves the question why we haven’t given the likes of Enzio Boldewijn a rest, a good player, defensively a disappointing but when in form – no doubt a quality player. This season, he’s appeared more of a luxury and quite fortunate that Ardley holds him with such high regards.

As to me, it seems Boldewijn is guaranteed a start either due to lacking natural wide men or simply due to the odd wonder goal he scores – which never gives the full facts about his performances.

I must stress, I do like him, and I’m trying to nitpick about him.

I feel that when you have a player so desperately out of form, it makes little sense to expect him to improve when he’s constantly being played and almost 99% guaranteed to start.

The same can be said for both full-back positions, Damien McCrory has looked good, but his form has dipped as of late.

Richard Brindley looks a good technical signing; however, much of the same can be said about him too.

At centre back, it’s almost like Ardley has gone out of his way to guarantee certain players will start in these positions. When asked about the position, he’s mentioned that he can’t make changes due to a lack of cover – yet allowed Bird to depart on loan to Boston United.

I know some fans also have concerns about our strike force; however, I don’t think they’re the issue.

Kyle Wootton has come into his element, found his boots and works hard. The only call I might suggest is switching Wes Thomas for Kristian Dennis when playing teams which either lack height at the back or have scrappy defenders who would leave Dennis the space to thrive.

Nathan Tyson is perfectly fine to be a rotational and casual starter, and there’s the option of putting him out wide if we require too.

In midfield, I do feel there’s a requirement for more creativity – Regan Booty is far more effective for me being able to dictate the passing and play a more advanced role as a play-maker.

I agree with many fans that Mitch Rose and Michael Doyle doesn’t work – yet would allowing Rose to go out wide make sense?

Rose hasn’t seemed the same player all season; however, I did feel he performed much better when Doyle was sitting out his suspension.

There are advantages to giving some young and hungry players a chance to start, but when they see that it’s almost certain that whatever they do – the following week will return to the same lineup there’s a major lack of motivation.

Give Osborne more game time, re-introduce Dion Kelly-Evans – consider giving Zoumana Bakayogo a game.

Allow Boldewijn and Rose to sit out a few games, bring in Booty or Shields to remove some of the pressure. Make the most of the depth we have at our disposal, and it’s easy for me to suggest this, much hard to put in practice – I admit.

Yet the issue Ardley faces is the fact it will only become harder the longer he leaves it. Squad morale and confidence would make a massive difference to this Notts County team.

Most fans want to see the club fighting, giving 100% and at times this has fallen short. Most people I know and I don’t expect us to be thrashing teams – that is unrealistic but throwing it out there as part of the problem doesn’t make it part of the solution.

Much like Ardley suggesting people want him to fail, fans want to see and feel the clubs moving forward.

Nobody’s bothered if certain people behind the scenes has problems, you have to get on with it. Otherwise, it seems like you have accepted it as a problem.

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I should nail my colours to the mast before we start here. I’m firmly on the side of ‘Ardley In’.

In the last 10 years we’ve had 15 managers and he’s only the third to last over a year. In that time, we’ve been to the brink of League One play offs and now face our first season in non-league, having to qualify for the FA Cup proper and making our first appearance in the FA Trophy.

We will never prove this, but in my mind one of the reasons for that is the lack of stability caused by changing manager so many times.

When a new one comes in, they inevitably want their own players which means a year or two of upheaval and wages being wasted on players who don’t have a prayer of getting in the team.

So, how do I see his first 12 months?

Let’s face it, Ardley took over a club in turmoil. We were in a mess, sacking our second manager of the season just 3 months in and an owner who was becoming a laughing stock. Little did we realise how much worse it would become.

Many’s the time Ardley must have wished he was back on holiday, or at home with his family, and most Notts fans were grateful that he came to try to rescue us.

At that time, though, I don’t think most of us actually thought we would go down. It looked bad, but there was plenty of the season left. Lots of points to play for, we’d never been out of the league, there are plenty of clubs smaller than us and in trouble, so surely we’d be able to get our way out of it?

5 points from his first 4 games gave us hope but it was almost 2 months until we won again, and I think that period is what ultimately cost us, especially the home defeat to a Macclesfield side which looked a whole lot more fired up that we did, and tore us apart at times, albeit only winning by 1 goal.

Good business was done in January, but late, and who can blame players for not wanting to commit to us early.

Another false dawn with 7 points in 3 games against promotion chasing sides made us think the new blood was what we needed, and those games certainly showed they had the ability, so why didn’t we get more out of them?

Ardley gets a lot of criticism for being negative, and did often set up with 7 or 8 defensive minded players but was that because of circumstances? I’d have like to see us go at teams a bit more, but he’s quite right that if we did that and found ourselves 2 down inside 15 minutes, the game had gone.

Over the summer he had every right and every chance to walk away, and many would have done. That he stayed is something all Notts fans should appreciate.

Not only did he stay, but he somehow managed to recruit the basis of a squad despite rumours of the club being sold to property developers, wages not being paid and a very real chance that the club would fold during the closed season due to unpaid tax bills. And we were under a transfer embargo!

Naturally the start of this season was tough, disjointed and scrappy, but we still had a club and hope once again.

The same criticisms rose again, that he didn’t motivate the team, they made too many errors and weren’t attacking enough, but a run of 2 defeats in 14 games while playing twice a week with a new squad was surely more than we were entitled to even hope for when most of us just wanted to survive in the league this season?

Ardley must take a lot of credit for raising those expectations and faces the backlash when we stumble.

We’re about to enter a great part of the season in a position. far better than most of dared hope for. Within touching distance of the play offs, a settled squad, great owners and (whisper it) stability within the club.

Let’s not spoil it.

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Michael Doyle

1,2,3,4………

A man who has certainly divided opinion, if a scan through social media is anything to go by.

The main signing of the January transfer window, and the man touted to keep our Football League status, he made the perfect start by led by example as Notts won 7 points in his first 3 games, all against promotion chasing sides.

We all know what happened after that and, in my opinion, he tried to do too much, taking all the set pieces (not particularly well, either) and not giving other players the space to operate.

At the time, I would have been quite happy if he’d left during the summer. After all, why would we want a 38 year old who had hardly set League 2 alight in the final 14 games of a relegation season.

I felt the same after the opening game of this season when an indifferent performance was capped by a thoughtless sending off as we were trying to get back into the game at Eastleigh - a straight red, 3 match ban, lack of discipline.

With hindsight, I think that could be a turning point in his spell with us. Let’s face it, as a 38 year old, it won’t be a long playing spell but for me, he would now be the first name on the team sheet.

Since coming back, it seems to me as if he has accepted he can’t do everything and is happy to be the conductor of the band.

We have some excellent players for this level, and Doyle’s experience is vital. We hear about ‘game management’. Well this guy knows how to do that. As captain, he’s often in the ref’s ear to make sure he knows what’s going on and to stand up for his team mates against what may appear over aggressive treatment.

His work rate is still second to none, but Ardley may need to manage his load over the season, although seeing red for the second time and getting a 4 match ban may actually help as he’s already sat out 7 games. And it may just have hit home to Doyle that he has a limited career and can’t afford to sit out too many more games.

With over 700 appearances to his name in professional football, young players coming through can’t fail to learn from him and in the absence of Jim O’Brien, Doyle’s performances seem to have got better and better as he takes on the responsibility of being Ardley’s voice on the field.

His influence was hugely noticeable in the recent game against Dagenham & Redbridge when he returned from suspension, coming off the bench as the visitors were taking control of the game and our one goal lead looked precarious.

We were looking hesitant at the back, over-playing and inviting trouble. Doyle immediately took charge and there was a noticeable increase in energy from the moment he entered the field.

His first thought was to get the ball away from our goal as quickly as possible, always into areas where the visiting defence had to turn and chase thereby giving us time to reorganise, and often giving us chance to launch a counter attack.

What happens next? I’m sure he has some influence on the training pitch now, but is coaching something for him in due course?

And, to contrast with my feelings last summer, I’d be sorry to see him leave.

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How does it feel losing the World's Oldest Football League club tag?

I, like many other Notts County fans, were dreading the thought of losing the title of world’s oldest professional league football club during last season and at times I was more concerned about this than us actually playing in non-league, but what has it actually meant to us?

I always saw it as our biggest selling point and I suppose it had a major part to play in the Munto takeover, a takeover that did not make everyone happy, but I certainly thought it was great at the time as it was the stuff of dreams, which ultimately it turned out to be, just a dream.

Excluding Munto, I cannot really say that the title did much for us as a selling point, even though I still expected it to be, but when no real big money buyers took us over, it came as a bit of a surprise to me. I always expected major investment as I see us as a good acquisition, of course providing any investors had the means to plough a fair chunk of change at taking us back up the leagues.

I am certainly grateful to all the previous owners putting their money in, but I still feel we are a bigger club that the one languishing around the lower leagues and the facts of modern day football mean clubs almost certainly have to spend the money to gain success.

I wonder if the title provided us with more appeal to players and sponsors, again although someone inside the club may say different, from an outside perspective I did not really see it.

How does it feel losing the title now, especially seeing as it seems the title has gone to our neighbours over the water, is this all too much for us to take?

Well, I believe not, perhaps helped by the fact they won some cup or other some while back and that still seems to have some mileage left in the tank, or maybe it is the fact that when (not if) we do make a return to the Football League, people may still recognise that we were one of the founder members of the professional league and that will always be part of our history, whether we are in the football league or not.

I am certainly proud of our heritage and I do not think it is something that many football fans will forget, especially as it is such a popular question in television quiz shows, but perhaps this question will now be changed? If so I will be having words with Bradley Walsh!

I am certain my fears were worse than the reality of it, which can only be a good thing. Football seems to be in somewhat of a transition period with new rules and technology constantly being brought in; it certainly has changed a lot since my first Notts game in 1991 against Liverpool at home, certainly a life changing moment for me personally.

I will never forget our history and after doing a stadium tour with the great Les Bradd, I would recommend that all the new generations of Notts fans do the same, it is good to remind ourselves where we came from and of that I will always be proud.

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Is the National League competitive?

When fans speak about the National League, words and phrases such as “tinpot” get used. Some fans seem to expect that because their club is “big” because of fans, revenue, stadium etc, that they are entitled to not be watching non league football. However as I alluded to in my last article, if you are playing in the National League, you are playing there for a reason. You were either too poor in League 2 the season before, not good enough to gain promotion into League 2, or you are the teams that were promoted into the league. Either way you look at it, due to the season you had prior you deserve to be in the league.

I refer back to my previous point of “tinpot”, i disagree with the term. I personally believe that this league is the hardest to stay in, and get out of. Every team is on a level playing field, the clubs are so tightly matched at times. Just take a look at the newest members of the league this season

Promoted; Stockport, Chorley, Torquay, Woking.

Relegated: Yeovil and ourselves.

All those teams I have mentioned, to their credit are maintaining a respectable league position so far. Even Chorley, being in the bottom 4 at the time of writing this, are only 3 points from safety. But look at the teams they are down there with at the moment. Wrexham, Fylde and Ebbsfleet, all teams who finished in the top 8 last season. One of which made it to the play off final. As I stated in my previous article, the league could be turned on its head by February. Put into perspective that at the moment Halifax FC are at the top of the table, however they are 5th favourite with the book makers to win the league.

Basically this league is more competitive than fans believe, or give it credit for. Any team can beat one another on any day. Some Notts County fans believed that this league would be a walk in the park due to our reputation, others were realists and understood we are going through a rebuilding stage in our existence. This period was never going to be easy in any league, let alone the toughest league to get out of, just ask a Wrexham or Solihull Moors fan.

If you take the Premier League, for example, if a team were to lose 6 or 7 games in a season, then you could most likely call it right that team would not win the league. However such is our league so competitive, teams in the leagues in recent years have lost 6, 7 even 10 games and still won the league, and teams losing 11 games are gaining promotion through the play off system. Hence the reason that fans are still very optimistic about their season once the season hits december and their club is maybe 13th in the league, because there is still hope due to how competitive the league is.

The key to any successful season however a club deems it, whether it be promotion or safety, is 100 percent good form. Maybe not continuous good form, but the ability at times in the season to go numerous games unbeaten, a 4 or 5 game winning streak or even just enduring through a sticky period with injuries and suspensions looming over you where you get the results to stay in the fight. Last season our mighty pies could not string wins together to literally save our lives. We had spells of decent results, i think back to Forest Green, Mansfield, Lincoln and Tranmere. But we could never say last season that we were on a good run of form. Form isn't determined by 1 win or a good draw, form is a run of results that make other clubs not want to play us, or change their system to stop us winning the game rather than them playing their usual way to win the game themselves. I am very proud to say that this season (so far and fingers crossed) we have found that formula that enables us to piece results together to remain competitive, and fighting for what all of us fans want more than anything.

"It’s important we continue to focus on one game at a time as players. The group is building a winning mentality & working hard for each other. The squad is gelling really well & understanding each other roles. Good things take time & we have a positive environment." - Richard Brindley

We endured a difficult start to the season, which led to the Ardley out crew to re surface. Our first 3 games were not good, we looked lackluster, could not see where goals were coming from, and if you were to look from an outside perspective on our form from those games, most neutral fans and even some of our own had probably written us off.

The management team continually asked for patience, we had no pre season, these players need time to gel. Fast forward to the away trip to Yeovil. We had gone 4 games unbeaten the players seemed to be finding their feet a very good away win to Harrogate 2 draws and a highly convincing win against Chorley. Still we were not quite right and the management did not hide that, they called for more from the players. What that run of results did though was so influential, those results made more fans believe that Ardley was getting it right slowly but surely. The Yeovil game was a game that on paper could have gone either way, and the game possibly reflected that, however we were not good enough in both boxes and on the day I do not think any fan will deny we lost the game to a very good yeovil side.

A few games later some good results, then a loss to Bromley. And since then the fans and the players have not taken their foot off the gas. 5 games 13 points, 4 wins and a draw, 10 goals scored and only 3 conceded, none of which have come at home might i add, form personified. Most of this good form was made whilst enduring injuries to key members of the squad and a suspension of our skipper. A run of very good form that has given the players a new lease of life on the pitch and it is very visible and it refreshing for us fans to see considering our torrid 18/19 season. A run of form that has put us in a position that our fans want to see us in, but you can sense the gratefulness from the fans that we are in that position, there is a long way to go in the season but we are giving ourselves a brilliant chance of achieving something great this season. We have a very tough next 5 fixtures, a televised fixture against our rivals, a tough trip away to Woking and a very tough home game with Barrow, 3 teams in and around us now and probably when the season ends. We as fans need to not expect too much, like previously stated this league is very tough and very competitive. I also agree that we can not expect to be in the position we are in right now come the end of the season, if we can not get the right results from teams above and close to us. But if the results are not what we want or expect, that is no reason to panic.

Our good run of form has not just happened overnight. I may be wrong but i think at the start of the season we had a lot of style but lacked in substance in one box or the other, which led to a poor start, accompanied with the dramas in the summer.

I mentioned finding a formula to get results, Macclesfield Town did it last season hence their survival. I believe our formula is a direct approach from Ardley and Coxy, however i also think that the players are taking responsibility on the pitch. They are taking more risks, any footballing man knows that if the football you have worked on and planned for to win a game does not work, then you have to take a risk to get the goal to win a game. The players for me, are taking it upon themselves on the pitch to take that risk, they know that if the risk does not pay off they could lose the ball and possibly concede, but you can see the desire to ensure that does not happen, they fight for the ball if they lose it. We have heard Ardley say numerous times now when we have conceded a sloppy goal, the players have come off the pitch at full time or half time and they are discussing the goal, and there is not a blame culture at the club, however players do blame themselves sometimes it is natural. Ultimately though the players understand that they are out on that pitch together and if one cuts they all bleed. So when i get asked how i think the players have progressed in terms of developing a way of breaking teams down, my answer is simply Ardley has given them the tools to go and win a game, however there is a strong togetherness we were missing from last season that means players are willing to take a risk to get the goal to win a game, knowing that if it goes wrong they will not get pointed at in the dressing room. They may get a stern word from the likes of Turner and Doyle, but that goes without saying. What this togetherness also brings is confidence, the players need the confidence to take the risk, and when one player sees another take a risk that pays off, then that grows within the team and more players are willing to do it to win a game of football. If we play with confidence, grit and determination then we will stand ourselves in very good stature at the end of the season.

My closing note this time would be to enjoy what is happening at the minute, our next fixtures are tough, do not expect the world. Support the boys feed that confidence to them when they need it. The position we are in right at this moment is brilliant, if it slips stay with it and we will judge at the end of the season.

ALL NOTTS AREN'T WE!!

Mitchel Whiley

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Everyone is no doubt entitled to an opinion, no one can take opinions away that's fair enough.  Do I agree with the Neal Ardley out crew? No. Do I see some of the points they make? Yes. Do I believe they expect too much? Yes.

Here's my thought process - Ardley arrived at the club last season which can be described as an absolute mess. We had a chairman who couldn’t keep quiet or leave social media alone, which resulted in us losing loan deals from our nearest neighbours Nottingham Forest that I believe would have kept us in the league. Notts County end up relegated to the National League for the first time in the club’s existence, not great but it's football, teams get relegated and promoted every season, and last season was our turn to swallow the rather large bitter pill.

We go into pre-season, players, managers, staff are not being paid. However, despite this they all stick around and continue to do their jobs regardless of pay. Alan Hardy then finally sells up the club, a mere 10 days before the season starts! The transfer embargo is then finally lifted, the club makes quick use of the transfer market and start to bring in players of quality, in different positions.

First few games were terrible, no shape, no chemistry we looked all over the place. Fast forward to now, yes, we have not won as many games as we would like as fans, but we have not been made to look terrible by any team in the league.

We have made defensive and attacking errors on the pitch. How many times last season could you say that we lost or drew a game that we should have won on the performance? Maybe 3 times? Possibly more. This season we can’t say that so much. And we are drawing games that we would have lost last during the last campaign. How can people not see this as a step in the right direction?

The club was never going to set the world alight this season straight away, it takes time and the right foundations have to be brought into the place which the Danish owners Alexander and Christoffer Reedtz seem to be done quietly.

It’s a simple fact that the club and the players need more time. We have a competitive side now, where players will have to fight for a place because of quality signings breathing down necks – rather than the usual quantity transfers the club has brought in during the previous regimes.

For me, 2 players know they are getting picked every game at the minute, Michael Doyle and Enzio Boldewijn. I think Ardley may bring in another centre back with the departure of Sheffield United youngster Sam Graham due to injury, but a part from that I think the squad is sorted with the arrival of Kyle Wootton upfront.

The National League is tough; anyone can beat anyone on their day. The league could be turned up-side down by February. Who would have said this campaign would have started so badly? I thought they would be up there, but this league is brutal.

There is still some mess behind the scenes being sorted out, and Ardley is a massive part of that. He stood by us when he had nothing and we nearly had no club, maybe we should stand by him a little more? It’s a simple fact, this season will not see a quick fix, it takes time. We must be happy to accept that a positive outcome this year is survival? Not scraping the results by, but doing so comfortably. Then next season with a proper budget and a full pre-season, Notts County can then push.

However, I'll say it now, there is a long way in this league with a lot more games to play. We could still push for the playoffs this season. It will be tough, but us fans will have a big part in this I feel. In the meantime, let's all just enjoy our club, enjoy the fact we are still in existence, unlike what has recently happened to Bury FC, and we still get to go to the best stadium in Non-League!

We are Notts County! All Notts aren't we?

This is my opinion. I'm entitled to it. Tear me down if you want to, but I stand by it!

COYP!!!!

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The National League, cha cha cha……..

10 games in, and what do we think?

I guess to keep thing in perspective, we need to look at the starting position, let’s say the end of July. A week before the season started and you should be organised, settled and ready.

At that time, Notts still had an owner who was more famous for accidentally putting a picture of his genitals on social media than anything he’d done in football, hadn’t paid the wages for 2 months, we under a transfer embargo and were in ready danger of being liquidated.

Now, when a team is relegated they are very rarely in a good position. When a team is relegated from the EFL, it is usually worse due to the nature of dropping out of the league.

When that club has been in the Football League since day 1 and was pre-season favourites for promotion, you can only imagine the disarray behind the scenes.

For some inexplicable reason (maybe punters having a real gamble?), the bookies had Notts as pre-season favourites to win the league – equal with Chesterfield and more of them later.

As we know, Notts were rescued by new owners who seem content to stay behind the scenes, and I’m happy with that. I’m sure they’re watching, taking it all in, and will impose their own personalities on the club, but there’s nothing wrong with taking a little time.

A lot of new faces came in. Not quite as drastic as it sounds because somehow, the management were able to get some of these to train and play over the summer while the club was on a knife edge. But still a massive overhaul as the season was starting.

I’ve watched an awful lot of non-league football over the years, having covered Grantham Town home and away for local media for around 15 years and I was one of those people who really thought there was very little difference between League 2 and National League.

Having seen 7 of our first 10 games, I think I was way off the mark. We expected officials to be worse, that’s natural, but it almost seems as if they have different rule sometimes. The game is a lot more physical and they let more go unpunished. We need to get to grips with that and do the same.

The quality is not good at all. We’ve played 6 of last season’s top 10 and, Wrexham apart, they have been functional and effective teams and I’ve not seen anyone better than Notts. (I didn’t see the Harrogate game)

Let me be clear, I’m enjoying Non-league. I didn’t want it, I don’t want it, and I want to get back into League Two as soon as possible, but I’m enjoying the experience.

It’s seems more relaxed, less confrontational. It also really makes you appreciate the stadium and facilities we have at Notts!

6 weeks ago, most fans were saying they’d just be happy to survive, to have a club to watch and success this season would be finishing one place above relegation.

That seems to have changed very quickly for some, and we’ve had fans getting on players’ backs inside the first 15 minutes of a game. The team has been booed off at half time and the end of games. There’s been plenty of patronising comments about other clubs.

My own view?

I’m willing to give Neal Ardley time, but the start has been frustrating. For a manager and assistant with around 1,000 appearances in League football between them, the defending seems to have stood still.

We give away far too many goals from unchallenged headers in the area, especially from set prices when we’ve had time to organise.

The set up seems more concerned around keeping things tight rather than putting the other team under pressure. For example, watch Dion Kelly-Evans. He’s a player I really like, he doesn’t stop working and is hard to beat.

However, he seems terrified of crossing the halfway line while in possession. With the ball at his feet, he looks for a square pass inside rather than running into space ahead of him, time and time again, and it’s so predictable.

I appreciate that the club has been through a torrid few months and I have patience, but I’d love Ardley to set up as if he has belief in his players. If we went for the opposition from the first whistle, I’m sure there are some games which would see us take early control of the game and then we can grow into the league.

Yes, there are games it may not work, but at the moment I feel there are plenty of chances to win going begging. We could (should) have beaten Ebbsfleet comfortably, and with a bit more positivity could have taken wins from Solihull, Sutton and maybe even Eastleigh.

How do we sit compared to other favourites?

Fellow title favourites with the bookies, Chesterfield, have failed to live up to expectations and sit bottom of the table without a win.

Wrexham, 4th last season and also a pre-season favourite, have made a slow start and are sitting in 18th, a point behind Notts with a game in hand as are big spending Fylde (5th last season) in 20th place.

All in all, I think we’re taking time to adjust to the league but there are signs that it’s not a million miles away. 1 defeat in 7 games is certainly a move in the right direction and a win or two extra would have made everyone feel that bit better.

But to the complainers, just remember how close you were to a season without a club then watching Notts AFC in Step 7 against the likes of Linby Colliery and Mansfield Hosiery Mills.

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Every team, sport-related or not, needs a captain to lead and guide teammates, to help achieve the best possible outcome at the task in hand. A good captain is experienced, talented and level-headed (amongst other attributes).

Before the 2019/20 season began most of us looked to Michael Doyle (aged 37) to lead his fellow teammates through this campaign. Since he is a mature player with experience and talent, he was the perfect candidate for the role. However, following his red card incident in the first game against Eastleigh, this questions his suitability to the captaincy role.

I looked over the highlights of the Eastleigh game and it is clear Doyle jabs Reda Johnson in the side of the face when Notts were defending a corner. I didn’t attend the game so possibly a challenge from Johnson on Doyle earlier on in the game irked him (so he reacted later on) but regardless he should have kept his cool and rightly deserves his ban.

Now two games into the season (as when written) it is vital to find a solid leader to keep players calm, organised and perform to the best of their potential. We have seen how dressing rooms can become split and toxic. To excel in the National League, we will need an organised, supportive group of players, with a captain to keep this in check.

Personally, I think we should consider other candidates for the captaincy role following Doyle’s bizarre, hot-headed decision making. Ruling out all players below the age of 25 (and those who aren’t first team players) we have O’Brien, Rose, Turner, Rowlinson, Slocombe, and Tyson.

Obviously, since O’Brien and Rose have been around the club longer than any of the others and as they are (arguably) the best players they are great for the role. In my opinion, O’Brien would be the best choice because he is more experienced, most of the play goes through him and has a very high work ethic).

On the other hand, when Doyle returns if O’Brien is captain could it upset the dressing room and its dynamics? In addition, could it lead to a power conflict and so another dressing room split?

The best outcome, however, would be Doyle comes back into the team and picks up where he left off and not to have any repeats of this incident (which is what I assume we all want).

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Last season was not a memorable one from a Notts County fan perspective. Relegation to the National League for the first time in our history, thus losing the title as the World's Oldest Football League Club.

Hopefully we can bounce back at the first time of asking. But while we are playing in the National League, there's something for fans to look forward to, especially if you are a fan who loves to groundhop.

Many fans have been ticking off grounds they have visited during our time in the Football League, but the prospect of seeing new grounds and visiting new places should be something to enjoy this season.

The shortest journey during the National League season will be a trip to Chesterfield where Notts will renew their East Midlands rivalry with the Spirites for the first time since they were relegated from League Two during the 2017/18 season. Solihull Moors will be another short journey for the Notts fans with them situated in the West Midlands.

There will be long journey's along the way for Notts fans during the upcoming season. A few trips to the coast and 4 trips down to London for the Magpies faithful.

Coastal trips include journeys to places such as Ebbsfleet, Eastleigh, Fylde, Barrow, Torquay and Hartlepool. 4 of these 6 places will be new to many.

Notts County fans will know Torquay, the last time these 2 clubs met was when Notts County won League Two during the 2009/10 season. Hartlepool will be another familiar foe for Notts having played them a couple seasons back.

It is unclear as it stands with what will happen with Gateshead. There is problems on going at the club but if we are to be playing them next season, it will be the one of the longest journeys for the fans to travel up north.

For fans that enjoy visiting new grounds and facing new teams, there will be a number of new grounds to tick off the list. Most grounds in the National League are not all seaters. Most grounds will have seating for less than half the capacity in which the grounds can hold.

A trip for those fans who enjoy British history and culture will enjoy taking the trip down south when Notts face Dover Athletic. A trip to the Dover coast and seeing the historic White Cliffs of Dover which is one of the most famous landmark in British culture.

A trip to Stockport County will be one that most will enjoy for the night life. Situated in the Greater Manchester county, it is only a 7 mile trip to the Manchester City Centre with most people suggesting is a great night life.

For those that enjoy long walks in and around the country side, Harrogate and Halifax could be ideal with both being close to the Yorkshire dales.

The most expensive trips will be to Barnet, Bromley, Dagenham and Redbridge and Sutton United. All 4 clubs situated in the capital, London.

Whatever the season may bring on the pitch, off the pitch could be an enjoyable experience for the fans with new grounds, different places and different teams come visiting.

Those fans who have the Groundhopper app or similar apps in which they tick there grounds off, it will be an experience for them.

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Notts fans will have to accept less attractive away days throughout the season (a friend of mine currently living in Birmingham has already suggested Solihull Moors).

The grounds and facilities will generally be incomparable to that of Meadow Lane’s and Notts fans could bring a home atmosphere to some grounds with a good away following as clubs such as Boreham Wood failed to even average a thousand fans in attendance last season.

The only other clubs which debatably have fanbases appropriate for league football are Stockport County, Chesterfield and Wrexham.

In addition to this, we can expect to see a notable drop in the quality of football being played with physicality being of more importance.

With the HMRC court case looming on the 5th of June and the South African Consortium still in the process of attempting to take over Notts County Football Club (at the time of writing) it is difficult to predict Notts’ near future. However, we can look at what can be done to help insure success.

It would seem pointless for us to look ahead to the future without acknowledging the causes of Notts’ demise. Looking at the squad which disappointed last season there are areas where improvement is evidently necessary.

The defence was where Notts seemed to struggle most of all throughout the duration of last season with fullbacks being a continuous problem in the squad. A lack of squad depth was evident with Matt Tootle being unavailable for many games and there being a lack of options to replace him, especially before the versatile Mitch Rose arrived in January who was able to cover the RB spot (although he is better utilised in midfield). Although Declan Dunn remains an option Notts are currently lacking any sort of experienced LB going into next season with Milsom, Jones and Evina all leaving.

As Sir Alex Ferguson believes though, it is important to have a strong centre in any team. This for Notts starts with the promising Pierce Bird who impressed with his performances towards the end of last season. It would seem appropriate to have an experienced CB alongside Bird to form an effective partnership. I remember that performances from CBs like Haydn Hollis in recent years gone by were always significantly better when Mike Edwards played alongside them. With the loss of Duffy, Notts should search for a veteran CB over the summer.

Losing Jim O’Brien is another big blow although the Scotsman did hint at possibly signing a new contract next season if Neal Ardley does remain as manager. His leadership and tenacity in the middle of the park was unrivalled following his arrival to Meadow Lane in January. It is vital to secure the signing of another hardened midfield ball winner if O’Brien does not return, especially considering the more physical style of football often played in the conference.

The departure of Jon Stead will also leave a hole in Notts County’s attack as Kane Hemmings was provided with numerous chances throughout last season by his experienced strike partner. I am confident Hemmings will continue to score in the conference next season given his impressive tally of fourteen goals by the end of the 2018/19 League campaign with Notts despite the club finishing 23rd in the league. His work-ethic is one of his less desirable qualities though and he would benefit from a fellow forward to take the brunt of the physical battles and create opportunities for him.

Overall, the squad needs an addition of physical and experienced players to adapt to life in the Conference.

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It’s certainly a fact that a toxic atmosphere within a ground has a negative effect on performances, we only have to remember back to the brief tenure of Jamie Fullarton. At that time, it felt as if a reasonable number of fans were turning up wanting us to lose.

Now, I’m not suggesting that was the case this season. In fact, quite the opposite as I think our supporters – in the main – have been really supportive and patient, far more than the performances have deserved.

It’s an expensive hobby to follow a football team. Even if you only watch home games, it’s approaching £500 a year when you add in travel costs and maybe the occasional cuppa.

For those who go away, it must be getting on for £2,000 as a season or even more, and that’s not including any overnight stays.

We don’t do it for glory, this is Notts and anyone who does this for glory must have started watching at a very narrow point in our history.

However, most of us have pride in the club. Or at least have had pride in the club until the recent past.

Incidents such as that infamous photo accidentally published on Twitter, boardroom resignations and plenty more have made Notts fans an easy target for friends and colleagues who follow other teams.

Hopefully, we’re very close to new ownership now and we can look for closure on a period of the club’s history which will make a fascinating read should Charlie Slater, Jon Stead or anyone else with inside info over that period choose to write it in the future.

Regardless of what happens next season, it’ll be the lowest position the club has ever ended a season so what can the new owners do to help restore some pride and let fans hold their heads up high again?

Here are some ideas, in no particular order...

- Remember that you are only custodians of the club. At some point, you’ll move on. Every player who is currently at the club, will move on. I dare say some fans will also move on, but the vast majority will still be here long after you and everyone else has forgotten about us. Fans will pass the love onto their sons and daughters, they are the lifeblood of the club and they are the basis for a successful future. Treat them as that, and not as customers buying a product. We can’t decide we want our product from somewhere else, it won’t happen.

- Stay away from extravagant promises. We’ve had plenty of those. Not just Hardy, but Munto, etc. Be realistic, we’re happy with that.

- Be professional. Don’t turn it into a circus. Yes, some attention can be good, it can get some TV money, it can promote the club, but it can also turn very quickly and bite you.

- Don’t gamble big. The lower leagues are under a huge amount of pressure at the moment, just look at Macclesfield and Bury among others. The Premier League runs football, the EFL does an appalling job at looking after its members. They certainly won’t help us out if we get into trouble, so do all you can to keep us on an even keel.

- Put your ego away, it’s not about you. If we get the rewards we all hope for, you’ll get the plaudits without needing to go looking for them. It’s a bit like being a referee, you often don’t notice the really good ones.

- Appoint good people and let them get on with the jobs you’ve asked them to do.

- Certainly create that environment where it’s an expectation that the players put in the same effort on a Saturday afternoon as we fans do during the week at our jobs.

- Finally, be proud to own this fine club. Without a doubt, we’ve been through the mill in recent years. I think I read that we’ve been in a relegation battle for 13 of the last 16 years. But we have history. We have a great fanbase for a club at this level. It’s a great opportunity and we all hope to enjoy the ride.

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The season is over and it's been arguably the worst one in Notts County's history as they tumbled out of the Football League but the pain must subside ahead of the rebuilding job, something which us fans must be mentally prepared for.

Pride of Nottingham is taking submissions from fans with their take on the events that have taken place over the season and, most importantly, looking forward - here is a piece by Phil Buxton on how he feels the Magpies - and fellow fans - can do this, based on Mick Walker's philosophy from the 1990s.

With all the anxiety around Notts County and the rumblings going on at Meadow Lane, may I take you back for a very short tenure of a guy called Mick Walker.

He was the guy who developed and brought to the fore the likes of Dean Yates, Mark Draper and Brian Kilcline.

In 1993, I think it was, and I remember the football, he played, in my opinion, just like watching Juve as the saying goes.

His first instructions to the players after Neil Warnock had gone was, go out there lads, enjoy yourselves, but most of all express yourselves for who you are, and leave the field proud.

If words are really needed in our present plight, those words wouldn't do any damage at the moment, of that I am pretty sure.

Is there someone out there who can do this, is he already here?

Who knows, but if I was given the opportunity to see it all again, I'd certainly be glad to pay for the pleasure.

Now, admittedly, the results weren't the best, but the football was awesome.

We all have our individual take on football, good, bad, or indifferent, but first of all, you have to enjoy what you're doing, and not running around, with a cloud six inches above your head. Pretty sure we've seen enough of that this season.

A training pitch would help, half a dozen decent scouts would add to that, but more than anything, give youth a chance, make them feel important, make them feel wanted, make them feel they are part of a major plan going forward, and you will bear the fruit in the end.

After all, football hasn't changed my friends, it's attitudes that have. COYP!

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After the departure of 12 first team players, with 17 still under contract, we start to look at who should be given more time on our first ever ‘Vanarama tour’.

Players underused, and retained this season include: Kion Etete, Pierce Bird, Tom Crawford, Krisitan Dennis, Will Patching, Sam Osborne, Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain, Remayne Campbell, Alex Howes and Andy Kellet. You could even include Ross Fitzsimons and Matt Tootle.

Firstly, Kion Etete’s future is a hot topic now. The striker is at an early point in his career (only 17 years old). He has only made six first team appearances, four in the league. To be heavily involved in a team fighting for (football league) safety is often not good for younger players as they need to be nurtured into first-team professional football. Therefore, I believe it was beneficial not to include him in the first team too much.
In terms of next season, he may be a useful player due to his height and lighting speed. On the other hand, the national league is considered even more physical than league two so his talents may not be suited to our next campaign.

Despite this Tottenham have had keen interest in the youngster and rumours have been going around about an impressive transfer fee- not too dissimilar to Dele Alli’s when he transferred from Milton Keynes.

Pierce Bird is another young player (20 years old) who has been around first-team antics since the start of the season. This towering defender was used more regularly when Duffy and Brisley made more frequent calamitous mistakes. Having made 7 appearances, to Brisley’s 24 (I know!), he quickly gained my trust as he seemed so calm at center-back, despite a pressurised situation. I can see him being used more in next seasons’ squad, possibly being a starting eleven player (if he keeps his cool head).

Midfielder Tom Crawford (19 years old) was bought from Chester just under a year ago and wasn’t included much in this season’s campaign, having only 6 apps (although scoring one goal). Hence, he was loaned out to non-league AFC Flyde in January. There he made 24 apps (only being on the bench once) and scored two goals. He heavily featured in Flyde’s second half of 2018/19 season and even played in the playoff league final at Wembley against Salford FC. I would like to see him in next season’s campaign but beside a more experienced midfielder. This is in fact if we keep a hold of him as AFC Flyde may want to buy him and our owners, whoever they may be, may sell-out.

Striker Kristian Dennis is a tricky one. Having scored 21 goals for Chesterfield FC in 2017-18 things looked bright when we bought him from them for £150,000 last summer. For reasons that would be interesting to delve into, although not now, he performed extremely poorly this season. He was loaned to Grimsby in January, where he was barely used there. Despite this, I feel we should use him next season, but this is mainly because of his six-figure price tag and as his contract runs out in 2021. If his confidence is grown this summer I could see him being used well in partnership with a target man (Did somebody say Shola?). However, I really doubt he’d fit in a Kane Hemmings partnership.

Midfielder Will Patching (20 years old) made 9 apps this season and is promising. However, I feel we have a lot of “he could be good if he was with a Jim O’Brien”. I do think this competition for midfielder spots is good for competitivity for team places but don’t want a repeat of this seasons squad size.

It seems to me that we have had many mediocre midfielders this season and they’ve been bought in a bit like if you tried to gaffer tape the Titanic. Midfielder Andy Kellet could have been well-used but due to the number of managers this season was set aside early on and only added to the massive wage bill.

Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain (3 apps), Sam Osborne (3 apps), Remaye Campbell (2 apps) and Alex Howes (1 app) are again players who could be used but due to there lack of first team football, I am skeptical of their ability and physicality.

In conclusion, there is talent in the unused retained players however, we are lacking certain player types and abundant in others.

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Pride of Nottingham's Liampie has spoken to fellow Notts County fans Melvyn Watson, "Magpie Moomin" and Joe Maskrey about their thoughts on the season just gone.

Q1: Do you feel Neal Ardley should remain as Notts County manager?

MW: “Stability is required at NCFC so I believe we should keep NA as manager, he is a wheeler dealer in the transfer market and has good contacts, he is passionate about NCFC. Not being able to show authority with senior players that he did not sign, his substitutions showed a fear of not losing.”

MM: “I don't feel Neal has bought anything to the team - I would prefer big Kev to come back.”

JM:"Yes keep him in charge, as he took Wimbledon out of that division, so he has proved he can do it."

Q2: Relegation to the Vanarama National League means that Notts are no longer the “Oldest Professional Football League Club”, firstly how did relegation feel for you? And secondly are you saddened to see the club lose the title?

MW: “I was totally gutted the way we were relegated, certain players did not feel the pain as much as the fans, regarding losing out title, I think it will devalue the saleable asset of our club but when we get back in the league, it will be regained.”

MM: "I like all Notts fans were absolutely gutted to see us go down and although Forest are claiming our title its only on loan for one season.”

JM: "Gutted for us to be relegated, but knew it was coming. Yes, also gutted to see us lose the title."

Q3: Notts took over 2,000+ fans to the Swindon game, do you feel the support can continue within the Non League?

MW: “We will still get 3500 to 4500 fans at home and take the same usual fans to away games as we have superb fans.”

MM: “yes we will have big support in our non league campaign because when your black and white your black and white for life no matter what league we are in.”

Joe Maskrey "I feel the fans will still go to matches in good numbers, IF they still support us."

Q4: When the takeover finally completes, do you want Alan Hardy to remain as the clubs chairman?

MW: “I believe if Alan Hardy remains in any capacity at NCFC the supporters will desert our club, he needs to never enter Meadow Lane again after the sale.”

MM: "No to AH he is a spent force we need change through out the whole club top to bottom.”

JM: "NO WAY! Hardy should leave, and hand the baton to another chairman to take us in a fresh and another direction."

Q5: In summary, how would you describe this past League Two season and what can the club learn from it?

MW: “This season has been a nightmare for all NCFC fans, so much hope at the start of the season, the running of the club and the recruitment from the off was very poorly done, I do not believe the manager at the time did not have enough input on who was kept and who was recruited, as for having 3 managers in one season again was the downfall of our club, the chairman was playing with our club and had no idea how to run a professional football club. The new owners need a person with experience of running a club and have the authority to hire the manager and players he wants as well as restructuring the staff at the club and make a priority to get a recruitment person in ASAP, cut the playing staff down to a maximum of 25.”

MM: “what I have learned about the last season is that the only people who care about Notts County football club are the fans, owners/managers/players just don't have anywhere near the pride or passion that us fans have, they are there at the end of their careers to take a wage. How many times have you read comments like if they played with the same pride as the fans singing loud and proud week in week out we would be in the Championship.”

JM: "This season has been a disaster! The club can only learn from this. Changing management so early in a season was a big no no, so to learn from that is KEY. When the new owners take over, they should know where NOT to go wrong."

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Notts County have stumbled from season to season with no real plan and no real direction. The club has no identity.

There has never been any real stability. Notts have had 28 permanent managers since 1992.

With Alan Hardy soon to be selling the club, here’s a list of things that needs to change at Notts if we are to make our way back up the leagues.

Training ground and facilities

In modern day football, the principle of the training ground is getting more important. A training ground along with facilities such as 3G pitches, indoor and outdoor pitches, a gym, a spa and media centres, attracts players and makes the club a more attractive proposition for players and coaches. This can filter down from senior to youth.

Notts have previously trained on a park and at Basford United where the use of a 3G pitch as a first-choice training ground has left Notts’ squad with frequent injuries. The use of a 3G pitch as a first-choice training pitch can be risky and increases the level of injury of the playing squad due to the players being unfamiliar with the surface, as they usually play on grass.

When it comes to matchday, it can be difficult to replicate something put into practice on a 3G pitch, on a grass pitch due to the different surfaces.

A training ground can help with a squad’s fitness and this is a big importance if you want to play a passing style of play which requires a lot of running and movement.

It can also help in the development of players and modern facilities at Notts could help bring out the best in the players and will aid their skill and ability.

Youth team

It is becoming more and more easier for top clubs to sign young prospects from lower league teams. In August, Notts lost Dongda He to Wolves for a small fee due to EPPP. It was made easier for Wolves, due to the fact that He didn’t have a pro contract with Notts. It was because of this that Notts quickly signed up their youth team prospects to professional contracts. The issue with this was, that it made an already bloated squad even bigger and because the first team was so big, it became more expensive to run.

To avoid this happening, we’d have one of two options. To bring the academy status up to a good enough standard or to reduce the age groups in the academy to under 16 and over. The former would not be viable for Notts as it would mean spending excessively on upgrading the academy. Money that Notts don’t have in their current situation. That leaves the latter as the better option of the two.

Starting at under 16 level would be better as that is the age in which clubs have to make decisions regarding scholarships. This would also mean the if clubs further up the football pyramid came calling, they would have to pay a bigger fee for the player, benefitting Notts. If Notts kept their current age groups in the youth academy, they could lose players who have been developed for several years, for a small fee.

Having these select groups from U16 upwards would also mean that the club can pick more specific needs for the first time. For example, if they are without a ball playing centre-back or a technical midfielder.

Recruiting players for the academy can be made easier by taking players from clubs around Notts that are higher in the league system such as Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Leicester City, Aston Villa and Birmingham City. These players would have had the input from a good quality academy and bringing them to Notts would benefit the club hugely.

Brentford gave up their academy and instead developed a Brentford B team. They scout internationally and bring in young players from abroad as well as from the UK. They scout internationally due to the fact that, scouting the lower leagues of English football for players means that clubs higher in the football pyramid can lure players with their lofty budgets and state of the art facilities and training complexes.

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Notts have stumbled from season to season with no real plan and no real direction. The club has no identity.

There has never been any real stability. Notts have had 28 permanent managers since 1992.

With Alan Hardy soon to be selling the club, here’s a list of things that needs to change at Notts if we are to make our way back up the leagues.

Managerial tactics

Not just do the decisions made on a managerial appointment have to be crucial, but when the manager gets the job, they must be tactically aware. Too many times, Notts have had managers who are tactically inept. They don’t adapt to the oppositions way of playing. Against teams who pass the ball, you press the opposition and win the ball back as quick as possible (e.g. Crewe). Against physical teams, you put more robust and tall players in to cope with the physical challenge (e.g. Newport).

They don’t install a style of play good enough to get us out of situations or get us to be successful on the pitch. Some managers put too much emphasis on one part of the pitch and that has cost them their job. Jamie Fullarton put too much emphasis on being strong at the back and didn’t focus more on getting Notts to score goals. Ricardo Moniz did the opposite.

Also, you cannot want to play a certain style of play and then end up going against it. You have to believe in what you want to do. This mixes in with recruitment. If you want to play direct, you cannot have two strikers up front who are 5’9. You have to prepare adequately for what style of play you want to play. How many times do you see Crewe play long ball? You don’t. If it’s not working either, change it up.

Too many times Notts have allowed teams to play with freedom and we don’t do enough to close the opposition down. We don’t press the opposing team and we are not brave enough with the ball. For too long we have relied on Jon Stead as an outlet. This is nothing against Jon, but he is 36 and we don’t use him correctly anyway. He has always liked the ball to his feet and constantly we use him as a target man and ask him to hold the ball up or produce a flick on for a faster player to get in behind. This rarely works and it has rarely worked this season (18/19). Plus, everytime we need to press the opposing team, we start Stead who is too slow and won’t close them down.

Notts have not had any sort of quality on the wings in recent years other than Jorge Grant (who was a loanee and is more of a CAM). Terry Hawkridge worked hard but didn’t have enough end product whilst Lewis Alessandra doesn’t impact the game at all and doesn’t make runs.

Players, Recruitment and Scouting

Player recruitment has been a big factor in Notts’ downfall over the last decade. We do don’t enough due diligence or analysation on players who we want to bring in. Especially in the summer of 2018 where we bought in the complete wrong type of player and we went away from what we were good at. In League Two, you need a bruiser in midfield who is not afraid to put a tackle in as well as pass. David Vaughan wasn’t that player. Other clubs bought in the likes of Neal Bishop and Harry Pell.

We wanted to play out from the back (even though we went away from something that was working) but didn’t bring in a ball playing centre-back. We didn’t strengthen the midfield or defence and we didn’t keep the leaders in the dressing room who were so important off the pitch in the 2017-18 season.

A big factor for the shambles that has happened this season and in previous years has been the lack of a recruitment structure or scouting network. You have got to be vigorous in your recruitment process and, you must scout the players that fit your system and style of play, thoroughly.

Scouts must be put in place to ensure you get the right type of players in and this must go further than just video analysis. You need scouts at games to watch the player and determine whether he is right for the team. Having scouts in place could mean scouting different parts of the country. Maybe have a couple in the south, a couple in the north, east and west etc. Have a few scouts go out and look at midfielders, another few at strikers, another few at defenders etc.

The different roles within a scouting system are pivotal and they all have to work well together. If one part of the chain is broken, it cannot work efficiently. The director of football must be organised and must be used to dealing with a big workload. The DOF has to oversee the whole scouting system and make sure it is working properly. They have to deal with certain representatives in football, including agents and lawyers.

Another role in a scouting network is a head of football operations. This is a very busy role, dealing with such things as: developing relationships with clubs (this can help bring players in on loan and can also go to the extent of getting Notts a feeder club), keeping an eye on players that have been loaned out or players that the club is looking to bring in on loan, highlighting players and  of the manager and director of football and preparation for pre-season and where the best places to train and the finding the most adequate clubs to play against in friendlies. The head of football operations oversees the management and logistics side of the club.

A first team scout has to deal with representatives from clubs to get the information and on player targets, who the manager wants to sign. The first team scout must have an eye for a player and identifying talent. This applies to both senior and youth level.

Examining the type of player needed is crucial. A target man striker, a ball playing centre back, a deep lying playmaker in midfield, a direct winger, a poacher or a sweeper keeper can be some of the key roles that need filling in the squad. A scouting system can go a long way to making a football club successful and if put in place, can help Notts develop, improve and progress as a club and avoid the transfer window disasters of the past.

Part 3 - Training Ground and Facilities, and Youth Team coming Wednesday

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Notts have stumbled from season to season with no real plan and no real direction. The club has no identity.

There has never been any real stability. Notts have had 28 permanent managers since 1992.

With Alan Hardy soon to be selling the club, here’s a list of things that needs to change at Notts if we are to make our way back up the leagues.

Board level decisions

This step is a crucial part of football and is key to the club’s future and whether it progresses or not. Decisions made by the board can make or break a club and can alter which direction the club goes in. Decisions on managers, recruitment, structure, policy and youth are all important. The decisions made on these areas shape a football club.

Notts’ chairman has to be open and has to have a clear ambition for the club and what direction he wants to take the club in. The chairman must do his due diligence on managerial appointments and whether that is right for what state the club is in, whether we are midway through the season battling relegation or we are looking longer term and appoint a manager who will build a philosophy for seasons to come.

They need to have full assurance over what they want the club to be run like. Do we need a director of football to forge a relationship between the owner and manager and to take over the football related matters that might be out of the owner or chairman’s reach? Do we need fellow board members and directors to help with the decision making at the club? All these decisions on how the club is run is crucial. Alan Hardy made a mess of how he wanted the club run. He sacked Kevin Nolan and suddenly decided afterwards he wanted a director of football and appointed Paul Hart to help Harry Kewell, only for it to fall apart after 11 games.

Ray Trew also changed his ambition a dozen times. He never stuck with a manager long enough to implement a philosophy or ambition. When Notts went down the route of bringing in foreign players and bringing a passing style of play to Notts, it lasted only a few months.

Along with the running of the club, the next Notts chairman or owner must have full assurances over finances and must make critical decisions on where to spend that money.

The first priority for Notts would be a training ground and eventually getting a scouting network in place to help with recruitment. A big turning point in Notts’ fortunes was when Alan Hardy decided to spend the money gained on an FA Cup run, on the playing squad. Lincoln, on the other hand, spent their money on a training ground. Lincoln are now promoted to League One whilst Notts are staring non-league football in the face. That is key decision making for you.

Living within your means is another problem Notts have endured during previous owners’ stints. Ray Trew and Alan Hardy both spent in the chase of success, both failed to attain this, and both times, the club ended up with financial issues. The message being for the next owner of Notts: Spend your money wisely and carefully.

Decisions on managers

For a long time now Notts haven’t really picked anyone that is forward thinking. Some managers that have been appointed have either been impact managers or shouldn’t have been given the job in the first place. Martin Allen, Keith Curle, Shaun Derry and to an extent Kevin Nolan are impact managers. They make an impact when they first come in, but they won’t take you forward. Managers like Jamie Fullarton and Chris Kiwomya shouldn’t have been given the job in the first place. Fullarton was an unpopular choice and it ended up being the last straw for Ray Trew. Kiwomya was appointed when fans were crying out for someone with at least a bit of managerial experience. Trew went with the cheap option and within two and a half months, Kiwomya left.

The board must consider the job the last manager had as well. Neal Ardley’s Notts are currently struggling to score goals, a problem he carried over from his time at Wimbledon.

The decisions on managerial appointments come from board level and for most of the last 15 years we haven’t really made a good appointment. Other clubs have taken chances on young coaches who have showed promise and it has worked because they are forward thinking and the board see the good job or jobs they have done before. Take Lincoln for example. They appointed Danny Cowley after he had steered Braintree to 3rd and a play-off semi-final with a small budget. A masterstroke of a decision from the Lincoln board.

The decision making at board level is vital. Managerial appointments are only one of the things they have to get right. However, Notts have made too many bad decisions on managers over the past decade and a half and that has to stop. A manager with good tactical ability is key as well. We’ll get onto that soon. Others include Nathan Jones at Luton, Chris Wilder at Oxford, Northampton and now Sheffield United and Paul Hurst at Shrewsbury.

Decision making is a massive part of football and something that has let Notts down consistently. Decisions need to be made and they need to be carefully thought out rather than rushed.

Part 2 - Managerial tactics and Players, Recruitment and Scouting coming Tuesday

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I’m a huge fan of the work Jorge Grant did when he was on loan with us, and by all counts, he’s a genuinely nice bloke, which is great to hear.

In 2016-17, when we were in trouble following the John Sheridan fiasco, he missed only 2 minutes of the last 15 games and was instrumental in pulling us away from trouble.

In 2017-18, he played 21 full games (plus an 88 minute game) and came off the bench 5 times, scoring 14 times and making 5 assists as we took our place at the top of the league and had one foot in League One. Although I think Jon Stead’s role in this is vastly under-rated. He’s one of the most intelligent footballers at this level, and some of the runs he made took defenders out of the way to create space for Grant to run into.

And this is where the huge January love in doesn’t fit with me. And, as far as Forest fans are concerned, they punished us by sending Grant to Mansfield.

But is that right? Let’s look at what he’s done when put under real pressure and you need to roll your sleeves up and fight.

The final 19 games of that season produced just one goal and one assist as we slipped out of the reckoning and hung on for a play off place. At the time needed big players to step up, he was one of the many who didn’t, starting just 12 of those games as his inconsistent form took its toll.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not singling him out or blaming him for what happened, but is he the man for the crisis we were in at the end of January?

I’m sure he’ll do very well in a good League Two side, and his start at Mansfield has confirmed that. In a team which has a lot of the ball and a lot of pressure, with other attacking players to occupy defenders, he’s one of the best to take advantage of the space his teammates create.

But is he any better than a good League Two player in a good League Two side?

He’s 24 years old now, the days of having potential are slipping away. He’s not been part of a Forest matchday squad for 2 seasons and doesn’t seem close to it, while other young players are starting at that level and higher.

He was given a chance in League One in the summer, and I thought Luton would be a good fit for him. An attacking side, plenty to occupy defences, and a manger who wants teams to play expansive football.

And he did well initially, starting 12 of the first 15 League games of this season, as Luton made a solid start to life after promotion, finding themselves in 9th place at that point.

Luton played 11 more league games before he returned to Forest.

Of those 11 games, he wasn’t in the squad for 2 of them and an unused substitute for 5 of them. He came off the bench in 2 games, playing a total of 11 minutes and started the other two, coming off after just over an hour in each of them.

At the end of that run, Luton were second.

His start at Mansfield has confirmed my thoughts. His first 6 games brought 4 goals and 2 assists, missing only 3 minutes of football. But, in game seven at Meadow Lane when everyone needed to roll up their sleeves and battle for the cause, he flitted in and out, making some good runs and passes around the half way line but very little where it hurts the opposition.

A lot of the credit for that is down to the way Notts played, of course, but with a reputation comes more attention and tighter marking. The really good players deal with that.

When we’ve signed winners like Jim O’Brien and Michael Doyle, and the huge change in Enzio Boldewijn (who’d have thought he’d put an opposing player into the third row of the crowd?!), is there really room in our squad for a luxury?

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Anyone who enjoys the traditional, historic side of football will have been dismayed at how Notts County, the world's oldest Football League club, has come so close to losing that status in recent years.

The Magpies have found themselves dwelling dangerously close to falling into the non-league over the last few seasons, although their impressive campaign in 2017-18 would have surely meant that there was going to be some form of comeback on the cards.

One thing that isn’t helping Notts however, is their managerial issues.  As of 2016, County have been through a staggering SIX permanent managers, with the most notable of those being ex-Newcastle United player Kevin Nolan, who was appointed player manager in January 2017, before being sacked in August after a poor run of results.

Ex Leeds man Harry Kewell also took charge for a small while, lasting two months before also being shown the door.

It’s become all too common in football as of recent, as we’ve seen with Portsmouth, that teams can fall from grace, and things can turn sour, very very quickly.

It’s easy to see why lower league clubs struggle, they need results but with the relatively minuscule budgets they have to try and succeed with, it’s no surprise that the board see the manager as the reason they are underperforming.

On the other hand it is them paying them their wages and if they aren’t bringing results into the team, then to a certain extent I can understand the frequent chopping and changing that happens within the league.

In all, it is clear to see that teams in a similar possession will struggle until the revenue and other forms of sustainable income increase for those ‘smaller’ teams, and then we may see teams such as County back in the big leagues.

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Sam, Tom, George, William - some familiar names now as then, the boys that made up Southwell City Football Club in 1911.

The team photo below was to mark their win in the final of the Newark and District League Challenge Cup.

None of them could have foreseen the events to follow, four years of what became to be known as the Great War that would leave 16 million dead across the globe.

A postmaster’s son, a baker, a lace maker, a solicitor’s clerk, a professional soldier and a silk worker from Maythorne - a century on it is known that, of those who served in the First World War, almost half would be dead before the end of the conflict.

Some families would lose more than one son. Sam and Arthur Humberstone both played for the team and worked at Carey & Sons lace factory. Sam lived on Westgate with his wife and two young sons.

Like most of the team the brother enlisted with the 1/8th Sherwood Foresters and would leave Southwell with the Battalion in August 1914. Both were promoted to Corporal whist in France.

Sam was killed in action in June 1915, his younger brother Arthur two years later.

Several other members of the team worked at Carey & Sons and are remembered on the Memorial at the bottom of the Burgage, the former site of this factory.

These included Herbert Kirk, the team’s striker of Burgage Lane, and Edwin Gilbert, both killed in action in France in the third year of the war.

The Gilbert family would also suffer the loss of Edwin’s younger brother Jack who, having survived 4 years on the battlefields of France, died of his wounds just a week before the end of the war in November 1918.

The team’s goalkeeper John Watson, formally of Sheppards Row and employee of the Southwell Co-op store, would also be killed in action and is buried in France along with many of his comrades.

Whilst we tend to remember those who died, we should not forget those of the team who returned home many wounded and suffering from the effects of war.

Oscar Longmore, who lived at the Post Office on Queen Street, Southwell was shot and wounded in September 1916 and after recovering at home was posted back to France in early 1917. He survived the war having spent several months as a prisoner of war in Germany.

Richard Revill also survived the war returning to his home on Chatham Street in Southwell after being wounded in August 1915.

All who returned had to deal with tragedy and loss perhaps none more so than Alfred Townsend. He survived but returned home to what must have been a very different world.

He and his siblings had lost both their parents by 1910 and, at the time of the Census in 1911, Alfred was living with the Hazelwood family on Private Road Southwell whilst his siblings were boarding with other families across the town.

Whilst Alfred survived the war it claimed the lives of both of his younger brothers, Walter and Robert and also Arthur the only son of the Hazelwood family.

In this, the centenary year of World War One, we remember them all.

Andrew Adam

#southwellremembers  #lestweforget