Luke Williams’ Take on Notts County’s Defeat: A Lesson in Transparency

what annoyed me the most was how foolishly we gave away two penalties, i am hoping if baldwin or brindley cant start on tuesday instead of rawlinson playing we give macari a try. but bostock and crowley made two very poor judgement calls to gift wimbledon the advantage. without those mistakes we may have drawn.

I can’t understand why this happens at away games, we don’t seem like the same team at times. Once panic kicks in, it appears that every player’s mindset shifts, leading to costly mistakes.

Despite the criticism Sam Slocombe often receives, he managed to keep the scoreline more respectable, and it’s not his fault for failing to save a penalty. The taker always has the advantage in that situation, especially with the recent rule changes. I’m quite disappointed because I know we’re capable of much better.

We have to accept results like this, there’s no use in dwelling on it. As frustrating as it can be, I think we all recognise the need for a stronger, more organised presence at the back and I don’t believe pinning our hopes on Lewis Macari is the right move.

Notts let me down yesterday, but they redeemed themselves with the comeback. For a short while, I think we showed AFC Wimbledon why we’re a strong team at this level. If Crowley hadn’t handed them their second penalty, I believe we could have secured a point and possibly even snatched a win.

I appreciate Williams candidness in the face of such defeat. It's not often we see leaders admitting to their team's shortcomings. Still, it's quite clear that a rethink is needed on how the team can regain the intensity needed in future matches.

Interesting to see Williams point out the fear factor in our lads. The tough love from our head coach might be exactly what we need to face future challenges. Wimbledon was a tough opponent, but our boys need to stand their ground.

It's hard to swallow such a hard defeat and the subsequent brutal assessment from our coach, Luke Williams. Yet, perhaps it’s the transparency we need to catalyse changes in our performance. The lack of composure and control during the first half was evident, and it's time for a review of strategies. Looking at Wimbledon, we need to emulate their fantastic energy and upright performance.

On a positive note, Aaron Nemane's goal gives us something to celebrate amidst the harsh realities. Here's hoping we make a comeback stronger and more determined.

It feels like yesterday's match really showed us where our flaws lie. It's unfortunate but necessary for growth. Much respect for Williams for calling it as it is.

It's devastating when your own head coach admits we played like we were 'terrified to be on the pitch.' It’s a clear indicator of the work that needs to be done within the team. The second half certainly showed some spirit, but the damage had already been done. Williams' critique might seem harsh, but it's completely necessary for the boys to realise the urgency and step up their game.

Luke Williams definitely showing his mettle as head coach. His insights are clear and frank, perhaps more than the fans are used to, it haunted to hear that we could have been six-nil down at one point. Wake-up calls can be brutal but necessary.

Williams' post-match natter certainly cuts deep. His honesty, though refreshing, highlights the harsh truth that the performance was not up to par. However, the burden shouldn’t solely rest on his shoulders. The players on the pitch need to rise to the occasion as well. Now is the time to put in the effort, shake off the disappointment, and gear up for the next match.

I really appreciate Williams' brutal honesty about the team's performance against Wimbledon. Not afraid to admit where we went wrong, he highlighted the lack of intensity and control that severely hampered Notts County's play throughout the match. It is clear, however, that he has the team's best interests at heart with his constructive criticism and letting the disappointment be known.

I believe we need to recognise how much progress we’ve made and strive to stay grounded after disappointing outcomes. Defensive mistakes can be trained out of a team’s performance, as can the team’s style of play. Losing 4-2 to Wimbledon is a letdown, but we shouldn’t let it make us feel defeated.

It’s just one match, and I’m confident that Luke Williams will be able to turn things around. If we can strengthen our squad further in January, we might see even more improvement. A skilled defender could make a significant difference. Not that our defenders are poor, but someone who is more alert, focused, and driven could be a game-changer.

It’s a brutally honest assessment from Luke Williams as always, I’m confident he will turn it round and come January he will hopefully get a chance to strengthen the team defensively.

8 hours ago, AmericanPie said:

I believe we need to recognise how much progress we’ve made and strive to stay grounded after disappointing outcomes. Defensive mistakes can be trained out of a team’s performance, as can the team’s style of play. Losing 4-2 to Wimbledon is a letdown, but we shouldn’t let it make us feel defeated.

It’s just one match, and I’m confident that Luke Williams will be able to turn things around. If we can strengthen our squad further in January, we might see even more improvement. A skilled defender could make a significant difference. Not that our defenders are poor, but someone who is more alert, focused, and driven could be a game-changer.

I personally believe that our defenders are poor and 2 or 3 new ones are needed.

If the score had been 8 - 3 it would have been a fair reflection on the game. We were a yard slower than the Wimbledon team.  Jodi looked worn out, possibly from his International matches and Dan had probably his worst game in a Notts shirt. The only Notts player I would give more than a 4 out of 10 was Sam Slocombe.  I still say we need a new defence and a proper target man to take some of the weight off Macca's shoulders.