I have always gone on the premise that teams have to treat each single match differently.

A side should be able to modify their style depending on what the strength of the opposition is, whether the opposition is playing a passing game, or they go direct, or rely on dead ball situations, free kicks or corners, whether they use the high press or sit off Notts.

Every game brings different challenges but I have seen Notts play the same whatever the strength of the opposition in certain areas or how they set up against Notts

Notts just have to be much more flexible with their style. For example, Notts need to be able to grind out a result if necessary against the strong teams 

When Notts have changed their short passing style and gone long they have been successful on occasions.

Successful teams have to be adaptable and flexible to meet every match challenge.

Notts just have to be much more adaptable & flexible next season. If Notts are too predictable, we will find trouble for ourselves once again.

I've already started the list for players in the summer @Piethagoram. The CB's list is long

The club has said - including Williams - that our academy suffered massively by being NL as the better players went to local league sides, so it will take a while to build this up again.

From the limited time I've seen them (first team cameos and one youth game), none of them are that close to being in a side which hopes to go up from L2 apart from maybe Brooks.

McGregor is an interesting one for me. Been heavily involved in the last 2 pre seasons and then nothing.

Cisse looked very exciting when he came on, can he be another Nemane? (Ideally the Nemane of April 2024)

Sanderson, Gill, Mahovo all need good game time. I'm sure their games are improving in training but sitting on the bench and watching won't improve them. Although I'm not sure how much a loan to Long Eaton does either.

@Simon Clark

I believe that Notts should put as much resource into their academy as is financially possible to attract young talent.

Clubs like Notts have to have a successful youth policy that can nurture young talent and ensure that a conveyor belt of young players do get to the point where they are ready to move up to the first team.

In the past Notts used to have a very good reputation for nurturing young talent. I just hope we can get that back.

@Robbie Beg to differ. The rule changes in recent years, basically mean Prem League clubs can come in for any youth player and pay a relative pittance in compensation. 

We know the style of football is not going to change so the right CBs are essential. I'll admit I'm worried about the future. Recruitment has to be spot on in the Summer. If we do lose Langstaff, then that money needs to go towards the best CB that money can buy. 

Some interesting comments, personally I’m not against us signing a young CB from the National League, but that must be in addition to two experienced CB’s from the football league. That way we will be addressing the here and now and also looking to the future.

As for the summer:

We’re strong up front and that doesn’t need any work unless it is to replace existing players, but we need to re sign Scott.

Midfield first choice will be strong (assuming Matty returns to his best), but we still need to add depth to it, as we have basically had to make do and mend in there too many times.

Defence: Critical that we sign 3 Centre Backs and preferably 2 proper wingbacks/full backs. 

Goalkeeper: Have to get rid of one first, but we’re desperate for a big, vocal and imposing keeper that’s not afraid to leave his line to claim crosses.

Will be interesting to see who leaves this summer as I doubt it will be as many as the fans want.

Regarding young players, as @Piethagoramsays. The premier league get to cherry pick any outstanding future talent now so there is little point in putting huge resources into the academy, it would be better spent on Premier League cast offs. From what I have seen of our current young players, I can’t see any of them being good enough (exception being Brooks who is now in his twenties).

The club could do with finding a centre back who is experienced, but at the right age. Ideally someone around 26-27 and have a reputation for being very good at defending. We don't need someone with a lot of pace, provided we retain Aden Baldwin.

I have no issues with players coming in from further down the leagues, such as the National League North or South.

Good players these days are finding their way down there and are taking what chances they can in order to establish their career further. Ideally, if we have some money in the budget, we would seek to sign a player for a fee. Whilst, we could very well rely on the free agents available. I am a firm believer that paying for the right player, in key positions, gives a much-needed boost because they will want to show their worth within the fee paid. This isn't always the case, but we are quite good at spending money well when looking for transfers.

Our issue is within the loan system.

Personally, I think it's a bit early for us to be reviewing who could potentially come in because much can change between now and the pre-season. It's an interesting debate, plus there's nothing wrong with tracking players but with managerial changes and signings, this alone opens so many doors.

I know he is youngish but with experience at Port Vale and Dundee, perhaps he is an option. Thought he was very good when we played Rushcliffe Rovers in a pre season game at Notts 

@Piethagoram