How do you cope with the close season? What other hobbies do you do to distract yourself when the news isn’t as forthcoming, like it is now? How do you handle that? Are you constantly pressing F5 on social media or the official Notts site?

I thought this suited the general discussion more, as some answers might focus on things other than football.

I don’t mind when it’s quiet, but I don’t like it when rumours start causing issues. I prefer to wait for official news. I don’t mind sharing my thoughts, but I don’t take everything too seriously.

During the close season, I spend more time catching up on things I usually prioritise Notts over. This includes my personal life, eating healthier, and going to the gym. Some long-time members might remember that I am recovering from a serious injury. Having no football has helped me focus on that more and find time for PON.

I used to hate the close season, but when I was at Leeds University, I actually enjoyed the time off because I could mix things up.

Football is a way of life for me. Notts is important, but with such a long season, so many Saturdays and midweek days are spent going to games. It can affect friends, family, and work.

Now that I am working full-time, I can sit back a little. I have never been obsessed with following the news to the point where I would sit on a page or get frustrated when nothing was being reported. The only exception was when the media team went silent under AH’s ownership, and we had no idea what was happening.

Absolutely agree. The closed season is such a gap, so I tried audiobooks, and what a gem, 'The Let Them Theory' by Mel Robbins, has filled time and given me a new purpose in life. I think all the staff, including players, should give it their ears. Reason, belief, motivation, what more could you want. Coupled up with British Superbikes, that's me for the summer months. COYP.

I actually miss football. My day-to-day job takes up a lot of my time, but football is one of the few escapes I have. I find other things to do, so I’m not completely obsessed with attending games. It does allow me to spend time with my family, but the season gives me something outside of work and, more importantly, something to look forward to.

As for news, most of it happens before I know, so I don’t think about it. It happens, I will find out, and I don’t feel the need to check because I never seem to have the time during the day.

I watched a bit of the England U21's as they are in the Euro's this month and I've seen the Club World Cup adverts on Channel 5 that starts soon. And the Women's Euros are at the end of the month too, Notts might not be playing but the football seemingly never ends!

I check the Notts social media each day but even in the quiet periods I don't get wound up about the lack of news. Although I am eagerly awaiting the announcement of our new head coach, I really thought we'd hear something this week. Surely that'll be announced sometime next week now.

As for filling my empty Saturdays, I do like to get on my bicycle now the weather has improved. Usually I'll plan a bit of route, avoiding the busiest roads and pot-holed lanes and then go off for an hour or two.

When it's the close season I do miss the build up to each match including the pre match presser, the anticipation as the match gets closer & the discussions on social media.

A I mentioned in another thread, with work commitments reducing my attendance at matches, I would listen to the Radio build up & commentary in my Truck, in between deliveries, on a Saturday or Sunday

Apart from Notts I love all sport such as Cricket and Tennis & I follow Notts & England Cricket during the summer months.

As well as following Notts I follow Nottingham Panthers too, however the Magpies will always be my number one.

I’m one of those who sees the first two weeks as a return to real life. It’s nice to take a step back, but it soon starts to drag. Before you know it, you’re ten games into the season, wishing for a break.

That’s life as a football fan. I really can’t go without it for long. There’s plenty to do, but nothing matches the feeling of supporting a team.

On 13/06/2025 at 21:47, Michael D Pie. said:

I think all the staff, including players, should give it their ears. Reason, belief, motivation, what more could you want.

I hope they have, along with their mobile phones. They should take time to relax and unwind before training and pre-season begin, as it's a long season ahead. They don’t need to see us debating who should be in the starting XI or watching new signings being written off before they’ve even kicked a ball.