Well if he can convert his inspirational words into inspirational play he has my vote.

Looking forward to seeing these new players A, B and C

In a word it was Martin's best interview yet as Notts Head Coach. He's been able to observe how the team have performed over the four friendly matches, & He says he knows where he needs to strengthen the team.

It's also very interesting to see him play Jarvis & Jones in the number 10 attacking midfield role & he says he's looking at that possibility.

I myself have been asking for Jodi to be given a go in that role because I think he has the talent to do well there.

I think everybody knows where we need those new players A, B, C & maybe D. After hearing Martin tonight I'm confident that we are going to see those arrivals at Notts in the coming week or so.

Reckon he wants a keeper and couple of attacking players who can press and know where the goal is.

But he must be desperate to have Jatta, Robertson, Tsaroulla and Norburn available, pretty sure they are all starters

Martin Paterson has hinted at wanting a seasoned goalkeeper since the Alfreton Town match, and now that the German tour is done, it seems more likely we’ll see a move. We need someone solid and experienced between the posts. It’s one of those key positions that can be the difference between promotion and falling short, just like having reliable goal-scorers. Replacing Alex Bass isn’t just important, it’s essential.

Yeah, our needs seemed to be recognised by all. A GK and attacking, creative midfielder are top of the list. And another striker, I guess.

The timings not ideal though, is it? Most of the free agent action has been done already. Gagliardi and co. will be dealing with ever-changing lists and a factor will be time - the longer we leave it the greater the negative impact on our promotion chances.

We can be sure they will be bringing these players in ,when they bite the bullet and commit to a direction, and it's going to be fascinating which players are introduced to us in the coming days/weeks.

it was a masterstroke to talk sunderland into letting us sign alex bass and the undisclosed fee sounded reasonable, i think repeating this would be hard when teams are aware we are now selling players for a profit and that can lead to people wanting more money. its still very much worth exploring, i dont know if there is any good free agents in this area of the pitch but i hope we can identify a signing that has the experience we need.

The goalkeeper spot is one area where Notts really needs to give fans confidence. It won’t be easy for whoever steps in, as I expect there’ll be constant comparisons to Alex Bass. Signing someone just as good would help calm nerves and make people believe he’ll step up when the defence is beaten. You can’t fake that trust, it builds belief throughout the team. I hope Notts does go for an experienced option. I’d be happy if it’s someone from abroad, as long as they’re the right quality.

A = GK, definitely.

B = Striker, definitely

C = Attacking midfielder, probably? Or another Striker, maybe?

If Christmas comes early this year then maybe we get D as well which means we get two Strikers and a midfielder 🎅

10 minutes ago, Mapperley Pie said:

A = GK, definitely.

B = Striker, definitely

C = Attacking midfielder, probably? Or another Striker, maybe?

If Christmas comes early this year then maybe we get D as well which means we get two Strikers and a midfielder 🎅

I think Mapperley Pie that pretty well sums up the way that Martin Paterson is thinking. Let's hope the Technical Board agree!

Securing a reliable goalkeeper should be the top priority for Notts this summer. It's the one area where stability and confidence can ripple through the entire squad. No side thrives without that solid foundation at the back, and strengthening that position would offer reassurance throughout the team.

That said, bringing in an attacking midfielder would add another dimension to our play. Someone who can unlock defences, pick a pass, and contribute goals could be the missing link between midfield and attack. While a striker would be a welcome addition, it's more likely the club will seek a versatile forward, potentially someone who can operate out wide rather than a traditional centre-forward. That flexibility tends to suit our style and squad balance better.

Paterson can certainly talk sense and he gives the impression that he’s fully aware of where the problems are and what solutions are required.

If this translates to improved performances and good results - happy days. I’m prepared to give him, and the new players, time to develop a style & identity.

If we are not settled and showing promise by Oct then I suspect that discontent will surface. We need a good start for many reasons. We’ll see what happens.

I’m usually more optimistic at this stage but there are some genuine concerns with the set up, all the new faces on & off the pitch and the uncertainty following the loss of Abbott, McGoldrick & Bass.

Martin Paterson seems to be off to a promising start. He speaks clearly and his training sessions look decent. It’s still early days, and he’ll learn with each match, but I don’t believe we’re far off having a team that can hold its own against the top sides in League Two.

The bond and teamwork already built in the squad should help, with just the new lads needing to settle in. If the signings are the right ones, we should have better squad depth than we had last season. That said, we still need a solid keeper and someone who can push forward through the middle, just behind the strikers.

I don’t see Notts trying to replace Alassana Jatta up front. It looks like Matthew Dennis might be taking on the role of second striker. We don’t usually go for three up top, unless Dennis is being seen as a straight swap for Junior Morias.

I think Martin Paterson is just as cool as Luke Williams, but he’s different. He talks in a way that makes you listen and pay attention. Ian Burchnall used to make me feel sleepy when he spoke. Stuart Maynard was okay, but sometimes he said the same sort of stuff and it got a bit boring.

Paterson is doing a good job, and I hope the club spends some money now. It would help the team and make things better for him.