Before I explain this, don't get me wrong I like Liam Noble but I think others should remain in place. It just seems unfair that he comes straight back into play, I would personally save him as a substitution but I admit he could be missed as that 'driving force' within our midfield.

Leigh Curtis has put his thoughts up as the general cliche when a player is missed.
 

In the aftermath of Saturday's defeat to Bristol City, Notts County manager Shaun Derry was predictably asked about his plans for the chaos known as the transfer window.
 
He said centre forwards were his priority and why wouldn't they be having conceded himself that his team were struggling to find a cutting edge.
 
But while Internet forums and social media have been rife with rumours about Joe Bloggs moving to Meadow Lane, the best deal of the window has already been concluded.
 
It won't grab as many headlines as a new signing, but the fact the Football Association's disciplinary department no longer has Liam Noble locked up in manacles is just as important.

This part I think stands out as a good start, yet I could be being picky about the title. Leigh is right about the importance of Noble's return not being overlooked.
 

The midfielder is free to play against Crewe this weekend after serving a five-game ban and for Derry – to pardon the cliche – it will be like having a new signing at his disposal.

I don't exactly agree that Noble should walk straight back into the squad.

Whereas I would probably leave Smith out for this game, mainly for the fact we need legs and people able to get the ball into decent positions (which Smith can offer when he plays well) I just think we have alternative options. I'd also like to see Whitehouse again because I think he looks a moderately useful player.

I also hope this isn't to be the best news within the transfer window as suggested.

His article - Here

Opinions? C'mon folks.

im not sure who should start but after the bristol city performance i think derry will be thinking about who he selects to play.

i think nobles been missed, he is a useful player and when he plays well he does stand out. i just think some of our key players are inconsistant even when we are doing well, part of this falls on derry shoulders as does the fact he continues to select players who dont ever offer us much.

only concern and thoughts on this really, like i say it will be nice to have noble back but he should not just walk straight into the squad.

I think he could be good to try him as we've not been playing that great recently. He does seem a good player.

He has to start, without him we lack any form of dynamism in the midfield.

 

Kind of hoping that with Hayhurst on the wing we will play a 4-4-2 with GT on the right & Hayhurst on the left with Noble & Wroe in the middle, we need Wroe on the pitch to get the best out of two wingers and two centre forwards imo

Well, he might be! It will be handy to have him back.

I'd say that if these youngsters are up to it and can provide some width we could have Jones, Noble & Gary Thompson as the central midfield unit. That is assuming that this other new signing, Thomas can play up front with GT supporting him.

That's a lot of raw, inexperienced players but the older heads have been pretty dire, so why not give 'em a go. Plus, if they aren't good enough, why have we signed them?

I do feel players need to offer more consistency within their performance but I do also agree with @Northants Pie he must start.

No other player is direct like he is, he reminds me of alan judge without the self belief.

Well, he might be! It will be handy to have him back.

I'd say that if these youngsters are up to it and can provide some width we could have Jones, Noble & Gary Thompson as the central midfield unit. That is assuming that this other new signing, Thomas can play up front with GT supporting him.

That's a lot of raw, inexperienced players but the older heads have been pretty dire, so why not give 'em a go. Plus, if they aren't good enough, why have we signed them?

jones could be a cool head collecting the ball, against swindon at home he did that quite well. he was one of the stand out players for me but i am not sure noble should walk straight back into the squad.

Right now I think we need him, plus the rest might bring out that desire to getting going.

He is one of those players you know will always try to get involved and I do honestly feel we have missed him, i dont think its a surrpise we have struggled without him.

Smith isn't up to it, so yes, straight back in.

I could see this happening, as I said in various parts of the site and FB. Crewe are a physical side and it always seemed risky to play Noble, now we have him missing more games. I'd have rested him so that he could remain eager to impress but that said he did well bar the challenges. I could understand the concerns from the fans who said to me after the game that it was stupid, 'middle of the park' he didn't have to do it.

Oh well, I think he will learn but against physical sides he shouldn't come straight back in after seeing the colour red.

Had he have came on as a sub I think he wouldn't have made any of the challenges because he'd be 'picking up the feel of the game' but you can't cry over spilt milk.

@notts-joe did mention in the first few minutes of the game that Noble would get sent off!

 

Saying that, when he was on the pitch he played well in my opinion. Sometimes you need that player who is happy to rough up the opposition a little bit, but obviously he needs to rein it in a tad.

That 2nd yellow was definitely a booking, he could have done serious damage with a tackle like that. 2 game ban I believe? We'll miss him.

It seems from all corners though, that he is our most influential midfielder, and has been sorely missed. Let us see how we get on the next two games now. Such a shame because I suspect SD and GA would have already penned him on the team sheet for the Donny game.

Why make the challenge? It was stupid. He was already on a yellow, the ball in the middle of the park and he lost his head again. He needs to calm down a lot and take his time when going in to win the ball.

Dying seconds of the game which makes it more pointless. I think its lucky he was not carded around the 80th minute mark.

Noble plays as a child does, so much passion and enthusiasm. I think he will always have a problem with avoiding, he wears his heart on sleeve and plays for the passion of the club.

Just a mistake that is all.