“We need to become a more physical team to be able to cope with the National League,” he said. “At York we got beaten up and out-run and the same happened at Alfreton.

“It was the reason we got relegated last season. We certainly need to man-up as a team.”

“They’re all there for discussion,” he said. “It’s not fair to single anyone out at the minute, but I think it’s clear we need to add some physical qualities to the squad.

“Can we find them in the next week? We’ll certainly work hard to. We’d like to get two or three in before Saturday to at least get us started on the right foot.

“We have to give up every hour to do it.”

“Tootle felt his glute muscle [against Alfreton] – it didn’t feel right, so he came off,” revealed Ardley. “We’ll have to see how that looks next week.

“Kristian’s got a grade-one strain at the bottom of his calf – he felt it in the Ilkeston game. It’s obviously not ideal because he and Toots haven’t had the minutes but hopefully they’ll be back soon.”

Link - https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/2019/july/ardley-squad-update-2707193/

There is a video attached to the link.

This is why you cannot read to much into pre-season friendlies, players are catching up to fitness and it highlights areas where improvement is needed.

Considering the issues Neal Ardley has had to face, he's done well enough.

It's a shame Matt Tootle and Kristian Dennis have both picked up injuries.

If Nathan Tyson signs and a new right back, there is at least the need for a younger, pacer striker to join.

I think all of us are still on a high and massively relieved after the takeover, but that feeling will wear off quickly if we're bottom of the table come October.

I know pre-season results don't count for a lot, but the last couple of results plus Neal Ardley's statements (not to mention missing all of our transfer targets) have me worried. In particular, NA mentioned that the dressing room isn't as good as it could be during his interview after the takeover - that's a downer for those of us hoping that the summer would at least instill a sense of togetherness in the squad. And of course there's the basic problem of having to put together a defence virtually from scratch in less than a week...

I hope and believe we'll turn it around given time, but we're not going to be flying out of the blocks and taking the division by storm just because we've had a takeover. The good ship Notts County has a bit of a turning circle before it can sail to calmer waters. Until then, let's encourage our newly formed team and hope they can stay well clear of the bottom four.

We need 3 centre back's, 2 left-back's, a goalkeeper, a target man striker, a tall centre mid, a winger and probably a right-back. I don't expect them to all come in this week obviously but we need depth and numbers as the August schedule is hectic.

The National League is a tough league and we can't just sign 3 players and think we'll be ok. We also can't rely on youth much at the minute as Osborne is probably the only one ready whilst Howes and Campbell are there or there abouts. 

He is correct about the physicality. We will need to battle and fight for points. We will have to win ugly on occasions.

@ARLukomski a lot of these positions have been trialled.

I would hope the Danes have given Neal Ardley some funds to look beyond free agents, sign some good players from the teams who finished in the top half of the National League. If we want physical players, the best option is to go for those who have done it already.

I would be disappointed in truth if Notts signed a keeper who hasn't been the first choice for some time, the club doesn't need a backup and Ross Fitzsimons needs to have someone capable of stepping on his toes and feeling his shoes if his form dips.

Two strikers are required, a young one who could double up as a winger would be a useful addition - especially since we need a bit more pace up top.

I think centre backs are the most urgent position on the pitch, these need to be nonsense and very physical. I don't want to see the club bring in players who panic, we need calm heads at the back and the ability to pass the ball is quite useful but at the same time knowing when to hoof it.

The rest depends on if Neal Ardley plans to bring in youth, I think Sam Osborne should be given a chance - he's bulked up a lot.

Owen Betts looks like a player for the future, I hope he gets some game time in the National League but ultimately Pierce Bird needs more experience around him.

Time to add the strength and depth needed to be a competitive National League team.

i think notts still needs pace tbh, when we pass the ball things look okay but when they have to battle for it. we look a complete different side.

I don’t want Notts to be dirty, but the players tend to be at the other end of the spectrum. They need to be tougher, braver and more keen to hold possession.