Height isn't really an issue, if he's agile and has a good reach, he could prove to be a good keeper.

I think its a good bit of business myself.

Why anyone would be bothered about Ross Fitzsimons going back after the comments expressed about him wanting to return, and just on the fact he's played okay twice this season really does seem somewhat deluded.

He looks like he could be a very good keeper one day, is he ready for first team football at this level or the next one?

I'm not sure, I would wish him well but his lack of ability is part of the reason Notts lost their football league status. We can't get sentimental over a player doesn't up his game when required.

Pleased to have the deal done and complete, it's best for Ross Fitzsimons to move on to Chesterfield. I do expect him to stay there at the end of the season once his deal is up, I am surprised he hasn't asked to be terminated.

12 hours ago, DangerousSausage said:

Fitzsimons has too many weaknesses for my book, the manager doesn't trust him (justifiably) and he wants to play (understandably). It's best for everyone that he moves on.

I don't know much about McDonnell, maybe he's at a loose end after stepping down as shadow chancellor. Hope he does a job for us though.

That statement about Slocombe bothered me too. "For the foreseeable future" sounds like the rest of the season at least

2 months according to Leigh Curtis. 

It may be hard to tell but it would be good if the club actually gave an idea on how long slocombe is going to be out because our promotion is going to be over if we are having to rely on fitzsimons.

Honestly, I have wanted it to work out for Ross Fitzsimons but I don't feel Notts will regret letting him go out on loan.

I think some fans hype him up a bit too much, he's a good keeper but there's basic aspects which he fails with. He's not good with crosses, he doesn't command his area and one on one's tend to favour against him.

I'm hoping Joe McDonnell is more polished all round.

It's a good signing on paper, he's the right age to learn from Sam Slocombe and, we shouldn't worry about height.

If he can spring himself into the air, he could be more agile and quicker to respond to things. Some of the best keepers I have seen haven't been that tall in all fairness, so I am excited to see him play for us.

Regarding Ross Fitzsimons, it was always on the card.

It's hard to be annoyed with him, or disappointed to see him go - it simply didn't work out.

Possibly somewhat down to how Alan Hardy hyped him from day one, I do wonder if that make Ross question his own ability.

Some keepers want to fight for the place, and Ross has done this to a point but he hasn't come across in the best of ways at times. Its more just common sense to allow him to go back to Chesterfield and to bring in someone fresh.

Joe McDonnell might be content to play number 2 without causing headaches.

At the end of the season no end of people wanted every player out, including Ross.

He's had limited chance to impress this season, when called upon he's done okay but it makes sense. Joe McDonnell looks a good replacement.

It's a loan? There was rumours going a round before the Chesterfield game that he had been released from AFC Wimbledon.

Ross Fitzsimons could still be in the plans.

I suppose it depends on how he does whilst on loan and if Neal Ardley wants him, it doesn't look to be the case but who knows?

Joe McDonnell looks like a capable keeper, who looks like he's happy to be a backup which is what Neal Ardley might want. I hope fans will provide feedback on how he does, so that it gives me or other exile fans a better understanding.

From the games so far McDonnell has done ok but I much prefer slocombe in goal

joe had a bad time yesterday, it happens but i think he looks good enough to cover. i just think slocombe is a very solid keeper at this level and we look better with him.

Cant wait for slocombe to be back.

I am in a constant state of laughter with how fickle some fans are, those who want Ross back. Its beyond pathetic, many wanted him gone and are now starting on Joe because support isn't in some fans dictionary. I won't apologise, I will say it how I see it. Ross looked a decent prospect but the mans like a broken milk bottle under pressure, Joe is nothing more than a backup keeper who will have some bad games.

Who would I rather have? Neither, I want Sam back between the sticks ASAP.