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I heard some teachers talking about it too, and like you, my first thought was the same. It’s really upsetting. Sadly, you do come across false stories now and again, so it’s important to stay careful. As soon as I saw it confirmed on the BBC Sport site, I had to pause for a moment. It’s such a sad situation.

Such awful news. My thoughts are with those who have passed. May they both rest in peace.

It’s been a strange summer, hasn’t it? On one hand, we’ve brought in a mix of hungry young players and seasoned heads, and you can tell the club is trying to reshape the squad to fit Paterson’s style. Players like Norburn should bring grit and experience, while someone like Matthew Dennis might just be a hidden gem if he settles quickly. The midfield’s definitely looking more balanced already. But I can’t help feeling uneasy about the keeper situation. Griffiths is unproven at this level, and while I wish him the best, it’s unfair to expect him to replace Bass seamlessly. If we don’t sort that position soon, it could undo the rest of the good work. We’re a couple of signings away from looking genuinely ready to compete at the top. The club have said they’re looking to bring in a replacement for Alex Bass. But things can change quickly, and if a good player becomes available, other clubs might think we’ve got money to spend and raise their asking price. I’m not sure which goalkeepers are available on a free at the moment. Still, buying one outright often gives the best results when it comes to getting real quality between the sticks.

Another great read @allardyces tash i love your style of writing it’s very humorous, keep it up. 👍

I really value everything that goes into this website. It's a breath of fresh air and I feel proud to be part of the community. I do wish I could do more, especially when it comes to helping out with the site's costs. But I understand that it’s not all about money. In a world where running a website brings lots of bills, it’s just nice to know there are people out there who are in a place to help. Thanks to everyone involved. I appreciate the update and all the effort that goes into keeping the site going.

It's been great seeing the likes of @McPie, @Sheffield Pie, @BridgyPie, @PieHard and even @Michael D Pie. joining in. I am sure there's plenty more; these are just off the top of my head, and the upgrade has made a big difference, too. I feel the site is far more polished, and with further work still needing to be done. I am thankful that the community supports the site. Thank you to all the members who subscribe to PON, especially. Michael. You all are making a difference. 👏🏻

Thanks for the heads up about this @BromPie. I was in the middle of replying to this yesterday before my phone went walkies and me to never see it again. I do think improvements are needed to the squad and strong additions as well. The statement a few days ago indicated the look for 2 new goalkeepers, with one being Alex Bass' replacement. Goalkeeper starter - Ellery Balcombe (Brentford), Tommy Setford (Arsenal), Luke Southwood (Bolton), Viljami Sinisalo (Celtic), Vicente Reyes (Norwich) or Stephen McMullan (Fleetwood) Goalkeeper back-up - Killian Barrett (Sheffield Wednesday), Jake Eastwood (recently released by Grimsby), Joel Coleman (recently released by Bolton), Luke Hutchinson (Bolton) or Toby Steward (Portsmouth) At this moment in time, I still think we are short in a number of areas. As well as the keeper situation, I still think we need a right-footed centre-back to add a bit more depth. Centre-back - Timothy Eyoma (recently released by Northampton). Eyoma played 24 times for Northampton despite only signing in November, having had a previous spell at Lincoln. A very capable stand in, if anything happens to Platt, Bedeau or Ness. He won 43 of his 71 ground duels last season with a pass accuracy of just over 71%. Also made 115 clearances. With Jodi Jones deployed on the right and Will Jarvis on the left, with Kellan Gordon on the right and Nick Tsaroulla on the left, plus the addition of Maz Kouyhar (who I think will go out on loan anyway), I believe we are in need of a left sided option defensively. Wing-Back option - I had suggested two here before my phone disappeared. Harry Boyes has since joined Southend, so that leaves George Cox (recently released by Swindon). 4 assists in 26 appearances for Swindon last season, creating 23 chances and playing 119 passes into the final third. Defensively he made 42 recoveries and won 55.2% of his ground duels. I would also consider Ben Jackson from Barrow after a superb season in 24/25, however he may want to be a starter, which may be difficult in our formation set-up, if we stick with a 3-4-2-1. Further forward, I think we need an attack minded centre-mid who can unlock defences, especially low blocks. Whilst we have many options in the centre at the minute (including new arrivals Tom Iorpenda and Ollie Norburn) I believe we are lacking in the department. Scott Robertson is injury prone and Curtis Edwards isn't the player we need in a promotion fight from League 2, for want of a better explanation. Jack Hinchy may go out on loan as well. Centre-midfield - Charlie McCann (Forest Green Rovers) - Someone I have wanted us to sign for a while now. 11 goals (FGR's top scorer last season) and 5 assists. Has excellent work rate and a good passing range. Only has 1 year left on his deal so we should move in now, before he gets more interest. What is 100% certain is the need for attacking midfielder who can make late runs into the box and bring the ball forward. We cannot go into the season with Conor Grant because, with all due respect, he isn't good enough. Mai Traore may slot into this role sometimes, but we'll see about that come pre-season and the first games. I still believe we need a striker with pace in the Langstaff mould up top. Attacking midfield - Joe White (Newcastle United), Boris van Schuppen (FC Eindhoven), Conan Noonan (Shamrock Rovers) or Cameron Congreve (Swansea). White scored 6 goals and assisted twice, creating 137 chances and making 163 passes into the final third. It's unlikely he'll get game time at Newcastle with their endless riches. van Schuppen scored 11 goals and got 12 assists in 33 appearances in the Eerste Divisie (the same league we signed Ruben from), creating 47 chances. Noonan has excelled on loan at Waterford with 3 goals and 4 assists in 19 appearances. He's also made first team appearances for Shamrock. Another player to look at before interest in him grows. Congreve we know about from his time at Bromley, scoring 5 and assisting 6 times, creating 43 chances. Striker - Jack Stevens (Solihull Moors) or Jake Young (Stevenage). With most of the options from the recruitment doc nearly gone, I'd take one of these two. Stevens contributed 12 goals and 4 assists in 24/25 and 17 goals in all competitions the season prior. He presses high and works extremely hard and has good positional awareness. Young had a great loan spell with Swindon a few years ago with 16 goals in 25 appearances. He only started 11 games last season and despite his tall frame, is best when he plays on the shoulder of the last defender.

I pitched it earlier today; my editor is thinking it over. Even if he doesn't like it, I might persist in my personal time. It would be a lot easier to use my media credentials. At least from the investigative angle. I might reach out to Peter Trembling, but he may want to distance himself from it now. He clearly was the pawn behind it all and probably was clueless as to Russell King's lies.

A Heart Breaking Tragedy. Condolences to his wife and children and also to the family and friends of his Brother, may they both R.I.P. YNWA

As the old saying goes, whatever will be, will be. It’s not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. Still, I find it odd that a club would want to keep a friendly game private. It’s only a kickabout, not a top-secret mission. Who do they think they are, MI5 or the Met Police FC?

Stuart Maynard’s farewell was well done. It’s a good way to leave, especially at a club where some fans never gave him a real chance. I hope he gets another shot and proves himself in the EFL one day. What he did at Notts might not be seen as a failure by other teams, even with the big hopes we had.

The Munto era was wild. It brought loads of attention to Notts and even helped bring some fans back. But over time, a few of those fans drifted away, either because of how the club spoke to supporters or because of the drop to the National League. I sometimes wonder what might have happened if the takeover never went ahead. In another universe, maybe Notts could’ve been the ones replacing Bournemouth or Brentford.

Thanks for the update. Running a site like PON costs money, and I know it must be hard for a smaller community to stand out next to those big-name sites that get millions of visitors. It’s great that a club like Notts has a fan site like this. A big thank you to everyone who helps keep it going and to all the people who support it.

A great breakdown of what’s been a busy and slightly chaotic few months! Norburn could be a cracking addition to our midfield, especially if Paterson gives him freedom to play forward. But the forward line worries me. Jatta and McGoldrick is a nice combo on paper, but injuries or fatigue could really hurt us. With McGoldrick gone, we desperately need someone who can score 15+ goals. I’d love to see a young, hungry striker brought in on loan or even a permanent deal. Defence also needs a bit of steel. We're getting there, but it's not quite ready yet.

PON is a place that opens its arms to all and when you need a little uplifting, want to share a few words, join a meaningful conversation and maybe a quiz or number game, this is the place to come. All you participants, without your subjects, replies and encouragement, where would we be. The wonderful people who selflessly give their time and make PON what it is, deserve our praise and thanks. Keep up the good work. COYP.

@liampie, @CliftonMagpie, as far as I am concerned, all the subscribers are heroes, but it's not just about money. It's about acknowledging people's efforts; so far, Michael has been an unsung hero. I don't want to draw attention, but I felt a thank you was deserved. I don't want to upset people, so I try to make sure praise is collective, though it really is deserved here. It doesn't take anything away from anyone else, nor does it mean I don't appreciate those who can't donate or subscribe, because I do. I'm very thankful for the things I have learned, the friends I have made, and the people who have made PON enjoyable for all.

We’ve got to be patient, there’s no point in rushing to bring in new players. The recruitment team needs time to make sure each signing truly adds something to the squad. Like everyone else, I was disappointed to see Alex Bass go to Peterborough. But if the money helps us bring in real quality, it could be what takes us that extra step forward. @TheSkipper, 'cash is king, and quality must be queen.' 😂👏🏻 I really enjoy the way allardyces tash writes. His comments are good, but his blogs are full of wit and humour, a great way to lift the mood. They help soften the blow and offer a fresh view on things. Top work, AT.

Everyone does a great job in making PON the lively place we all enjoy. I’m really pleased with how the upgrade turned out. I was one of the fans who mentioned the missing create button, and I was so happy to see it return. It shouldn’t have gone in the first place, but I get that it was out of the gaffer’s control. It’s a brilliant feature, and I’ll be using it loads to start new topics. Thanks to everyone who donates and supports the site. The gaffer puts in so much work, and I know he values all the time, posts, visits and everything else that keeps it going. Thanks also to @Michael D Pie.. You all do an amazing job, and it’s great to see such strong support.

I always thought Kasper came in on a free transfer. I remember reading that he signed for a million, but over time I started to think that might’ve been a lie from Munto. Back then, clubs could probably get away with saying they paid a fee without much proof. @TheSkipper, if you ever feel like looking into it, I think it’d be a good read. I understand why you might want to steer clear of Munto stuff though, it has been covered a lot.

I’ve always respected Stuart Maynard. Even when things were a bit iffy, I never doubted his dedication to Notts. It was good to hear his words again. He might feel a bit hard done by, and I wouldn’t blame him. But the way he focused on the positives shows real class. I wish him all the best in his management journey. I actually thought he might’ve gone back to Wealdstone.

Rest in peace to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva. It’s heart-breaking to hear about their deaths.

Sorry to welcome you so late, @MejustMike. I hope you like and enjoy PON. We are a community that is always growing and there's plenty of value by browsing around and joining in.

@BridgyPie, it great to see you joining in and having your say. I can't encourage you enough to continue, because you should find we can have sensible discussions and so many fantastic posts to read. Welcome to PON! Your story could make a great piece on the gaffers fan features, he's done a few in the past and yours sounds like one which would be excellent to include.

Hello, @MikeWood. Welcome to PON! Not sure how we did not notice you sooner, but there has been a lot of work as of late with the site and a recent upgrade. I hope you enjoy the community we have here.

David Button, Jack Payne, Sylvester Jasper, Chris Long, and Jack Bridges would be good choices to fill the gaps we’ve got. Bridges is more of a left-sided player, but that could actually help. It would let Jodi Jones move into David McGoldrick’s role, or even give Will Jarvis a go there. Nick Tsaroulla and Kellan Gordon could do a job down the right. Chris Long would bring the kind of experience we’ve been missing up front. Jasper would get a chance to prove himself in English football, and David Button’s know-how in goal would be a big plus. Even at 36, Button could be a smart signing and a good mentor for young Harry Griffiths.