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Right then, here we go. The most important position in Notts' summer recruitment. Baldwin and Brindley have been released and Rawlinson has been transfer listed. That leaves us with Cameron and Macari. One left footer and one right footer. In my opinion we need 3 right footers and 2 left footers. The recruitment has to be spot on in this position. They need to be able to defend their box, but also be comfortable to play our style. They have to have the required strength, height and athleticism. We also require more leaders. With that in mind, here is the list. Notts have been rumoured with Riley Harbottle and it would make sense as he has played under Stuart Maynard at Wealdstone. For me, Will Wright is perfect for us. He can play anywhere across the back 3, he has the height and the ability to play out from the back. He has been a regular for Crawley this season and whilst he has an option for a further year in Sussex, he could be tempted to a move to a team with a higher ceiling. Lucas Ness has some impressive stats, despite not playing a large amount of games at Charlton. He isn't first choice there either, so it would be a decent signing. Tom Bradbury has the height (6'3), the leadership and pace (shown by his goal-line clearance against Burton). Definitely good competition for Cameron. I've said that Notts need to look into Ireland and whilst we looked at Conor Keeley, a move never materialised. His CB partner at St Pats, Joe Redmond, would be a great signing. Once again, he's comfortable with the ball at his feet and playing out from the back (76.3% accurate passes) and is good in the air as well, with 67.8% of his aerial duels won. He would bring leadership as well, being St Pats' captain and a former captain of Birmingham's youth team. With St Pats only sitting in 6th place, it would be a good time to move. Nando Pijnaker is a colossus in the air and whilst not blessed with pace, he can play a pass. Sligo are 8th in Ireland and it could be a shrewd bit of business to sign the New Zealand international. Cameron McJannet and Gavin Molloy are two more left footed centre-backs from Derry and Shelbourne respectively. Molloy maybe difficult to prize away, as Shelbourne currently sit top of the league and he is ever present in Damien Duff's side. McJannet is formerly of Stoke City and has been ever present for Derry in the last few seasons, which has seen The Candystripes be Shamrock's closest challengers. Ruadhiri Higgins is someone who the Reedtz bros wanted as head coach, after Ian Burchnall left, meaning his Derry side will have played a similar possesion based game to Notts. McJannet has been a part of that and despite only being 5'11, can win his fair share of headers too. I will add Farrend Rawson's stats, according to my metrics, in the replies.

Back in the Championship and @super_ram will be celebrating and hoping they’re playing Forest next season.

The problems of the last few seasons with points deductions,administration,relegation and EFL restrictions has affected my emotions today.I don't mind admitting I'm typing my comments with tears in my eyes.Thank you David Clowes for saving my club.Thank you Paul Warne , all the backroom staff and all the players for getting my team promoted.And not forgetting @GrannyPie's smiling photo for inspiring me throughout the season..

To be honest we need both up and coming and experienced defenders. The latter for effect now, the latter to future proof the side. I would like us to bring in a couple of seasoned defenders, keep Cameron (and play him LB) and possibly Baldwin (depending on how true the rumours of him being a disruptive influence are) and then a young Macari type defender and / or NL defender who has potential and / or a Bostock / Jones type who may be recovering from as situation, who may not be first team every game at the start of the season, but pushing for a regular spot in about a year's time. I think one of our issues in the past few months has been fatigue as we haven't been able to rotate, so I would hope we plan for this going forwards.

We don't need young upcoming centre backs. We need to be looking for experienced, tough, strong, tall, centre backs that are strong mentality, that can lead from the front, are good on the ball, & have plenty of physicality about them. We need to be recruiting from league 1 or from the upper echelons of league 2. Stockport, Wrexham and Mansfield may be looking to offload players after promotion. We could look there for recruitment opportunities. We tried playing, what we were led to believe, a good up and coming centre back with plenty of mobility like Warner and it didn't work out for us. If a player doesn't have a club, I wouldn't be interested. Recruiting from the National League should be a no no too. Notts need seasoned professionals in those vital roles next season, players who are prepared to lead by example, and on the pitch. Notts need to be much more smart with their recruitment for next season. We can't afford any slip ups this time with recruiting players that are simply not good enough at this level.

Actually, because Pep Guardiola has said it’s much better for teams playing in Europe it should definitely get the go-ahead. These are clearly the most important teams in the English pyramid and need to be protected at all costs. Imagine them having to use their whole squad to play Lincoln City on a Tuesday night, it would be impossible for them to rotate their players because there’s no way their fringe players made up of internationals and very talented youngsters would be able to compete with these EFL and Non-League clubs… I’m all for a boycott. It would sort the issue pretty quickly in my opinion.

It's an APPALLING Idea. Just imagine Notts get Drawn away to a team in either the Championship or even a Premier League side and they put in a fighting performance and get a Draw, now they bring that team back to the Lane even if they lose the replay the Financial rewards for the club would help swell the Clubs coffers. The type of money that would generate for a team say in the National League could be a life line for that Club Financially. It could help Clubs in some cases fight off the threat of going out of business, or at least put them on a more secure financial footing. Once Again the FA Show how out of touch they are with the Real World and how they Don't Give A Toss about Clubs outside the Premiership.

So, as I said in a previous topic, I have an excel doc with defenders on it with stats included. I have done this for each position which, in my opinion, is needed for Notts in the summer. We will start in goal. It is clear that we will be recruiting a new number 1 this summer with Stone on the transfer list, Slocombe in his mid 30's and Brooks maybe not fully ready to be No.1. Alex Bass, in my opinion, was one of the best goalkeepers in the division last season. He was commanding of his area xGOT is the expected number of goals a goalkeeper is expected to concede, based on the chances the opposition team have against him. So if your goals conceded is lower than the xGOT, you've done a good job. If the numbers are close, as shown by the xGOT faced of Alex Bass, Archie Mair and Luke Southwood, then it's ok and says more about the defence. If the goals conceded is higher than the xGOT, well that's just bad. Another goalkeeper I would like Notts to look at is Chester's Wyll Stanway. 6'3 and with 19 clean sheets in the National League North. A very impressive player who recently was called up to the England C team as well. Out of contract at Chester. I've not been able to find the stats on him like the other 3, as FotMob's in-depth stats don't go down into non league. Luke Southwood picked up an injury in Cheltenham's last game so signing him will be difficult. I will be doing this for the centre-back, centre-mid, right wing-back, left wing-back and striker positions.

Just some things to consider: - Shelbourne are challenging for the title. They don't need to sell. They'll be strengthening in the Summer. - Derry are also challenging for the title. They will be playing in Europe. - St. Pats just sacked their manager. They will be playing in Europe. They are under performing this season. They could be persuaded to part with some of their squad.

It's disgraceful. FA Cup Replays are part of the cup. It's part of what makes the cup so special. There are minnows that have an opportunity to visit stadiums like Stamford Bridge, Old Trafford or Anfield. It also has the capabilities of financially benefiting smaller clubs, a financial boost that could determine whether a club survives or has to fold completely. There are clubs that have benefited from replays in years gone by but cause they're up there in the big time, they seem to have forgotten all about that. The thing with the whole situation that doesn't sit right is the fact that it was only agreed upon by the FA and Premier League. No communication with the EFL and below about whether or not it should go ahead. There needs to be a vote and majority ruling. If the government fail to act and this does indeed go ahead, clubs should boycott the competition. It's just further proof that the Premier League controls football within England. Scrapping replays only benefits those in Europe. All because UEFA and FIFA decided to create a new competition and increase capacity involving clubs in England, the FA Cup has to make way for it? Heritage is being taken away.

It would seem that Jim O'Brien has played his Last Game for Notts down the Lane. At 36 it seems Jim as decided to hang up his Boots. Ever since the guy walked through the door at Notts he's given his all and fought like a Warrior and played his part in getting the Magpies back into the Football League. He's spilt blood for the Club remember the Horrific gash he got on his Leg? When a an opposing players studs ripped open a wound on his leg. Remember how he stood up for his fellow players against Alan Hardy and his non payment of wages? Fans and fellow Players and the Managers he's played under since his arrival in 2019 owe the Guy a Massive Thankyou. I would ask Chris and Alex find a position within the Club for this Notts Legend to continue his huge positive influence at the Lane. I thought after Notts Wembley Victory Jim may have decided to hang up his boots then, but being the Guy he is he's stayed on and helped the Magpies secure and consolidate their place in League 2. Jim you're a Hero and a Notts Legend. JIM O'BRIEN HE'S ONE OF OUR OWN.

@ARLukomski

Morias has never been given a proper run in the side but I suppose that’s understandable given the quality we have up front.

John Bostock and Matt Palmer made a great partnership, but this season he just wasn't the same. His attitude and desire were never the issue; some players simply find it difficult to adapt when their routine is disrupted. Palmer's injury, along with his own, had a profound impact on him. We require someone with his qualities, but who is more agile. I have always felt Scott Robertson and Matt Palmer would make a great duo - but a defensive minded DM would be excellent to bring in.

The final scores are in! Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Coventry City Cardiff City 1-4 Middlesbrough Huddersfield Town 1-1 Birmingham City Millwall 1-0 Plymouth Argyle AFC Wimbledon 5-1 Walsall Gillingham 2-2 Doncaster Rovers Swindon Town 3-3 Morecambe Wrexham 2-1 Stockport County --- This round's winner is @gtownjohnno - congrats! @gtownjohnno - 7 @cheeky~k8 - 6 @ARLukomski, @DangerousSausage, @magpiejue - 4 @Harry Buckley, @nottsnutter, @william1984 - 3 @Dan, @Megan_Elizax, @super_ram - 2 @4everapie, @Fan of Big Tone, @Robbie - 1 --- What does it all mean? It means this... ARLukomski - 219 gtownjohnno - 217 william1984 - 209 cheeky~k8 - 197 super_ram - 196 DangerousSausage - 195 4everapie - 192 Fan of Big Tone - 190 magpiejue - 188 Dan - 182 Megan_Elizax - 168 nottsnutter - 150 DonnyNotts - 142 liampie - 133 Chris - 123 Joshua - 90 Robbie - 90 upthepies - 90 Harry Buckley - 75 allardyces tash - 70 TheSkipper - 67 KingWilliams - 66 CliftonMagpie - 55 thommo - 49 OoooooTommy - 45 NottsCountyKev - 41 JIMBO - 40 jimbob - 38 Nocturnal-Magpie - 38 AmericanPie - 36 KB1862 - 22 George L - 6 Canadian - 4 Congratulations to @ARLukomski, who retains his title this season! Well played once again! Well done also to @gtownjohnno, who was just one correct joker away from snatching the title away in the final round, and @william1984, who came from nowhere to challenge the top two in the final weeks. And of course, thank you all for taking part and making the prediction league fun. Like hook a duck, everyone wins a prize - pride, honour and a feather from Lenny, the Official Budge of the PON Prediction League (please send a stamped addressed envelope to the Sausage Residence). See you all next season!

It's sad to see more of the promotion winners leaving. Jimbo was a player we could all identify with; he's already an academy coach at Sheffield United and I expect him to continue that. Baldwin and Bostock are two big reasons why we were promoted. Bostock surprises me most there - he's been poor this season since his injury, but he's got the quality for this level and beyond. He's the one I think we're most likely to see again in L2 next season. While it's sad to say goodbye, the promotion season is over and, unlike this time last season, there's no question that we need to make changes if we're going to compete. With six players leaving (or potentially nine if the transfer-listed players go), there's scope to give the squad a proper and much-needed facelift. It'll be fascinating to see who comes in.

First-day ST sales probably weren't that great last time around because we were still all traumatised from our crazy play-off campaign Seriously, I'm pleasantly surprised by those prices, there's been some rounding up and down but that's about it. The biggest change is the 6.50 extra for the kids' ticket, but can you even get a Happy Meal for that nowadays? Meanwhile, in Germany you pay adult prices from 14... They missed a trick by not offering ST holders a free drink at the Nest though.

I'll be renewing as soon as I can, along with Jake. Things crossed Cal will still want to come and be able to contribute towards his ST, as previous years it's not been that bad to afford ourselves.

Looks like a massive rebuilding of the squad, out with the old and in with the new, it’s pretty ruthless but I agree with most of it, really sad to see Jim go though. It should be an interesting summer.

Purchased

Excellent value for money again Notts. Those prices should attract lots of interest.

Good luck for the future Brinds and thank you for everything you brought to Notts, who will forget that low strike from outside the box.

I've already started the list for players in the summer @Piethagoram. The CB's list is long

I remember watching him on his debut, pointing, organising and looking like the only one who cared. He didn't deserve relegation. As the only member of that team who stuck with us throughout the National League years and helped restore our League status, he has a special place in the hearts of Notts fans. I'd love him to stay, but he's an academy coach at Sheffield United so he has an iron in the fire there too.

I'm absolutely didgusted.The 'magic' of the FA cup is being corroded. There was a time when European competitions meant something,The European cup played between the champions of all the European leagues.The European cup winners cup for the winners of the various European equivalent of the FA Cup.Also other 'European consolation competitions'.What is it now, MONEY ,MONEY,MONEY for the 'elite few' and sod the rest of you.

I had just come here to share that Tranmere statement but was beaten to it! I agree with every word. As usual, the FA can be relied on to doff their caps to the rich and powerful, even if it means degrading their own competition (again). The PL clubs that wanted this seem to have no problem with playing an ever growing number of Champions League games or going on extended tours of whatever despotic Middle Eastern state is throwing money at them (one of the changes is starting the PL season later so players can be "completely rested" - yeah right!). A dozen clubs have no right to overrule the rest of English football, no matter how rich they are. Replays are one of the things that make the FA Cup special - if winning outright doesn't seem realistic, you could always drag your bigger opponent back to your ground, or have a day out at a top stadium. Alas, the bean counters have decided that pre-season tours and European games are more lucrative to half a dozen clubs so the rest of us have to go without. This announcement is three years to the day after the European Super League was formed, and that example shows that we don't have to let the wealthy ride roughshod over the rest of us. Something needs to be done. How about clubs from outside the PL withdrawing from next season's FA Cup?

I am with Tranmere too. I think this decision is very concerning for the whole football pyramid. Smaller clubs down the pyramid are going to suffer financially once again, while the rich clubs, the top six in particular, will be able to concentrate on European competition. Non league clubs rely on the FA Cup every year to earn extra revenue by getting to the first round & meeting league clubs. Fighting to earn a replay was a way of increasing that revenue. This decision takes that away. A non league or lower league club that reaches the 3rd round could meet a Premier League club and earn a lucrative replay, but that is being taken away too. This decision was always primarily about protecting the interests of the big clubs in the Premier League, who have fixtures in Europe that will earn them lots of money. A long run in Europe can prove very lucrative for a PL club financially, & they've always complained about extra fixtures (replays) in the FA Cup being detrimental to a successful European campaign. This decision is going to divide football even more between the haves and the have nots.

I'm with Tranmere on this

Congratulations to them and to our resident Stag @Dan. It was very clear they had what it takes when they gave us the runaround at the Lane earlier in the season, and they were probably due a shot at League One after all the time they've been away. Nigel Clough has been there a while now, and not every season under him has been glorious. Owners who are wiling to invest in the team tend to demand instant success, but Mansfield's seem to be different. Good for them. Now I'm pinning my hopes on a promotion campaign next season so we can have us, the Stags, Florist and Derby in the same division!

I know Stockport are good but we seriously don’t help ourselves... I’ll get the moan about the ref out of the way first. The first penalty is so bad it’s unbelievable, it’s blasted at Crowley from about 5 yards away and he was moving his arms into his body anyway. He didn’t make himself bigger and the ball would’ve been blocked by his chest anyway! I didn’t think the Cameron one was a penalty either because it looked to me like he took the ball cleanly before the two players naturally collided. Luckily our performance was so bad the ref didn’t actually cost us. I know we scored 2 but we created one good chance with Langstaff and then until they scored their 4th, we really struggled to create much. It was, once again, a masterclass in how not to defend. In general our players were poor on and off the ball, constantly taking 4 or 5 touches instead of 1 or 2. Their defence and general off the ball play showed us what we should be doing. Once they went 4 up they relaxed and allowed us to get back in the game but even after we’d scored 2 they were still very dangerous. Even without the penalties, 5 goals didn't flatter them. I know it’s easy to say in hindsight but it was so naïve playing 3 defenders, and being so open against a team that had scored as many goals as us before we kicked off. I know Stockport have spent a lot to bring in good players but we’ve got to be smarter on the pitch to combat it. We let teams have too many shots against us and we’re far to easy to get at. That fourth goal kind of summed up how easy we are to get at. Brindley is out of position, so one ball gets knocked into a massive space and they’re in on goal, one pass! How can you expect to not concede! It’s driving me mad. Yes we desperately need some new defenders but surely playing just 3 defenders and then the rest of the team as attackers isn’t the way forward.

Notts started very brightly, looked comfortable on the ball and moved it around well. Defensively, we seemed organised and ready to cover wherever needed. Luca Ashby-Hammond did very well, as did Kyle Cameron and Aden Baldwin. Baldwin being the ball-playing defender, he looked very calm even when pressured and his decision-making when passing the ball was very good. Dan Crowley is just a touch of magic, never worried about where he can go but will turn the opposition players inside out in order to make a good pass himself. It was good to see us look for the forward pass, as when we did go backwards it wasn't frustrating or at the cost of being creative. Some of the long balls straight up to Alassana Jatta was a thing of beauty and almost worked, putting him straight through on at least two occasions. There are a lot of comments about the players now wanting to perform better due to their contracts, I think this is weak excuses by those who can't give credit where it's due and simply a means to undermine the club - especially Stuart Maynard. Besides, if this was the case then all the fault on the defeats should fall down to the players instead of the manager, if they can turn it on and off. I fully disagree with these statements, as I feel it's hard work and finally things are working out better. You don't train and suddenly become better; it takes time. Walsall were very poor in the first half, and we simply outplayed them. Some of our fans need to learn to see the positives, it's a shame that we didn't get some of these results earlier, but it's football for you. The biggest plus I saw, was hearing more fans sing at the end of the game to Stuart Maynard. Jodi Jones and Dan Crowley loved hearing their songs, but Maynard looked very emotional like it meant the world to him. @Piethagoram I was sat right at the back of you, judging your pictures.

Some potentially very good options mentioned already. I know people will be dubious of another young player from Norwich, but it seems Accrington got the best one this year. Brad Hills played pretty much every game for them at CB this season and by all accounts was very good.

I would prefer Macari to keep his place and play alongside two new signings.

After watching Match of the Day this morning, it's still clear to see that VAR are still making mistakes. Bournemouth had a perfectly good goal disallowed due to a little touch on Raya. Not enough to penalise. Man City got given a penalty for a collision instigated by Gvardiol rather than the other way round. As for the second penalty, it was a stonewall but why was he not sent off as Haaland was clean through on goal? Everton didn't get a penalty for a trip to McNeil. The only benefit to VAR is that Luton gave away a penalty when their player was grappling Branthwaite and the referee didn't give it. Now, was this because of VAR or did the ref see it and as to the point I've made previously didn't want to give it incase it made them look bad?

Yeah it's a real shame that Southwood broke his leg in the last game of the season, think that rules him out. He would've been, potentially a very good option, faced 8 pens and saved 4 of them this season! The only GK that’s been released that has caught my attention (and hasn’t been mentioned) is Matt Macey from Portsmouth, I think I’m purely drawn to him cos he’s 6 ft 7”! Think he’d be a touch out of our budget though. Possibly the same with Bart now too, I’d guess he’d have been on a very good wage playing the championship for the last 10 years.

Thank you for the kind words. It's been a pleasure and it'd be great to see you all again in August! I'll post a thread nearer the time. I've got to disappoint you @Megan_Elizax, I've decided I'm going to win next season, and I count the points. But maybe second place is up for grabs if you throw @ARLukomski's laptop in a river or something? I've got something for the stattos / sad anoraks among you. I counted the points separately for the second half of the season and this was the result. Apart from our two new entrants, @william1984 was the only player to get more points in the second half of the season than in the first. @Harry Buckley only actually played 18 rounds - over 23 rounds he'd have got about 95 points, putting him in the top four.

I'm very happy with that list. No complaints at all. I'm sorry that players who were involved in getting us promotion last year are going, but the club has to move on Stuart Maynard would have been involved in that decision making, it's quite ruthless, & it definitely demonstrates the players that he wants & those he wants to be let go. Some of the players that have been retained may go in the summer if out of this World offers come in, but I hope it's not the case. Maybe Notts should have been just as brutal last summer with letting players go. I am now looking forward to the new additions and who they will be. Exciting times

Personally, I don't think we have been ruthless enough... I would have added these to "available for transfer" Sam Slocombe Kyle Cameron Adam Chicksen Junior Morias

Flat finish to a season that started so brightly and dropped away alarmingly. Regroup needed, but generally I'm happy we stayed up, which to me was the aim to start with. Next season push on.

Nice to see Derby back in the Championship. Pleased for @super_ram

We know the style of football is not going to change so the right CBs are essential. I'll admit I'm worried about the future. Recruitment has to be spot on in the Summer. If we do lose Langstaff, then that money needs to go towards the best CB that money can buy.

I sincerely hope that if Jim does hang his boots up he should be offered a position at the club, he’s been a great servant for many years and embodies everything us fans want to see in a player, passion, pride, hard work, loyalty, leadership.

@Super_Danny_Allsopp If a Club wants to challenge for promotion from league 2, those Clubs have to have better players than the average, Our attacking players including our midfield, such players as Robertson, Crowley, Palmer, Langstaff, Jones and Jatta are better than the average, Notts need better than the average in our defence and goalkeeping areas too. Notts don't have to employ Wrexham's model to get better players, Notts can still recruit smart from League 2 or the higher leagues. Just bare in mind that Notts's recruitment success has only been around 50% successful. Notts can't afford to recruit 6 players and only 3 turn out successful this time around. Notts already have players that won't make the grade already. They don't want to add to that list.

Just deduct them another 6 points for that statement

The 4 from the EPL were opposed to this but were completely ignored by the FA and PL representatives. It seems that not all PL teams were even aware this was on the table. It's the elite clubs once again who are dictating FA policy. Replays up to the 3rd round should be permitted. No question. After that the FA have to make a convincing case as to why they aren't in favour of replays. They haven't as of yet.

Well I've pinned my hopes on an East Midlands rumpus in League One the season after next, so they'll have to stay put! I think they'll nail it though. If they get four points against almost-safe Cambridge and Carlisle, it won't matter what Posh or Bolton do. Three points would probably do it too. Say hello to our nearest and dearest next season!

After watching it I didn't really learn much more than what I already knew. It was more of a confirmation of what I had learned in the statements issued about a week ago. Having just watched the podcast I am confident that the club intend to recruit players in the summer that will improve the team for next season, I am satisfied that the recruiters will have identified the type of players that the club need and the key areas where we need those new players My take is that the Club will continue to practise the financial sustainability model going forward and all recruitment will be based with that in mind. Stuart Maynard will have a lot of say on the players he wants that will fit in to the existing model on how the team are expected to play. The recruiting model that has identified and bought players like Langstaff, Scott, Macari, Jatta, Robertson and Crowley will carry on by the same model to identify similar talent that will strengthen the team in the most cost effective way. I learned That the Club want to keep all their good players and if any club wants to make an offer Notts will only sell if the offer will hugely benefit the club Looks to me that the plan is still to get to the Championship at some point in the future, but this will be achieved in a financially prudent & sustainable way.

That’s a great win for Notts, fantastic for the travelling fans, wouldn’t it be great if we win our remaining matches?

@Wheelbarrow repair manYes absolutely. And get this. PL deal £6.7 Billion EFL over three leagues £895 million That's just 13.35% of the PL deal. Massive disparity there. The EFL have agreed to receive the scraps and they actually think it's a good deal.