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Great News, the training boots are on.

Genuinely shocked when I heard this news. Don’t remember him playing for West Germany to be honest as too young at the time to know. I do remember him playing in the US league (I think for New York Cosmos?) though and everything I have read about him describes him as one of the greatest players ever. I remember watching a film about England at the 1970 World Cup finals and the fact that England’s decision to substitute Charlton when 2-0 up gave Beckenbauer the freedom of the pitch and he was instrumental in getting Germany back into the match and ultimately to win the tie. RIP to Der Kaiser.

Seems that players are realising the grass isn't always greener on the other side. It's obvious they were money motivated to move over there but the reasons given for why they wish to leave, as reports suggest, makes it even more obvious that they were blinded by the money being offered. It was never about "helping improve the league" it was always about the big sum of money offered. Now that they've had their share of big paydays they're upping and leaving.

Never really watched him play apart from the 66 Final on DVD but everything I've read and heard about him, he was a phenomenal player and revolutionised the sweeper role. Sad loss to the game of football. One of the footballing greats.

I first watched Franz play in the 1966 World Cup for West Germany and I remember him in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico too, when West Germany got their revenge over England in the Quarter final. He had an iconic Career as a player, and became famous as a International Manager for Germany too.He won a World Cup as a player and as a Coach. I believe he is up there with the likes of Pele as one of the all time great footballers. RIP Franz. The World of Football will miss you. Franz in action during 1966 World Cup against Switzerland and USSR.

I wonder if the silly mistakes come from indecision.. instinct is to put it in Row Z, instructions is to pass it out.

I agree @Ohh Tommy JohnsonWhy can't our defenders just kick it out of play or hoof it up field if in trouble. Kicking it out of play gives the side extra seconds to get themselves set again instead of thinking they have to play or pass themselves out of trouble in our last third. This has cost us dear. Then there's the silly mistakes too.

I really hope we don't go 4-4-2 as I think it will hinder our style. With Chicksen in a back 4 with a mix of Brindley / Baldwin/ Cameron / Rawlinson and Macari, then you are restricted in the centre midfield; who do you drop from the pivot one of Bostock / Ausitn / Palmer / JoB and then all the play goes through one player which puts a massive pressure on them and is relatively easy to stop. Then with both of Namane and Jones on the wing do you drop Macca / Crowley / McGoldrick up front, or do you play with one winger? We are now set up to play with wingbacks so I can't see that changing. I would like to see us slightly more pragmatic and when under pressure not be afraid to put the ball out and reset, rather than play risky passes just to maintain possession. There is a happy medium that I don't think we have found yet (or even looked for).

Yay!!

@DangerousSausage The club are saying next season. I think it's still a long way from basic strengthening to starting running to training fully.

We tried to get Altrincham's Phil Parkinson before we appointed Williams, so the board clearly rate him. I wonder if we'll have another go? We're a division higher now, so might be a more tempting proposition. He signed a new two-year contract in the summer, so there would be compensation (which we could pay with the compensation we received from Swansea). But does he want to leave?

Wordle 933 3/6* That’s better!

Wordle 933 3/6

#waffle717 3/5 streak: 27 #wafflesilverteam wafflegame.net

Some good news to report to begin the week.

Blackpool 0 V 1 Notts County League Division 2 October 1973. Only goal of the match scored by Arthur Mann, remember him, featuring Don Masson, Kevin Randall & Eric Probert in the build up play. Notts finished the 1973/74 season in 10th place with a record of:- 15 wins, 13 draws & 14 defeats

Whenever I check out the gossip column on BBC Sport or there's a transfer rumour on social media, there's multiple players being linked with a move to the Saudi League. Some big names being linked to go there as well. Benzema, Lewandowski, Gundogan, Kante, Messi as well as already having Ronaldo in there, who I believe is the start of big name players heading over there for a nice pay day. I personally don't know much about the league myself but all I can think is players are moving over there for the big fat pay day that they are being offered. It almost feels like when the Chinese Super League started gaining attention and got linked with pretty much every single big name player in the world and offering them hefty wages to sweeten deals.

The postponed Match against Sutton United has been rearranged for Tues 27th February 7:45pm.

Yes your right @Fozzy We were absolutely coasting it. Franz was man marking Bobby and when he went off it freed him up.West Germany bossed the midfield from then on and the rest is history. The 1970 World Cup was the best I've seen. Brazil was just something else

The new head coach must have some select principles, if we are to handle the transition period well Tactical continuity - The new head coach must build on our principles to play possession based, high tempo football. Playing out from the back, but taking risks when needed and knowing when to play and when not to. Not overplaying when you don't need to. Pressing the opposition and winning the ball high up the pitch and when we lose, counter press. Stick to the philosophy that has been successful. We don't need a 4-4-2, two quick wingers and two big lads up front because it feels good and reminds us of "the good old days." To continue the progress made, you need to tweak and not tear up. We need to adapt to situations (like we have done recently without Matty Palmer). It's evolution, not revolution Player development - We saw under LW, that players can adapt the way they play and can thrive in different positions. Aaron Nemane has become a regular part of the starting x1 for 2 seasons. Adam Chicksen became a goalscoring wing-back, Jim and Cammy became more comfortable with the ball at their feet. He even took Macca from a wider position at Gateshead and made him the best striker at the club this century, turning him into a penalty area poacher, pressing machine. This must extend to the academy and the B team. We can start to see the likes of James Sanderson, Madou Cisse, Lucien Mahovo, Luther Munakandafa and Charlie Gill appear more in the first team squad over the next few years. Our model is about sustainability, and if we develop players and then sell them on for more than we bought them for, that's a success. This also makes us an attractive proposition for clubs to send their players to us on loan. Man management - This is a huge aspect. One that is bigger than people think. Luke Williams treated his players like brothers. He conjured up a relentless mentality. It was one of the big reasons we got out the National League. You need a winning mentality and to rise above others who try and dish it out. A group that is committed to the overall goal and our style, will become a successful group. Treat the players like human beings and foster a team spirit and mentality worthy of Notts County. Luke said after the Harrogate game "Playing with sloppiness and mistakes and without courage, you cannot play for Notts County like that."

#deluxewaffle85 0/5 wafflegame.net Just in time!

@DangerousSausage I think Phil would be a good choice too along with other possible contenders. It's refreshing that Notts always tend to keep these things under wraps. I'm sure lots of work is going on, as I write, to find, interview & appoint a new Head Coach, but Notts won't rush it. We will probably be taken by surprise once the Reedtz brothers' choice is presented to us.

#waffle717 4/5 streak: 28 #wafflesilverteam wafflegame.net

I can't say I'm surprised at the losses - it must be so hard at the moment. Let's hope it's a turning point.

I got a 2 yesterday...but that was on a different device so I couldn't share. I should get that sorted out (but only for when I do well!). Back to the standard 4 today! Wordle 933 4/6*

Back on the updates... some good and bad over the weekend, but squeaked in today! I don't get the streak thing as I missed out yesterday. Maybe I have different accounts on my different devices? #waffle717 0/5 streak: 8 wafflegame.net

@Fan of Big Tone That sounds absolutely fabulous. Operation Mincemeat is quite a story, bonkers in many ways and how well it worked. I'm glad the show did the story justice. Great news on your other half too. It sounds like you had a fab couple of weeks!

Is there any indication when he'll be back? He definitely shouldn't rush but his return will give us such a boost.

This man is such an important player for us. When he got injured we were never the same. His return will take some time but it's great to see him back doing some fitness work.

GET IN!!!

Certainly we need a coach that knows what is needed in a GK and defence

I’d be worried if it was a coach who’s come straight from an academy. It would be a massive risk, academy football isn't the same as men's competitive football. Simon Rusk was the next big thing but he didn’t work out at Stockport. And this season David Horseman at FGR really struggled. Most coaches have to start there I get that but I’d hope we’d look for someone who’s progressed into the men’s game at some point, be that as a head coach or assistant coach.

I don't expect to see any massive change in the way we play, nor the formation. The recruitment team are still signing players, manager or no manager, as proven before with the signing of Langstaff. Those signings are naturally made to fit a certain role and position. What we are likely to see are smaller changes in player instructions, positioning etc.. Also, he may fancy some players in certain positions that Williams didn't. The goalkeeper position and back 3 will be interesting to see who he picks.

#waffle716 1/5 streak: 27 #wafflesilverteam wafflegame.net

Wordle 932 6/6 Same here @Fan of Big Tone.Annoying and exasperating

#waffle716 5/5 streak: 26 #wafflesilverteam wafflegame.net

Wordle 932 3/6

i am moping around my home right now, i will be coming off my computer in favour of trying to watch tv. its quite cold out and i cant be bothered to drive anywhere. with no football and the weather i lack the motivation to tempt myself out. tomorrow i will be picking my mum up, then driving to my aunt and uncles but otherwise its a no thrill weekend without football.

#waffle715 4/5 streak: 26 #wafflesilverteam wafflegame.net

Wordle 931 4/6 Eventually!

#waffle715 3/5 streak: 4 wafflegame.net

Just a quiet weekend, taking down Xmas decorations. How Xmas has come and gone again.

Wordle 931 3/6* 3 again doing well lately

Thanks pal, it’s a big weight lifted.

Wordle 931 4/6

#waffle715 4/5 streak: 25 #wafflesilverteam wafflegame.net

I'm so pleased to read your good news regarding your better half @Fan of Big Tone.I hope you both have a fabulous time wherever you decide to visit.I also hope you all have a great day together tomorrow.

Aging players looking for a last pay out hasn't worked before in the US or China, and I can't see it this time. It may be different if players in their prime start getting lured over - a Haarland or a Mbape, but why would they go to a mickey mouse league? The Saudis have enough money to buy golf, I'm sure they have enough money to collect players at their prime if they chose to. I suspect they will continue to financially dope clubs in other leagues for now though.