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The loss of Alex Bass has created a new, more urgent focus for the club because Bass gave us confidence in his all-round abilities as a keeper. I haven't felt as calm or as assured that our keeper could make those defining saves to keep out the opposition as I have with him. The thing about strikers is I believe we need more than two; ideally, we would have four, ensuring they can get game time in different positions. Notts players have a good style, which has a high creation chance, and although last season we did struggle to score at times. I do feel confident in our ability to feed a striker and allow them to grow with confidence; for example, Kyle Wootton learned a lot from coming to us. This experience has given him a platform to go on. Whereas we once struggled with strikers, it now seems like we could put any hard-working striker with a good finishing ability in this position, and he would get goals. Macaulay Langstaff, Alassanna Jatta and David McGoldrick thrive within this type of setup, and their quality always stood out when in form. Sign a solid keeper that will impress and make us forget about the disappointment of Alex Bass moving on; it would allow us to remember his time as an excellent signing. Rather than wishing we had never sold him. Good keepers are out there, but again, just like with management, I think experience is key. Bass's time at AFC Wimbledon showed his quality, and there will be others waiting for that opportunity to be a team's regular starting goalkeeper. An attacking midfielder of proven class, hard-working, and with the potential to score, would be nice. Signings could easily boost morale in the fan base, as could a good start to the season. Excellent blog!

Very well put together article & a good read too @allardyces tash . I think the most important thing at the moment is to bring in a quality goalkeeper that can command his area, direct is defensive colleagues, & can deal with crosses from open play & dead ball situations. I believe Notts still have a quality squad, but it needs a goalie as I've described, an attacking midfielder who is a good playmaker & another proven goalscorer. Without the additions, Notts would struggle to make at least the playoffs, but I still believe they would be good enough to be mid table without a playmaker or goalscorer, but they certainly need a competent goalie. I think the owners will make those additions in those areas I've described, I would be surprised if they didn't. Even with those additions, a playoff place is a more realistic expectation. I hope the fans get behind the owners, their management team, as well as the players. The Reedtz brothers have done so much for this club they deserve our support & trust.

A commanding goalkeeper is a must,also a defensive midfielder who can bring the ball forward along with a creative midfielder (Crowley was sorely missed). Although we have three centre forwards/strikers, aree they good enough to take the chances we create. Michael Cheek would do for me. Hoping to see some movement soon COYP

i love your blog series @allardyces tash, the way you joke about things is enduring and make a difference from reading someone just complaining for the sake of it. its also enjoyable the thought you put into the accompanying poll. with regards to what you write, i largely agree with you and want to see how things turn out. as for the poll, i think we need depth for the injuries, but obviously a keeper is the highest priority now. would prefer a long term replacement for alex bass, but i am not against a loan if that move is not open provided the incoming keeper is good.

The departure highlights the problem of consistency behind the scenes. When Montague was here, the signings felt more suited to the way we play. Since then, recruitment has looked scattergun with too much reliance on the loan market. I don’t think it’s a disaster, but it does make you wonder if the Reedtz underestimated how difficult it is to find the right person for this role. Stability comes from more than just patience on the pitch, it needs to start with clear direction off it.

Great blog as always. I hope you didn’t hold back a little because of the comments you mentioned in the content update thread. You’ve got a good way of explaining what’s going on, and the touch of humour helps make it feel less heavy. I think the club needs to take a proper look at the goal of promotion. It’s time to review what’s happened so far and decide the best way forward. Things haven’t gone exactly to plan, and now’s the moment to reset and refocus. Recruitment needs to be balanced. It’s a bit disappointing to see Curtis Edwards let go, only for Maziar Kouhyar to come in as what looks like a direct replacement. I’m not even sure if Kouhyar has played in the league yet. He did look lively in pre-season, but that was before all the loan players started arriving. It makes you wonder how the plan changed and whether the timing of signings was really thought through.

Not surprised he’s gone. Five months isn’t enough time to leave a mark and it always felt like an odd fit.

I'm cautiously optimistic. The signings feel different this year, especially with Kouhyar and Iorpenda adding that spark in midfield. We’ve clearly gone for versatility and attacking intent, which is refreshing after last season’s stagnation. That said, I’m still worried about our defence, particularly if Griffiths is our only real option in goal as of now. Bass leaving does leave a massive hole in our defence, and it’s not just about shot-stopping, it’s leadership and communication too. We’ll need a strong start to build confidence, or the pressure on Paterson will mount quickly. Fingers crossed it clicks.

Great blog, it really gives us something to think about. As for the poll, I reckon bringing in a forward and a solid new keeper to take over from David McGoldrick and Alex Bass would help win back the fans’ trust.

@allardyces tash, I love reading your blogs. I love the splash of wit and contrasting remarks that you make. I can tell you spend time trying to be different, but also to be interesting; you balance it very well. The addition of a poll is a touch of class.

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.

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.

I can see you are more a "half-eaten pie" type of fan, rather than a "half-empty, half-full glass" type of person. 🤣 😂😂😂😂👏🏻 I think we need to keep note of some of these lines you use, as I still can't get over your reference to MK Dons having 'the rich history of a microwaved lasagna'. It's pure brilliance and such a joy to read.

Good read! Still have to see how Paterson does yet, we need to see how he handles a run of poor results.

I’m not sure it matters too much who takes over, as long as the focus is on the basics. Montague understood the squad and signed players that fitted both the system and the league. Since he left, there’s been a feeling that we’ve lost that eye for detail. Gagliardi looked like he wanted to roll the dice with loans, which is fine if you’ve got the budget of a Championship side, but we need stability. It doesn’t mean the season is doomed, but it does explain why things have looked uneven so far.

Brilliant @allardyces tash ,thank you.

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. 👍

brilliant blog @allardyces tash. 👏🏻 i dont think most of the notts drama is caused from performances or on the pitch, more from fans and rumours which is why i dont really like seeing them being spread without valid cause. your blog is very funny. "If he genuinely believes MK Dons, a club with all the rich history of a microwaved lasagna". 👏🏻🤣

You've always put in a lot of effort. A few off days where you're not feeling your best don't take away from everything you've done. You've built a brilliant community. It's clear how much care and thought went into it. The fact that Pride of Nottingham had so much to offer right from the beginning shows how strong your vision was. I see that as a real positive.

fully understand how you feel, but its normal for the site to go through transitions and i have always seen the excellence that pon offers. its a wonderful community and you deserve a lot of the credit for that. without your lead, we would not be here but you are right to highlight the members importance.

Your blogs always make me smile @allardyces tash but at the same time they have a serious message, keep up the good work, very entertaining.

The Reedtz don’t get everything right, but I trust them more than anyone to keep a steady ship.

Completely agree about the squad needing to knuckle down for the rest of the season. Losing Crowley and dealing with injuries to key players like Ness and Robertson is frustrating, but this team has shown it can rise to the challenge. I’m thrilled Abbott is staying; his energy and work rate in midfield have been crucial. The January signings look promising, particularly Whitaker, who could bring fresh ideas in the middle. A striker would complete the puzzle, though, as we’ve been a bit short on goals at times. Maynard’s taken a lot of stick, but the Accrington win proves he’s still got the dressing room on side. Promotion is within reach if we stay focused and avoid slipping up.

Nice one @allardyces tash I like this blog. My suggestion is don’t read social media, the majority of people on there who voice these ridiculous opinions on the club, manager and players are just Negative Nellies with nothing better to do that spout their negativity to get a reaction. Personally I’d rather read comments on here where the fans are far more level headed and when necessary will give constructive criticism without the knee jerk reactions of social media. Without a doubt the injuries to the squad have hampered our progress but I still hope we can get promotion but if we don’t it won’t be the end of the world, I’ll still support them as I have through much worse times than these in my 60 odd years of being a fan.

i think some fans are just worried we wont get promoted and might return to those years were we was average, but it is frustrating to see people question the desire and hunger of our owners. they deserve better than that, the reedtz are greatly responsible for putting us on the right path. we are signing far better players than we would have under previous regimes. this is a good blog, i found it very funny and i hope people dont take the hump. thanks for writing it @allardyces tash.

Thanks very much to everyone who has taken the time to read my blog. If you’ve enjoyed it, I’d be grateful if you’d consider following my main page. I like to keep things light-hearted to help spread a smile, and it means a lot to see such a positive response. For me, tone matters. I think it should be a bit quirky and playful, something that helps you stand out from the crowd. I love making people laugh and smile, and this blog is a fun way for me to share that with everyone.

I was gutted to hear about Crowley leaving, but I reckon we’ll be fine. The squad’s looked stronger than ever this season.

Brilliant Blog well put together @allardyces tash. My worry is that Notts haven't really decided what sort of Club they are. Are they a feeder Club, buying players on the cheap, developing them, then selling them on for a profit every time another club comes in with a good offer? Or is the Club ambitious and wants to climb the league structure in a reasonable amount of time? There is a big discussion on line about whether Jatta will leave or not. I hope he will stay. He's become an integral part of the team linking play upfront & giving Notts an outlet too. He has also brought an extra dimension to the Notts game from dead ball situations such as corners & free kicks. Notts would lose quite a lot if Jatta was sold. He brings so much to the side & he is so valuable to Notts. If Jatta stays & helps Notts get promoted, he would be even more valuable to the Club at the end of the season . That decision will have to be made by the powers that be at Notts. I hope they choose ambition over selling their players too quickly to make money.

Excellent blog @allardyces tash keep them coming.

I found it an entertaining read, very enjoyable. Isn't it always the same with Notts? When times get tough, the negative comments fly and the players get unfairly criticised, as if they don't care or put the effort in. As for Stuart Maynard, some fans who dislike him will never accept him as our head coach and just wait for those moments to claim he's not good enough. I try to focus on the positives, but unfortunately, a small vocal minority of our fans don't.

Nice article. @allardyces tash. The Club has made great progress since last season. Could you imagine how the team would have finished if six first team players in midfield and upfront would have become injured for an extended period? It would have been a bit of a disaster to put it mildly. This season the squad is much stronger, and the players that have come in and replaced the injured have done a sterling job to keep Notts in the top six, & just a few points off second place. The reason for that is abundantly clear to me. Notts have a very good Head Coach & his staff have done wonders with the team, so that the remaining players available have been moulded into an effective unit to keep Notts in touch with the top while the injured players recover. There will always be a small number of noisy fans that will never be satisfied no matter how well the team are doing. Some would moan if Notts were ten points clear at the top. The sensible fan will know different. I'm confident that once the seven injured players return, we will see the Notts we saw at the beginning of the season, with a big difference. Those fringe players have tasted first team action and won't want to relinquish their place lightly. The players returning will know that there is going to be plenty of competition for places. That fact on its own will benefit Notts in the new year.

@Chris It’s clear the passion you have for Notts and this community you have built, you’ve done a fantastic job, I’m amazed at how much it’s grown since the early days not only in active membership but also things you’ve added to the site to make it more enjoyable. I know your blog wasn’t aimed at wanting plaudits but you deserve them non the less. Well done 👏

Pride of Nottingham is one of the few places I actually look forward to visiting. Even when work's been a bit mad, I still enjoy popping on and seeing what's new. It's like a warm cuppa after a long day. There are loads of good posters sharing their thoughts, and it keeps the place lively. It's like a proper natter down the pub, only with fewer crisps and more football. Some of the newer members have slotted in so well, you'd think they were part of the furniture. Full of common sense too, which is a rare treat online. If we can tempt the quiet readers to join in, get them hooked like it's EastEnders in the nineties, then we’re onto a winner. The rest will take care of itself. You’ve got nothing to feel bad about, @Chris. The whole thing’s built on your effort and vision.

Glad to see you sharing your views, @super_ram r. Thanks to you and JustLikeJuve for joining in. My next piece might tone down the quirky style a bit, or I might go full Willy Wonka with it, I’ve not made my mind up yet. Either way, I plan to finish another write-up once the German friendlies are over and tie it all up nicely.

Excellent blog, really enjoyable to read. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next part in the series. I think the squad will come together once a few more players are brought in. It’s vital we replace Alex Bass smartly, if we manage that, this team should be strong enough for the Play-Offs. A few extra quality signings could give us the edge to push even further. I’m quietly confident. As long as we don’t lose any more key players and we keep strengthening, we’ll be alright. I don’t buy into this talk of relegation.

I enjoyed your brilliant blog very much,thank you @allardyces tashAlready looking forward to a follow up.

Excellent! It drives me crazy about some of our support. People want stability but aren't patient enough for success. It all goes out the window when we have it. Then, that togetherness, which is a special part of the Notts community, is ruined by petty moaning.

We do have to take into consideration the injuries, but we are only now starting to feel that burden - which is a shame because we had been told a lot were close to returning back when we played Carlisle United. Excluding Jodi Jones and Curtis Edwards, who immediately come to mind, there were others facing similar challenges, including Cedwyn Scott, who took a break for mental health reasons. It hasn't seen us nose dive in form like we did last year, when we lost Matt Palmer. I do think we have done well so far. I know David McGoldrick has got us out of jail at times (among others) but I consider the progress to be slow but steady. As for the blog, I see nothing wrong with it. A bit of light humour can be good, not that the moaners will agree, but I think it's harmless. It is a very good read, so I am sure most fans would agree. Thank you for writing this.

AS always you've given us all an excellent read @allardyces tash .Your posts are always first class.Thank you.

Thank you for all the kind comments. It's nice to see my effort in spreading a bit of wit and common sense is valued by the Pride of Nottingham community. Stay tuned for next month!

Selling players mid-season always feels risky, but if it funds new signings, I’m all for it.

The timing feels strange. Pre-season was sold to us as preparation for a step forward, yet here we are talking about another key departure. I can’t fault the Reedtz for trying new ideas, but this one hasn’t worked. Five months is barely enough time to unpack an office box, let alone change the direction of a club. It’s a reminder that football isn’t just about what happens on the pitch. The boardroom has just as much influence on results as tactics. Whoever comes in next must match the manager’s vision and understand what Notts is about, otherwise we’ll end up repeating the cycle again. Continuity is what’s needed, not another experiment.

@Robbie i felt the same, as i mentioned when you joined i am on the autistic spectrum and have found making friends difficult. i have here and its great to see new members come on board. i wished more fans would be open minded, dabble in the conversations for a week or two and just give it a proper chance. there is plenty of room for social media but pon is very much more notts county.

I've just come across the blog Chris and when I read the title I Can See Clearly now, the first thing I thought about was the song, of the same name and I see you up loaded the song. Didn't he have another hit called There Are More Questions Than Answers, that was also the title of the Maths exam paper we got when I was at school. As this blog is from several years ago I hope you're now fully recovered and should problems arise again take comfort in your family and your friends, remember they'll always be there for you, come what may.

Lovely Story. I'm so pleased to have found P of N Community.

Great interview for your first blog! The Pride of Nottingham is an excellent site. Those abusive comments early on were probably just trolls, Forest fans, and the usual suspects who are jealous.

A good read @Chris, glad to hear you're feeling happier.

Eerie timing this blog.

This is some read @Chris. I don't know what to write in the comments but I wanted to leave a supportive message. Focus on what makes you happy lad.