Leaderboard

Hello, I just wanted to share a quick update on the remaining upgrades from the old version of the site. Thanks to the generous support of our donating members, covering the costs has been much easier. A special thanks to @Michael D Pie., someone whose kindness really shines through, not just because they're generous, but because they genuinely care. Those members who know me well will know I don't like singling people out or giving praise, but Michael has been a significant factor in this process, and it's only right to thank him. The + Create button, which was scrapped from v4, has returned as a custom mod. This adds a level of convenience to starting new discussions, among other content, without the need to go to a specific location. It was such a boost when it arrived as a feature and quickly became something noticeably missed since upgrading. While this is a small update, it should help with content in general and starting discussions as we start to move into the pre-season. As previously noted, the upcoming game features enhanced automation of match discussions. I will be spending time ensuring the full fixtures get added, alongside the help of my wife @cheeky~k8. Mood statuses will be returning, with Terabyte informing me recently that he's wrapping up the finishing touches on his app. Our previous footer will return, but unfortunately the dev working with me on that is currently unable to code at this time. I have enquired about the app which gave subscribers a badge; I am hoping to hear back from the dev with regard to that. The bookmark app, which allowed members to safely store content for future reference, will return momentarily. As should the surveillance system for when discussions need to be moderated to avoid things escalating to a point that they shouldn't. Guest limits across the site will be something I hope will return, but I have no ETA on that. I believe limiting guests and encouraging people to register and join in will only benefit the site, and while I will try to make sure guests can gain value from visiting, I would like to give them more reasons to join and become involved. My focus on newsletters was disrupted due to the sudden announcement that v5 was in beta. While I have tried to send bulk messages from the site, I don't think it warrants the effort. Instead, I will be focusing on the list where members have already approved my sending them the newsletter. At a point, I will make sure a subscription widget is added to encourage more to get involved, but when people join a site, they don't always want to receive emails or notifications, which is a shame because it brings them the community aspects, but it's also understandable that people would not want them. Major news will still go out as per normal, but I will be focusing more on a newsletter and encouraging fans to follow areas of the site in order to get email updates. The latest discussion widget from the old site, unfortunately the dev that had been working on its return isn't able to code right now, therefore I have asked another dev to take it on. There's no ETA on this, but it is of the highest priority. Aside from this, there are little things and some new features that I want to add in time. They are as follows: A proper league system. Additional ways of showing upcoming games, fixtures, and results. Squad page, which is more detailed than what I have created. History and stats. Prediction League system. Enhanced member profile picture gallery (upgraded from previous versions). The PONcast player, featuring the inaugural Notts podcast, will make its comeback at a later date. A member page that displays the total content reach, along with historical records on specific dates, featuring additional statistics for members. I would like to thank all the newcomers, returning, and regular members for their support. It is appreciated, and no effort goes unnoticed by me. I couldn't sing our community's praises any more. Thank you, Chris

It's a very surprising decision; I don't think £300,000 would tempt me in the club's position. I think Alex Bass is more worth retaining because of just how good he is and how good he will be in his prime. Double the speculated amount, and maybe, but announcing a keeper that hasn't really got the experience just adds to the disappointment. I am sure Harry Griffiths has potential and would be perfect as an understudy to someone more experienced. I just feel this adds to the frustration that is felt around our fan base and how disappointing it feels to lose such a good player. I can fully accept that we are in no position to reject good offers, but this just puts further focus on our recruitment, insofar as the outgoings don't really give confidence in the standard of the incomings. Notts needs to replace Bass very wisely; the money gained must be spent on signing good players who bring us the quality we need. @gtownjohnno, we need to replace Alex Bass properly; this fee needs to be used to bring in those key players that Notts still need, because only good arrivals from here on will encourage fans. This is very concerning, considering just how well Bass played for us.

Rewind and Renew Now Stuart's gone what are we to do, We have to pull together and get a new crew. Bye bye Didsey you deserved alot more, Before disappearing out the contract door. Alex goes a floundering off to 'Pompey' Good deal or bad, what would you say. In comes Martin our new Head Coach, A difficult job, how will he approach. Followed by Andy the new number two, Fresh from the England camp with plenty to do. New additions trickle into the squad, One a loanee, the rest not costing a Wad. In this division there's nowhere to hide, Play hard with quality to keep the pride. The season beckons and in August we start, Fans feelings ramping skyward, falling apart. Like Thespians of old on opening night, Remember your lines, don't give us a fright. "WE" are all one Team at the end of the day, Proud of Notts County, what more can we say.

We have another new member to welcome, please take a moment to say hello to @James Macdonald. Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, James! We are glad to be welcoming you to our community. I hope you enjoy being a part of the site and join in with us.

The club didn't replace Macualay Langstaff properly when we sold him to Millwall, a decision which cost us up front and meant we had to rely on others to come in. Had we signed someone sooner to add firepower, the season might have turned out differently. Now, we have made the same decision, but at the other end of the pitch. I know there has to be a balance with in and outgoings, but honestly, the club is kind of ruining the hype for the new season. It's like they're about to hit the panic button and totally drive the fans crazy. I hate meltdowns, but this is almost justified considering all the recent news. Hopefully, the money in does help us strengthen, but with every club doing the same, losing such a quality keeper like Alex Bass is extremely disappointing. I get that Notts can't reject big bids, but they should do more to make sure they balance the news. Harry Griffiths could easily become the target of those who just moan, and it only puts pressure and expectations on him. I doubt he will be the first-choice keeper, but you have to feel sorry for him arriving as we allow our best keeper in recent years to leave. Sacking Stuart Maynard by declaring promotion was our target could be the words that come back to haunt the board come the end of the season. Nothing so far gives the feeling that we are aiming to gain promotion.

It’s not the news we were hoping for, but there are still good goalkeepers out there. As long as the club is ready to spend and invest in the position like we did with Alex Bass, we should be alright. Wish him all the best at Posh.

Interesting post. Even if we announce the quality signings we need tomorrow, they'll have missed the bulk of pre-season, which can't have been the plan. It's pretty clear that we've missed out on transfer targets, and the longer it takes to fill the gaps, the more difficult (and more expensive) it will become. I'm partially with you on communication. Some updates would have been welcome (vaguely worded if need be). However, the owners have always kept their cards close to their chest when it comes to signings. I take that as evidence that they're working professionally (gone are the days of the owner logging in to a forum and telling us a Championship striker is signing next week), but when we don't land targets or things take longer than expected, what we get is silence. We should qualify this talk a bit though, pre-season is meant as a preparation for the season proper and that's the only way to judge it. I've seen us have seemingly great pre-seasons, winning our friendlies, landing our transfer targets - only for us to then get relegated. What counts is that the team comes out of it as a disciplined, well-organised unit that's ready for the season ahead.

I don't believe there is a need to panic. We've seen enough of it on social media, in particular Twitter. The Club is in a good financial state compared to what we have known in the past. The Club has appointed a Head Coach who has a good vision for the Club & has already notified the fan base that he is looking to get three or more players to strengthen the squad. He is backed by his new coaching team & supported by a new Head of Football. The owners are clearly demonstrating that they are ambitious & are looking for Notts to challenge for honours this season. Notts already have 7 new players in the squad compared to last season & by any standards that is a significant number. Off the field, the owners have been spending money to improve the ML infrastructure, & invest in the training facilities. It's easy to talk about the negatives, but for me the positives at Notts, totally outweigh any negatives. We begin the season with lots of promise.

Hello, @Peter Thornley! Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, I am delighted to be introducing you as another new member to the community.

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.

Great news to start the week, the feel-good factor has just dropped another level… Again I get it, Peterborough have probably spent a lot of money to get him, but it’s saddening to lose another great player. We should probably get a topic going called “Who will sell for a lot of money next?”… It’s inevitable isn’t it, when you’re good you lose players and when you’re rubbish you can't get rid of them! You just can’t win. I think he’ll be tough to replace, statistically Bass was the best at claiming high balls last season in League 2 and had the best save percentage. Carlisle's Gabriel Breeze would be my replacement pick, if you look past the relegation he was their stand-out player and his stats aren't far off Bass' either which is impressive considering he was in front of a worse defence/team. That said I can imagine after one good season with us, given his age, he’d be on his way to a Championship club...

I've got mixed feelings about this transfer. On one hand, we're losing a very solid keeper who has performed consistently week-in, week-out. Over the last season, Bass was crucial in pulling us through tough matches, making saves most keepers wouldn’t get near. On the other hand, if the fee is indeed substantial, it could open doors for reinvestment across the pitch, not just between the sticks. But it all hinges on how effectively the club uses this transfer money, there’s no point earning a decent sum if it's not put back into strengthening properly. Interested to see what moves follow this departure.

We know that if the price is right the Club will sell. This is not a surprise. I trust that the club will get a suitable replacement.

Calm down folks we haven’t kicked a ball in anger yet, I can understand the frustration and I feel it a little myself but I try to have a positive outlook, I’ll judge how things are going when we played 10 games or so, there’s no need to panic just yet. There’s time to sign the 3 or 4 players MP is looking for, I’m sure they are working hard behind the scenes. Plus we beat Port Vale 3-1 today, that’s got to be a positive.

Good luck to Didzy at his new club.Signs a one year deal at Barnsley.https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/2025/july/09/david-mcgoldrick-signs-for-the-reds/

Sounds interesting, seems to split opinion at Barnsley but he played 40 games for them last season. Maybe starting games rather than being a sub will do him good. Hope he's a magical signing!

i know how you dont like to single people out @Chris, so @Michael D Pie. must have earned it. its nice to know that there people who care and can help in various ways. the cost involved in running the site i know has been difficult at times, but just look at the difference subscribers are making. when i see you in person, i will donate and i will do it throughout the season. @CliftonMagpie and @TheSkipper have mentioned to me about us doing it together. 👍 thank you @Michael D Pie. and every other subscriber of the site. pon has come along way since the upgrade, its great to see.

I'm absolutely gutted to see Bass leave. One of my favorites. Possibly the best keeper in L2 and will continue to be very competitive in L1. I'm very interested in seeing Bass being replaced. All honours to them if they manage to do so.

i guess it depends on how out of the blue the bid came in for him, if the club were aware he was being scouted than the wise decision would be to compile a list of keepers especially when we needed one in the first place with tyler miller never making an appearance. with him leaving, it left us to find someone to fill that place but now we have to do it again. could we try to talk to miller to get him back? i am hoping we can sign someone who is just as good as alex bass. its gutting to see him leave, i am getting sick of forest fans gloating that we dont seem to be strengthening and making comments about relegation looming. like they know enough about the squad, but it feels like we do need to get a good signature to boost morale with losing such a quality keeper.

The comments show how much of an impact Alex Bass had at Notts in just one season. He became a key player and clearly made a big impression. I’m disappointed we’ve sold him, but to be fair, I didn’t expect someone of his quality to arrive in the first place. There are still lots of decent goalkeepers available, definitely more than free-scoring strikers. I trust the club to find the right one to come in and do the job.

I don't fear for the coming season. I feared when we were breaking the record for the longest time in admin, when we had crowds of 3K mostly pensioners, when Munto turned out to be a scam, when we went to the Astoria meeting, probably a few other times. Honestly, these are the good times, try to enjoy them! Club home shirt - just been announced what's happening. Recruitment - hard to judge before the season has started but I predict a few will turn out to be gems, make the L2 team of the season, or score a wonder goal, or get sold at a massive profit. I'm basing that on the club's recent track record, not blind optimism. Manager - seems passionate, honest and willing to learn. Determined to grab his chance. I like him already. Don't sweat the small stuff. Example: one closed doors friendly (singular) is not odd. LW's team played one against Leicester. There was a brief match report straight after. No big deal.

I never thought he’d go to MK Dons or Chesterfield. I just didn’t think he’d see them as a step forward in his career, even if the money was decent. It didn’t feel like the right move for someone with his experience and connection to Notts. Barnsley should suit him. If he helps them win promotion to the Championship, that would be a great way to finish his playing career on a high. And who knows, there’s always the chance he could come back to us one day as a coach. Nothing’s stopping it, and it would be a nice full-circle moment.

It seems like he wants to finish his career with one last good run. I’m disappointed we couldn’t agree terms to keep him here, especially since ending where you started is a rare and special thing. Still, it’s clear he wants to write his own story, and I respect that. I wish him all the best. I just hope he doesn’t let the search for one last bit of glory harm how his career finishes. It’s important to go out on a high, not with regrets.

So the speculation about David McGoldrick's future has been answered tonight. Many of us thought that David would hang up his boots after refusing an offer of an extension to his contract at Notts. He has opted to join League one outfit Barnsley on a one year contract. Barnsley finished mid table last season, & with Didzy they will hope to push on & at least make the playoffs this time. It will be interesting to see how they use him & whether it will be by super sub or for 60 mins of a game. No matter how he is used, they have secured a quality player who I'm sure will score a few goals for them & provide quality upfront or behind a striker. I was sorry to see him leave Notts, but he has been a great servant for Notts & I do hope he has a brilliant season for Barnsley.

@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.

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.

There’s no doubt that the Pride of Nottingham shows how much passion and hard work you’ve put into the club, @Chris . The site’s in a strong place, and it’s great to be part of a community that looks out for each other. PON is a top place to chat about the club, and I really appreciate all the time and effort that goes into running it. It’s great to see so many members getting involved and keeping things lively. Off the back of all this praise, I’d like to thank everyone who’s able to support the site by subscribing, and a big thank you to @Michael D Pie. for what sounds like a tremendous effort on his part.

It’s hard to blame Alex Bass for grabbing this opportunity. At 27, he’s entering the peak years of his career, and if Peterborough are aiming for the Championship, it’s a clear step up. Moves like this are always a reminder of how tricky it is to hold onto top players when they catch the eye elsewhere. From the club’s side, though, the key now is what happens next. If there’s a decent fee involved, it could help the board take a steady, thoughtful approach with the next signings. Fans will want to see that the money is being used wisely, not just to fill gaps, but to push the club forward with purpose.

You would think that the way the owners work they would already have a replacement lined up. Selling your senior goalkeeper with no back up and with pre-season games and a tour in Germany coming up soon, just wouldn't make sense.

Gutted, I usually remain optimistic as much as possible when it comes to Notts but with recent departures including ones named above and now Bass, I can't help but feel that if Notts were going to get promoted, it was last season, and that this season is going to be fairly standard in comparison. Feeling fairly disappointed currently, but hopefully the new exciting tactics are going to make up for it!

Alex Bass leaving genuinely feels like a bit of a body blow, we were just starting to build something solid, particularly defensively. His consistency and composure between the sticks gave a lot of confidence to the back four, and losing that isn't something easily fixed. We’ve sold for good money apparently, but I feel we've undersold the true worth of Bass given what he's delivered and his potential to improve even further. This means the club really must step up their recruitment game now. We’re not exactly swimming in reliable keepers and Harry Griffiths is largely unknown at senior level. He deserves a chance, but surely this can't be the only solution here. It's crucial we reinvest wisely; otherwise, we’ll be kicking ourselves come mid-season. I'd love to be optimistic, but Notts haven't always shone when juggling squad turnover. Let’s hope this time they pull it off.

Can’t help feeling frustrated by this one, honestly. Just when we looked solid at the back...

Thanks! I’ve wanted to join since I was eight, but my mum and dad only said yes not long ago. I’m turning 12 in October. I’ve supported Notts my whole life. Both my parents are big fans. They’ve had season tickets way longer than I’ve even been alive. I’ve had my own season ticket since I was six. My favourite player is Matt Palmer, I think he’s really good.

After reading up, this seems like a good signing. I was expecting a loanee tbh, so having our own player on contract (and save something for other acquisitions, as it’s on a free) is a real bonus. Experience, capable with the ball at his feet, played in many big games and we get his 33 to 35 years at least. Seems like a good piece of work from Rob Gag and co!

Our second pre-season game and the first of our European tour is upon us, so as the local boy I thought I'd open a match thread (feel free to merge if another one is scheduled)! Darmstadt will be tough opposition - they're a solid Bundesliga 2 side and are also further along in their preparations than we are. Their new signings include centre half Patric Pfeiffer - rejoining the club after helping them to promotion to the Bundesliga during his last spell, while another man to watch is big striker Fraser Hornby, who came through the youth ranks at Northampton and Everton and has played for Scotland up to under-21 level. Expect them to play an attacking style with a high defensive line. The home side started their pre-season with a 24-0 win against the mighty force that is SV Traisa, and at the weekend they beat Viktoria Aschaffenburg (fourth division) 4-1. As for Notts, it'll be interesting to see which of the Alfreton trialists make the trip and whether there are any new faces. It'll also be Barry Cotter's first appearance in a Notts shirt. It'll be interesting to see how MP intends to play, but realistically it's about getting minutes in legs at this stage. I've no idea whether there will be a live stream yet, but if they do it'll probably be on the Lilies' official YouTube page.

Hello, @YoopEyes. Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, I wish you well with joining in with the site and community. If you wouldn't mind, please do let us know a little bit about yourself. Since you have recently joined, it's always nice to learn a little about newcomers.

yeah, it would be nice to see it being used as an extension to what is happening. some things might not be right as a conversation, such as more personal things and that is where the status feature could thrive. i did not know about it until tone shared about his running, or i had forgot about it. i have used it to check in with people too.

Let's take a moment to welcome one of the newest members of our Notts community, I would like to welcome @Daisy-Mae to the community. Thanks for joining us, I look forward to reading your thoughts on the club.

Afternoon all. I looked for this thread but couldn’t find one, so I thought I’d get it started. Hopefully the regular posters don’t mind. I’ve got the whole week off work. Today I’m out in the garden, and on Wednesday I plan to head into Nottingham to see what the city centre has to offer. I need to pick up some new clothes, so that’ll be part of the day out. With pre-season not too far off now, I’m using the week to get things done that’ll be harder once the football kicks back in. One of those is catching up with mates at Nando’s. We usually try for Saturdays, but with a free Friday I’ve got the chance to make it happen. It’s been ages. The weather’s lovely today. There’s a light breeze which keeps things cool. I’m looking forward to reading what others have been up to.

Jevani Brown got stick when he signed on loan for not doing anything, and my first thoughts were, if the number 9 we played in the second half was Romaine Sawyers, could we get more of the better aspects I saw out of him? I don't like players who complain and make comments to others in a way that suggests they're unhappy or just being plain mardy. I mean, it's only a friendly, but I think those types of attitudes can be destructive. It's also quite frustrating to see as a fan and a telltale sign of their attitude. The number 9 did this a lot against Alfreton, and he walked around the pitch making minimal effort. There were some clever passes, but the crossing wasn't brilliant. Maziar Kouhyar, who I thought was brilliant, had contention for crossing, with the number 9 demanding he make the crosses early into the second half, which Kouhyar eventually took more control of and I think did better. It's a torn thing, as I didn't like what I saw. The negatives outweigh the positives; I mean, calling players angrily to come receive the ball but barely moving when others want you to do the same? If this player continues to do this in friendlies, and we do sign him and it turns out to be Sawyers, it would be irritating to see it in league games. He did a very clever pass to Mai Troare that, unfortunately, Traore wasn't able to control the ball as it seemed to hit a bobble. That was a quality pass, but audible nonsense was shouted with signs of frustration from number 9. He did a lovely spread pass to James Sanderson that looked levels above League Two, and a neat turn to put Matthew Dennis into a goal-scoring chance. Assuming number 9 is Sawyers, the negative side would need to be tackled. It's not something I like; after all, it's a team sport, and Paterson would be wise not to let players ruin morale. Maybe he was frustrated? Or it could be that he was acting out because he wants to be signed? Personally, I didn't see enough to say that we would see more quality than silly antics and laziness. I asked @ARLukomski, after the Alfreton game who number 9 was and he mentioned he believed it was Sawyers. @sadlad: You should know Romaine Sawyers well from his time at Walsall, what do you think? Does he have issues with being mardy?

Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham! Great to have you with us, @James Macdonald. Dive in and enjoy the chat.

I think Martin comes across as a coach who is clear on what he wants and looks to be a real leader. I get the impression that when the technical board meets, he will certainly have a major input. Hopefully this will lead to progress on the pitch and a strong team we can all get behind.

An interesting signing by Notts, a pacy right footed winger that can play on both flanks & play as a wingback too. He has a very long throw which could be very useful. Head Coach Martin Paterson must have had a hand in his signing as he worked with Barry as Assistant Head Coach at Barnsley. Not surprised that Notts have gone for a loan signing once again. If he can be as successful as George Abbott was during his loan period last season with Notts, Barry will have been a great signing. He certainly gives Notts more strength in depth & if the signing is cleared by the EFL he will be playing against Alfreton tomorrow. Notts had trouble getting behind opposition defenders last season so with his outstanding pace, & with the right service, that will change. This is an encouraging signing, & hopefully Notts will sign a midfield playmaker & another striker before the league season starts.

We’ll done @Chris and all those involved in updating the site, all your hard word deserves to be rewarded and thank you @Michael D Pie. for all your help.

After being impressed with how Walsall did last season and how we have a good connection with Stoke City. I would have been tempted to enquire about bringing Tommy Simkin in on loan as a temporary replacement for Alex Bass. I would love for us to go in for a young keeper like Simkin, but I think Stoke will value him at a fee where we might want to invest further throughout the squad. The main areas for me would be the keeper situation and an attacking midfielder. I can understand the calls for Will Jarvis to play in that role, but I also see how immense he can be playing out wide and cutting in. That seems very natural to him, to want to take players on and work his way into striking range. Jodi Jones and Will Jarvis out wide could make life difficult for the opposition, but until Jodi gets his confidence, I think we should allow him to be a super-sub. Maybe we do need to look at someone who can play as an AM/ST.

It’s a tough one to take. Bass didn’t just pull off big saves, he played a huge part in how we moved the ball from the back. His calmness and passing gave us so much control in games. I was hoping he’d stay at least another season, especially with how well things were shaping up. Still, you’ve got to respect the move. It’s a big step for him at an exciting point in his career, and to have all this happen over his wedding weekend is quite something. Best of luck to him in the next chapter.

It’s a real shame to see Alex Bass move on, especially after the season he’s just had. He brought real calm and strength to our defence, and it finally felt like we had a solid foundation to build on. Losing someone like that so quickly is hard to take. I do wish him well in his next step, but the timing definitely hits our plans. It puts pressure on the club to act fast and get things right heading into pre-season.

Here I am trying to be Mr Balanced, meanwhile the club sells the best goalkeeper we've had since Bart and replaces him with a youngster without a single senior appearance to his name! Absolutely crazy. And then Gagliardi talks about having competition. Good luck at our club Harry, and remember the disappointment at this decision is no reflection on you.