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Martin Paterson insists there were plenty of encouraging signs despite his side falling to a 2-1 defeat in their opening pre-season tour friendly against SV Darmstadt 98 in Germany. The new Notts County head coach, who took over after Stuart Maynard’s departure in the wake of last season’s painful play-off semi-final loss, spoke candidly after his first game in charge, watched by over 200 travelling Magpie supporters. “Lots of positives. Things inside it that I'm looking at and going, yeah, really good,” Paterson reflected after the match. “But also we’ve got to be honest, there's things that I tried tonight and we looked like we probably can't do. So we have to tweak a few things, I changed shape a couple of times because I didn't like it and we're up against a really good opposition.” Paterson acknowledged the quality of the German second-tier side, admitting his players were punished for lapses in concentration. “They were good, they were fit and I think that showed. I think their athleticism, when we were a little bit sloppy on the ball and we didn't connect, they went through us really well and they transitioned really well,” he said. The match saw tempers flare midway through the first half, something Paterson addressed honestly. “A little bit of a melee affected us and I don't know why because young Inchy had a tackle, which is allowed in football by the way, and there was a big melee. I don't understand why. I asked my centre midfielders to compete and I didn't come here to lie down.” Despite the defeat, Paterson emphasised that the shortcomings were easy to identify and fix. “The positive what we have is it's easily identifiable what we got wrong. If we're pressing, we're going to believe in it. If we're defending the box, we've got to get out of the box as quickly as we can rather than sitting in. We're sitting ducks, and they get the first easy goal, which I was displeased with.” He also underlined the need for balance as he instills his style. “I want to be careful I don't beat them with a stick. They're still learning my methods. I'm still trying things with the team. I don't believe I've got all my pieces on the board, which I haven't. We're missing quality, but what I did like was in a tough environment with a good crowd, I did like the fact that one, the players showed good character to stay inside the game and try and get back into it.” Paterson made it clear that losing, even in pre-season, does not sit well with him or his squad. “We don't like losing games of football, so I can say that right off the bat. We're not laughing and joking there because it's pre-season. A lot of people say that was a good, I don't know what word to use, they say it was a good training game. No chance. We want to win. So they'll be told that.” He was keen to highlight the demands he is placing on his players to improve fitness and maintain an aggressive pressing style. “We train every day. So we'll be back out there training tomorrow, and we'll prepare for the game. And again, we go there to Kaiserslautern, a good team, but we're going to compete. And that's the mantra that I've kind of told the players. We're going over to Germany, not for exercises or practice games. We're going over there to put a statement down of how we compete.” On the support from the travelling fans, Paterson was full of praise. “Yeah, it's quite evident, probably louder than the home crowd, which is great. And again, I know what football club I'm coming to. They back us and follow us across the country, across the world. And that's why the responsibility I carry is high. But it is nice, especially with it being the time of the year, to see so many travel, clap the players. They see them running at the end. They know that it's a full-time job and the players aren't just playing 30 minutes and having a nice bath. They're out there running and trying to get better.” Next up for Paterson’s side is another tough test against Kaiserslautern, with the new boss determined to keep pushing standards. “Again, displeased we're losing. No problem saying that, but pleased with the character and the signs that I'm showing, but we need to ramp it up now. And another tough test against Kaiserslautern on Saturday. And it's good, it's good that we're playing against opposition that are at higher levels than us.” Paterson isn’t messing around when it comes to pre-season! He’s set some clear goals and has high expectations, making it clear that this isn’t just a laid-back holiday vibe. Notts fans are really hoping this tough approach will pay off when the new season kicks off. Pride of Nottingham member, Ash, has asked the community if they would like to James Sanderson complete within the first team this season, share your thoughts! 🙏🏻 Read about Notts County fan Kimbo's fight with cancer and how she is staying positive despite the ongoing battle with the illness, and how you can help.

Notts County has strengthened their defense by bringing in Sonny Aljofree, a centre-back from Manchester United, on loan for the season. Aljofree, who's just 20, is getting a lot of praise at Old Trafford. He’s even been the captain for both the Under-18s and Under-23s teams. Last season, he really made a name for himself with Accrington Stanley. He played 27 games and even scored three goals. Because of how well he played, he snagged two Man of the Match awards while he was at the Wham Stadium. Director of Football Roberto Gagliardi believes Notts have pulled off a real coup by bringing Aljofree to Meadow Lane, beating off competition from several League One clubs in the process. “Sonny has all the traits of a modern-day defender – balancing an aggressive playing style with the ability to distribute the ball from the back,” said Gagliardi. The young defender has demonstrated his versatility across the back line, operating mainly in a back four for United’s youth teams but also showing his adaptability on the right of a back three during his stint with Accrington. “He’s capable of playing anywhere across the defensive line, mainly being deployed in a back four for Manchester United but often on the right of a back three during his impressive loan at Accrington,” Gagliardi added. Born into a football family, his father, Hasney Aljofree, played for Plymouth Argyle, among others. Sonny comes with a strong pedigree and has already shown signs of leadership, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed at Carrington. “Sonny’s maturity is reflected in the leadership roles he’s been given and the high esteem he’s held by United. Combined with the fact he’s the son of former Plymouth defender, Hasney Aljofree, he has a very strong footballing pedigree,” Gagliardi said. Aljofree was on the Manchester United team that won the FA Youth Cup in 2022. He can also play for Singapore's national team if he gets the chance. As Notts gear up for the new campaign, fans will be hoping Aljofree’s arrival adds depth and steel to the back line as the club looks to build on last season’s progress. “We faced strong competition from a number of League One clubs to sign him, and we look forward to supporting his continued development,” Gagliardi concluded. Join in with the Pride of Nottingham by sharing your thoughts on the 20-year-old defender, Sonny Aljofree, who has signed on a season-long loan from Manchester United. Piedestrian posts about "The Grant Paradox"; what do you think of Conor Grant, and how can Martin Paterson get the most out of his talent?

Kim Walster, or Kimbo as most people know her, was born on 21st June. She’s always been full of energy, stubborn in the best way, and completely dedicated to the things she loves. One of those things has always been Notts County. Over the years, she’s done everything from fundraising to painting the seats at Meadow Lane. Now she’s up against something way harder than any away game or team problem, cancer. After going through treatment in 2023, Kim had ten months where things looked hopeful. But in May, she was given the news no one ever wants to hear. The cancer was back, and this time it had spread to her pelvis, spine, and lungs. Kim grew up in Arnold, the youngest of two. Her brother Daniel, was always nearby, and the two of them spent hours playing football in the field behind their home. Their dad, Tony, worked as a Nottingham City Transport driver, and their mum, Lorraine, worked at Notts County Football Club. Football was a big part of daily life. Kim played for Arnold Girls for eleven years and says it was a brilliant time. She didn’t get on with school, but college helped her get some qualifications and gave her the confidence to do things her way. Notts County has been in Kim’s life as far back as she can remember. She jokes that she supported the club from the moment she was born. At times, she wore the Mr Magpie costume on matchdays, and her dad spent years playing the role of Mrs Magpie. But supporting the club wasn’t just about turning up on Saturdays. When Notts were in real trouble, Kim did everything she could to help. She did some fundraising by walking from Meadow Lane all the way to Mansfield's Field Mill. She took part in three 24-hour football challenges. She painted seats. She worked at the club for over two years alongside her mum. And when her mum went unpaid for months, Kim carried on doing what she could to help them both. She also played in Junior Magpies football with Reg Killick, Alan Higgott, and Iris Smith, and travelled across the country following Notts on Iris’s coach as part of the original supporters club. For Kim, it was more than just following a football team. It was her community and her identity. Despite recent disappointments with the club, she remains committed to supporting Notts County wholeheartedly. Her allegiance remains steadfast despite the changed circumstances. The return of cancer was a devastating blow, but Kim hasn't given up. She intends to commence immunotherapy treatment. The aim is to reduce her discomfort and decelerate the progression of her condition. Also, she has compiled a list of destinations she wishes to travel to while her health permits and the climate is favourable. Her loved ones have united in support, offering assistance where possible. They have also organised a fundraising initiative to financially aid her aspirations. For Kim, it’s about making memories while she can. Sharing moments with the people who matter most. It’s not the end, she says. This marks the beginning of a new chapter. Given her resilience throughout life, everyone is confident she will make the most of every single day ahead.