Chris

Personally, I think it was just offside. The angle in the image doesn't quite show that the Coventry player's foot was over the line and ahead of the United defenders. However, it's one of those very close calls which I wouldn't want to be the person actually making the decision. The issue with VAR will always be the people who oversee it, those that aren't adequately trained and the way that we have implemented it as a quick fix to poor officiating. Our match officials need to be better trained, as do those who operate the VAR technology, but it should only be used as a last resort. If an incident was missed, if the decision is difficult. I think our officials rely on it far too much, plus players call for VAR checks over every little thing.

The club could do with finding a centre back who is experienced, but at the right age. Ideally someone around 26-27 and have a reputation for being very good at defending. We don't need someone with a lot of pace, provided we retain Aden Baldwin. I have no issues with players coming in from further down the leagues, such as the National League North or South. Good players these days are finding their way down there and are taking what chances they can in order to establish their career further. Ideally, if we have some money in the budget, we would seek to sign a player for a fee. Whilst, we could very well rely on the free agents available. I am a firm believer that paying for the right player, in key positions, gives a much-needed boost because they will want to show their worth within the fee paid. This isn't always the case, but we are quite good at spending money well when looking for transfers. Our issue is within the loan system. Personally, I think it's a bit early for us to be reviewing who could potentially come in because much can change between now and the pre-season. It's an interesting debate, plus there's nothing wrong with tracking players but with managerial changes and signings, this alone opens so many doors.

Just remember that the Football League World are well known for making trashy articles and stories to make people click, just for views and ad revenue. I have a feeling Jim will remain as a coach if the club can work out that agreement, I know he has been working with Sheffield Uniteds setup and whilst they're a much bigger club - I would like to think we offer him security in terms of establishing his coaching career further. Besides, I wouldn't be against seeing him play one more season. He's a far better asset than Michael Doyle and has proven he's still worth a place in the squad. Obviously, it's down to him, but his wages are rumoured to be reasonable, and I think he would be good to still have around the squad. He takes his chances to play, so I don't see why another season would be beyond that. Player/coach would be a great thing for us.

I feel the same way, although I believe this to be very sensible PR and should help to give Stuart Maynard some more support. There had been a growing pressure on social media for the club to address fans concerns, with some believing that the board needed to address what has gone wrong. I think some of this has stemmed from how we started to plummet down the table, however, relegation was never going to be a concern. A lot of fans will only want to know what's what and whilst I don't think the statement was warranted, I am pleased it has been handled in this manner because it shows how well we are taking the club's growth seriously. It's not a short term thing, nor the words of a five-year plan. We are taking each season as a means to improve and address what is going wrong. I think it's made a positive difference, which is all I care about. I understand why some fans might be against Maynard, however, I feel it vital we stand as one. The only way that I would be concerned about him, is if the players had given up completely. Comparing Maynard to Jamie Fullarton based on the win ratio, it just proves how stats can be twisted to fit someone's view point.

I'm starting to think if Notts were able to play with a level of calmness, much of our defensive mistakes would be greatly reduced. It's difficult to put aside that mental pressure you have, from expectations and disappointment over previous mistakes. I am sure all the players from one time or another dwell on a mistake which has proven costly and whilst they're professionals - they are still humans. This is why I don't think fans getting onto the backs of players is fair, especially when it is clear that the player isn't performing underpart due to not caring but because of everything that comes with attempting to be successful. Some players can cope with pressure, others don't. At our level, I think it is perfectly normal that it will have more bearing on their form and ability. Otherwise, I am sure more of our current squad would be competing higher up the Football League. In the short term, it's easy to come up with solutions or notice things which are causing problems, but it's only in hindsight that things can become a lot clearer. Reflecting on how woeful we have been at times, for me is the way that our passing back tends to put the pressure on yourself even when we are retaining the ball well. The reliance we have on passing the ball back, needs to sometimes come at the cost of attempting to be creative going forward. I have seen a noticeable increase in defending, from players who it might not come so naturally too. Such as Jodi Jones, who did very well at times against Walsall and some of the times he cut them out, it stopped them from breaking at us. We have players who can pick the ball back up and win it, another player who has been fairly criticised is John Bostock. Again, I thought he did his role superbly against Walsall and since returning to the team, he does seem to have that spark back. Perhaps he was just jaded from playing so much, that his performances weren't to the level we have become to know, but it is good to see him doing well. When one or two players perform beneath their ability, it will create problems and that's why next season I hope we can balance the squad out better. Build a team where we have depth in case of injuries and ability that is ready to be called upon when needed. Given the time, this is ideally where some of our own youngsters would fall into the category as a way to get them first team experience and further minutes under their belt. The percentage stat of how we enjoy so much possession is a good thing, but we must learn to use this to our advantage. Teams get frustrated when they can't get the ball, whilst we need to avoid injuries, we do need to be a little braver that some challenges may result in the officials giving cards. This is just common sense that teams avoid losing players due to suspension, but we never really take advantage of it. Be calm at the back; this will allow the creative players within our team to do their jobs without worries of what they lose the ball. In turn, it would create a more winning mentality, whilst I think one or two players in the defensive department would make a difference. We don't have a bad squad and hopefully, now the players are showing signs to adapting to Stuart Maynard we will continue to see these improvements on the field.

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.

On the way to Walsall, Cal was watching the Newcastle vs Spurs game and when people say only we make howlers. The first two goals actually took some beating considering the level. Aidan Baldwin will be glad to see the first goal.

I'm very pleased for them; it sounds like everything is starting to go in place and with them starting up from scratch it is far more rewarding to see. The pathway into the women's game is a lot easier in the women's game, there's less pressure and more eagerness to see young players given the time to flourish which is a good way to make use of your own home-grown talent.

I'm pleased for the pair, they do deserve to be named in the team of the season. It was great to see them representing Notts, plus seeing Jodi Jones hug Stuart Maynard before he went up to collect his Player of the Season award.

@Robbie I missed that, but it will go down with the resurfacing of the pitch that they do. Postponed games are actually very costly to teams, as stewards etc still have to be paid for their time. Re-arranged, it stretches that cost - so it's good the clubs are putting this in place. In the future, or maybe even at the same time. They should re-think the drainage at the side of the pitches as under rain (not even heavy at times) it starts to gather little ponds. It's even worse when it's heavy, as they turn into lakes.

Oh for sure, but my point is "No subject off limits" - it's hype. Any difficult questions will either be ignored, or will naturally get the politician's type response which most likely will avoid the question by talking about something else. I do think it's great, but if anyone has been involved with a football club then you will know some subjects are quite safeguarded. That's natural, and with any question we might see unsatisfactory answers given but if someone asks a good question, it should be treated with openness and honesty. I thought Notts did well last season when they embraced the fans and were very open, but unfortunately there have been times this season when it's fallen short. When players could have been interviewed and put a message across about staying behind them. I don't understand why people complain the players don't tweet after games, but it's perfectly fine to avoid post-match interviews when we lose or draw (none are ever done when we lose). Joe Palmer and Richard Montague have the ability to keep this in motion, with good faith and understanding - which would go down extremely well if they answered difficult questions in a straight forward manner. No diversion etc...

I love the Magpie Circle and Paul Mace does a fantastic job, but he won't get some fans questions answered to their liking and that's just business for you. Football is no different, so I don't think it will be as eye-opening as the status would lead you to believe. I am sure it will still be very interesting to listen too.

Notts is looking at ways which bring in revenue, whilst making ground improvements. If there's a profit and income to be made, which gives a boost to our supporters base, then it's only a good thing. Additional ways to bring in revenue is very important, so I commend the board for exploring and sticking to these changes. It goes to show just how wisely money can be spent when it's looked at carefully and not used as a means to inflate your ego, aka Alan Hardy or a distraction to temporarily fill the lack with adequate wallpapering like others who shall not be named. Of course, this is just my opinion, but I am sure many others within our camp would agree. The pitch will probably be re-laid but other than that, there's little to do to improve it. Our ground staff do an amazing job, Bradford City could learn a thing or two from them. We've been spoiled by our owners, which is part of the reason I feel annoyed and disappointed when some fans make silly comments about them not putting money in or silly things like that. I doubt any of the funds used for these schemes comes at a cost to our playing budget and when it does, I am sure the squad comes first and foremost because that will bring in the most revenue by doing well.

I'm very pleased for him, but it shows that goals get you noticed and it sort of overlooks other people who might have contributed more. However, I don't mean for this to take anything from him, he's been in great scoring form and has chipped in around the pitch. My points are more aimed at those who decide and overlook others, but it's exactly the same if you assist. I will end by saying Jatta has dynamically changed our front line and deserves much praise, especially to start ahead of McGoldrick.

I throw my hat, well thoughts into wishing @Piethagoram all the best. I think he knows where I am and that I care, sometimes people think I care only about PON and that's very much far from the truth. It's easier to feel more like myself here, than on social media where sometimes you have unpleasant people reading into everything you say or write. Take care of yourself Piethagoram, just know we are here.