Chris

I've had three really, really good teachers. Mr Jackson (yr 6), Mr Sheriff and Mr Thomas (senior school). I owe a lot to Mr Jackson; he taught me to read, write, tell the time, and do maths. In year six, I caught up with most of my classmates, whereas prior to moving schools I struggled and the teachers just never bothered with me. Mr Sheriff, I actually tracked it down on Facebook. He's a Lincoln City fan, and used to joke about them to me since he knew i supported Notts. Then Lincoln wasn't really a good team, nor were we, but at least we had our history. They've done well to turn what I would consider to be a small club into what they are now. It's very saddening with the passing of Patrick Stewart, but he did send a very important message. Good teachers don't earn enough in my eyes, but what makes them exceptional isn't the money they get paid but finding a common ground to inspire those they teach. Mr Thomas wasn't the best teacher; his subject was history, but he was funny. He was chilled, and more importantly he did remind us that history is a more important subject than we would give it credit for. I loved history, so for me it was one of my favourite subjects, but any other teacher would have found the class difficult to deal with.

Jacob Bedeau from the games I have seen up to October, hadn't done enough and had many very poor games to the point where I felt he would be dropped. I had mentioned his errors, but did notice people saying he isn't good enough afterward. I think he's certainly good enough for this level, but his game has changed this season and he's been less attack-minded than in League Two. Ollie Cooper and Nick Tsaroulla have been absolute class. Lucas Ness has also grown into the role and does deserve to be in the running based on his performances so far. Cal Roberts, for me, has proven he's just a talented footballer, but I am not surprised that we allowed Jodi Jones to go (well, I was at the time but solely due to the circumstances), as I said at the time we signed him; both would have been a luxury, but I believe we have kept the right player. I would have loved to see Jodi remain, but having two wingers with their injury records seemed a risk to me. Cal has proven to me that he's much stronger, and has made a good start to this season for us. Against some teams, he has been by far our best player. Roberts, Ness and Cooper for me are in the main running, with Tsaroulla not far behind. Best signing for me has to be Rory Finneran even if it is a loan signing, which may surprise people based on my comments about Roberts, but Rory Finneran looks like a real gem on the way up.

I suggested this to Cheeky when pre-warnings came up about the super El Niño, that we stocked up and made sure we were prepared during our family’s break as nobody can predict what it's going to be like. I don't want to get political, but with Russia and its rebuilding military, we do need to be prepared. We are quite well stocked, but I wish things would just suddenly become “good” again. I'm still feeling rough, but I finished some projects, which gives me more spare time. I wished I could shake off this bug, because I would like to be able to spend more time with Super. Although last week I did visit him for three days in a row, I wished it were for better reasons than wanting to spend time together. Still no news on the fire front; having spoken to an electrician friend, he suggested maybe looking for a new one. We're still looking to get it serviced, but it seems nobody wants to work on them, and it's likely got a fault anyway. We need to ensure it's resolved before the cold really sets in. I provided Super with a brief update on everyone and had a good laugh. I wished he could see how much everyone cares, because he still plays it down.

I think we are doing just fine; obviously we had a high spell and then a low due to a run of defeats, but it just shows how anyone at this level can win on the day. Only a few teams we have played looked too strong for us, Huddersfield being the very best for me. We have had some setbacks with losing key players, and those coming in will always need time to adapt or settle. The recruitment, I think, has done a good job of bridging the gap between being competitive at this level and being able to cope when teams truly have us under the cosh. I do agree that it is likely we will see movement in the outgoings come January, but I would hope Notts doesn't do anything too extreme. Defensively, I have noticed improvements, but we need to avoid forcing players into certain roles just to fit in a returning player. Lucas Ness, for me, should be the main central defender. He's shown a true level of class and growth in his own ability, becoming a key figure and putting Rod McDoanld into the middle from what i have seen wasn't a smart decisin. While I haven't seen a game for a while, I am pleased with the comments about Jacob Bedeau improvement. He's clearly a thinker and someone who focuses a lot on the performance as it unfolds, and I think sometimes this can be his downfall. Maybe some of his weaker games have been down to his own pressure? There aren’t many players I wouldn't be happy to consider starting, and I think a January move for a striker who can poach and make a real nuisance of himself would make a real difference. It might be pressure from others, as I think when we have been poor it largely comes from the absence of this position. Rotation can be useful, but when injuries hit our attacking area we do become lost. There are actually more positive signs I feel, as Notts can clearly compete with teams, and if the right decisions are made in-game there is always the chance of a win or draw against the very best. I am hopeful we can recruit another goalkeeper; I love James Belshaw but at times he is responsible for points being dropped. I am not singling Belshaw out because I want him replaced; I just feel real competition will bring the best out of him. If there's a game where a keeper could make a difference, at least we have that option. I want to note that there are also times Belshaw has saved us, so I am not suggesting he isn’t good enough. But there's only so much time he will be at his best, and I think sometimes against times it already does show. He's a true professional and fan favourite but we must look at where we can become stronger in order to improve.

Seen some outrage about the fixture, but I assume it's because we also have international players on duty? It's not worth crying about, really. It just presents Bromley with a reason to beat us if we grumble. I would rather us have the best players that aren't injured availible to us, they don't really intimidate or worry me. They had a brief good spell and then fell back down, ironically during the time we dropped off.

I don't care who or where we play; I just look forward to a real competitive cup run. I always feel disappointed when we exit early; we used to have that grit to go further in the rounds, and the money’s good, especially at the stages where a big club may come to Meadow Lane. The League Cup, I care little about and understand that fans would rather focus on consolidating our League One status, but sod it. We have a good squad, highly capable of competing in this league, provided we work hard, support the lads as fans, and avoid weakening ourselves. A cup run could be a great chance to bring fringe players into the first-team harmony.

Yesterday, I rushed round to my dad's as I had planned to go, but he said that his fire wouldn't turn on. He said that he felt cold, so I went round and, unfortunately, it looks like he needs it serviced. Due to it being electric, Cheeky is experiencing issues locating someone who can do this. In the meantime, I rushed back home between popping to the shop for Super so that I could bring back a portable radiator to heat his room. I had forgotten all about the prediction league, but I felt pleased when Kate said that Dad had remembered. Last season, he was constantly reminding me, please repeat this @super_ram. ❤️ Once sorted, we waited for a nearby chippy to deliver us some food. I am very sorry; I still haven't felt great or had much free time. I know people care about us, especially the false county fan who supports us more than the Rams. I just wanted to update you all: happy Halloween, everyone! I hope Super has taken his mask off by now; wearing one of his fleece hoodies, he looks like a traitor. 😂

Last season I was encouraged by this game; it's something I have missed, but since promotion I think it's become overhyped. Notts have the chance to prove they have learned something from previous encounters, and in the years we haven't played them. Mansfield are a good side, tough but not unbeatable. Usually, they win either because we don't turn up or don't want the win enough. I don't care about political correctness; it's a game we should be winning, even if we are considered the underdogs. That said, games like this are what you would class as taking the point and moving on to other sides. We were playing them, which means little. Our form has improved from what had fans scared that relegation was looming; it's a long season, but a good performance here could be our making. I just hope since we are the visitors, we end up taking all the treats.

Bolton Wanderers 2-0 Bristol City West Ham United 1-1 West Bromwich Albion Wigan Athletic 3-1 Bromley Joker Wycombe Wanderers 0-1 Burton Albion Fleetwood Town 0-0 Bristol Rovers Shrewsbury Town 0-2 Gillingham Barrow 1-0 Eastleigh Tamworth 0-1 Woking

Just checking in as I go over some of the bugs that have crept in. I had a wonderful week away at Skegness with my family; we loved every minute that gave us some much-needed quality time with Super. We came back on Sunday, earlier than normal because the weather was quite rainy and the wind was strong. It wasn't fair to Super to hang around longer, just for him to get cold even though I am sure he would have liked to stay longer. It just made more sense to come back. I'm not glossing over the previous exchange, and I will find time to properly read them all. Since coming back, I have been struck with phlegm and flu-type symptoms. It's making me feel quite down, as I would like to go and see Super to check in on him.

Lincoln 0-1 Burnley QPR 2-1 Swansea Blackpool 1-0 Mansfield Bromley 1-3 Peterborough Joker Chesterfield 2-0 Crewe Rochdale 0-0 Accrington Southend 2-0 Halifax Yeovil 1-1 Altrincham

It shows the level of determination by the French league to penalise Bordeaux to a standard some leagues are afraid of. I highly doubt Manchester City will face such sanctions or punishment; they will most likely be docked points and given a transfer ban. All the excuses that they have generated money for the country, etc. They need to be treated more severely than the French have in this case.

@Fan of Big Tone: I hope it recovers quickly; I often sprain mine while I sleep, but it's better than dislocating them, believe me. Still, it’s unpleasant when your wrists nag you while you are trying to do things. It feels like a while since I have communicated here, though I am trying to find the time. Things are okay, and I am hoping to have a wonderful week with Super and my family. I am looking forward to the time together, but at the same time I keep reminding myself to make the most of it. In other news, I have been picking up some small custom work, which again takes me away from here, but it helps to keep the site up.

Do you usually do anything for Halloween? Do you give out sweets to local children who come knocking at your door? Do you enjoy watching horror films at this time of year? Halloween is a time of the year I actually enjoy, and, whilst I used to be against trick-or-treating, I do feel that it brings a sense of community. A lot of the children these days are thankful and polite, whereas in my generation it was quite rough and I don't think it was appreciated like it is now. I look forward to watching spooky and creepy films, and we always tend to watch Hocus Pocus as it's a family favourite. What about you? Don't be put off sharing if you feel like a grinch; all perspectives are interesting to see.

Thanks, @Piethagoram. I'm keeping tabs on him; he's a promising talent who has looked good for us when given chance.

Imagine scoring a very "gifted" goal and then running to the opposition crowd, who are the home team, and starting arrogantly with silent gestures, cupping your ears and blowing them kisses. Mark Harris came across as very immature, and one of the worst attitudes from visiting players I have ever seen. It wasn't even a good goal, so that allowance can't buy him any excuses. That said, Oxford United are clearly a good team. I knew they would hit us on the counter and look to use their pace. From Notts' standpoint, we displayed defensive incapability and a certain awkwardness. Jacob Bedeau is at a stage where I would consider dropping him; Rod McDonald can be forgiven somewhat due to his return from a lengthy injury, but even he was extremely poor. Why didn't we switch Lucas Ness into the middle, take off McDonald or Bedeau in favour of putting James Gibbons in the centre as I don't think at this level wider suits him, but he's a good defender. Ishé Samuels-Smith looked like a Sunday league footballer for most of the first half; the left and centre of our defence really weakened and disconnected us from having any real threat going forward. Cal Roberts deserves so much praise for trying to calm the play and for taking on Oxford, well knowing he was going to get clattered because nobody else was looking over their shoulders or where the space opened up. The substitutes helped, though I think persisting until the first half without addressing the back caused the real problems. I understand what Martin Paterson was trying to do; he wanted to give others a chance to come in while protecting those who had been given international caps, but it was the wrong opposition and a very bad call. They are clearly a good side, with a very capable Championship-level squad, and it just made Notts look as if they hadn't trained with each other at all in the first 45 minutes. Conor Grant, for all he tried, just showed why some fans don't think he's good enough. It wasn't his best game, and in hindsight we might have been better off giving Daniel Kanu a strike partner or a closer shadow striker, maybe even Cal Roberts. That said, some fans need to remember we are establishing ourselves and that mistakes like this will be learned from. If we started stronger, a real game could have been had, but unfortunately, Oxford were just way better than Notts.

Blackburn Rovers 2-0 Cardiff City Middlesbrough 0-1 Wolves Joker Huddersfield Town 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday Wycombe Wanderers 0-1 Luton Town Bristol Rovers 1-0 Barnet Cheltenham Town 1-3 Salford City Hornchurch 0-0 Eastleigh Tamworth 0-1 Barrow

I noticed someone had posted on Facebook that Nick Tsaroulla had created an assist for Cyprus; it's great to see him getting selected, and it's a good thing for his development. Playing on the international stage is great experience, even at 27. Pleased to see our other internationals being given a run out too.

Burton Albion 0-3 Huddersfield Town Joker Leyton Orient 1-1 Plymouth Argyle Crewe Alexandra 1-0 Bristol Rovers Gillingham 2-0 Newport County Rochdale 1-2 Swindon Town Eastleigh 0-1 Woking Hartlepool United 2-0 Tamworth Kidderminster Harriers 1-1 Sutton United

Sorry, I hadn't been well the previous week. I feel even more stressed because I almost always have stomach cramps, and the changes to my medication have helped in some regards but not in others. I have a medical appointment at QMC, which hopefully will improve the pain management in the treatment I am receiving. I love reading these discussions, and I hate that I missed Mr D Pie's better half's birthday (belated Birthday wishes). All the updates Tone shared, NottsNutter getting more involved, which is awesome! Piethagoram travels, and of course Mr Dangerous Sausage... The North Remembers Mr @StarkMallard!!!

Unlike Ian Burchnall, I think it would be a huge shame if Luke Williams didn't see this as a sign that he could do wonders if he had longer in charge of a club. I don't think this is likely to happen all that high up the English pyramid, Peterborough United, after Swansea City was almost a golden opportunity for him. Going into coaching again would be a significant sign of accepting that he's not ready for management. I think we could all agree that Williams does have managerial material in him, whereas Burchnall seems like an exceptional coach and nothing more. At least this is how I would compare the two, even Stuart Maynard has managerial qualities and York City did him dirty after he got them back into the English Football League.

Cambridge United 2-0 AFC Wimbledon Wycombe Wanderers 0-1 Reading Fleetwood Town 1-2 Rochdale Rotherham United 3-1 Crewe Alexandra Joker Shrewsbury Town 1-0 Colchester United Altrincham 0-0 Hornchurch Scunthorpe United 2-1 Hartlepool United Sutton United 0-1 Florist Green Rovers

Trevor Christie, Ian McParland and Don Mason would be all calls from my perspective. Unrelated, but on topic I think it's always best to introduce people into the HoF when they are living. Some tend to do it too late, and Notts could make it a more seasonal ceremony like WWE does. I am sure that, for a modest price, fans would come, but the club would need to always make sure they induct people near the end of every season. They could tie it in with the seasonal awards and create a good feel factor around the supporters' base.

He should have done better with them, in all fairness; it's a difficult league, but they have some very good players. I think Luke Williams should try to find a good League Two or National League team to rebuild and improve with; he's not quite ready for this level, and I think it shows just how capable Notts are when it comes to making life easier for managers.

It could have easily broken his leg, if not worse, so thankfully it didn't do anything. It's a similar incident, but on a much larger scale than the Just Eat delivery robot that ran over a harmless man who seemed drunk and tried to fight it. I can't find the video, but if I come across it, I will add it.