Chris

I thought he was a good manager, especially during games. He knew how to get a side attacking, perhaps defensively it could have been improved but the brand of football always entertained. I actually don't recall why he was sacked, well the "reason" for it. I always felt Shaun Derry should have remained at Notts, but the memories of Moniz are there. The opening game against Stevenage will always be remembered fondly by me. I left thinking we were on the verge of something special, perhaps if he had more time to influence Notts he might have got us back into League One.

I think everyone will want the game to go ahead, Notts doesn't need a postponement right now. The teams in good form and, has put two good displays together. Woking I think should play through the centre of the park, they've got a few tall players that hold the ball well and we just need to be prepared for that. Hopefully the game goes ahead, Notts should do well.

Notts are progressing nicely so far, it's a cup and winning games helps. I feel the main benefit is to the squad rotation, as it gives them game time. I know we tend to field quite a strong squad, but there has been fringe players included. Beating Yeovil might help the players believe we can push on. I'm not sure about the score prediction as of yet, but I think it could be quite open.

I think the first half both teams could have gotten something from the match and, it made a nice change to see Notts do one better by firstly saving a penalty - then scoring themselves. Second half, Notts showed a different class and, I’m over the moon for Enzio. His performance wasn’t brilliant, but his goal meant so much to him. I’m hoping it gives him that lift, so he can grown in confidence. Cal Roberts looked a great player, quick feet and a good turn of pace. He’s very direct which makes a change. I don’t feel any player played badly today, they all worked hard and looked solid as a team. It was like watching a team in promotion form. It shows we can rely on the whole squad but more importantly this team can react well to disappointing results - if everyone is on the same page.

I can see it easily ending up 2-2. Notts to open things up with Kristian Dennis scoring an heart, only for Chesterfield to get back on level terms and then peg us a goal behind. Wes Thomas will grab the equaliser. Hobestly, it can go a mixture of ways but a draw seems most likely in my mind.

Key to a good result against Chesterfield is to fluster their defence, whilst we are well organised at the back. I don't think they can be dismissed due to their position. On their day, they can cause teams trouble and they'll be wanting to win the local derby. I would be a bit annoyed if Notts didn't give good service to the forward line, we seem to be making the likes of Kyle Wootton work harder. This will be my first glimpse of Callum Roberts, I am hoping he will cause some issues. Enzio Boldewijn grabbing a stunning goal, it would ease the pressure on him and, just give the whole place a boost. I think he's due a goal, he just needs to try to keep the ball down and aim for a good place.

2-0 Dagenham & Redbridge take all 3 points. It's a setback which has raised a few concerns, but nothing major. If Notts react well to this, playoffs can still be achieved. I think realistically, it's difficult to expect players to come into games when they haven't had much game time for awhile. Zoumana Bakayogo sounded like he struggled quite a lot, constant comments from Charlie Slater and, Mark Stallard about his poor contributions. Michael Doyle is the hard hitting midfielder that some fans have wanted for awhile, I think he's earned some form of redemption and his red card shouldn't be something that is easily thrown at him. Bakayogo should have been smarter, as Doyle had two options, allow them throw or take the hit. No matter what he did, most likely it would have resulted in a red card. Some people bang on about escape goats, Enzio Boldewijn makes it hard to see how the club can win with him starting. Sam Osborne and Cal Roberts could inject the energy and speed required to respond well, both have a good level of pace and sound much more direct. Perhaps Kristian Dennis faded after some time - it might have been better to start Wes Thomas. It's not a disaster, it could be if we allow it but I think we just need to get on with it. Keep the faith! COYP!!

Half Time: 0-0 Kristian Dennis with a few chances, along with Cal Roberts. Dagenham have had a few chances, nothing really close but one effort could have punished us - had their player made a proper connection. Ross can laugh as much as he likes, had it gone in - I'm sure nobody would be. Better second half needed from Notts.

Today's squad.... Thoughts?

Only changes I would make right now, are to Rose and Enzio. I think the starting lineup only really needs to tweaked here and there, it's a fair point that we did better with a few changes. The fixtures really forced that, however, Ardley should try to solve some of the issues about game time. He's done right by shipping some out on loan but if we are to improve further, you can't play tired bodies, you can't persist out-of-form players are good enough to start ahead of hard workers.

No, I think it will be a good chance for Notts. We've already played them in the cup, so if Neal Ardley learns from that and throws a few surprises I think the game should be better. I think the midfield is always the key, now with the signing of Callum Roberts, it means we can have natural wide players which in turn should give a level of freedom to whoever is in the middle - i.e Michael Doyle and Mitch Rose.

I managed to make the opening game against Eastleigh, it was a good experience. The staff was great, very friendly and the ground itself had a nice charm about it. The pitch looked very good too, I could see a lot of Notts fans were up for the game. It certainly ended up being a wake up call. This reminds me I need to get back on the road. Thank you for writing this @Alexlevy0908,

Right, first and foremost I think the point is very fair - personally I happy with that. First half might has well not taken place, there was little to say about it and most fans told me they felt bored. Second half was better, I think Notts needed to attack the game better. I think Wes Thomas should have stayed one and played as a wide striker, with Nathan Tyson coming on at the other side. I would have played Kyle Wootton up top, and added Kristian Dennis behind him. I would have instructed Tyson and Dennis to drift back to support the midfield, with Enzio Boldewijn and Sam Osborne going off. I just feel we needed to be more attacking minded, Dover looked very iffy and dodgy at the back. The right pressure would have seen them crumble or allow more space for a shot. They organised themselves very well, put bodies behind the ball and did appear to be happy with a point. Personally, I felt they had one or two good chances which a better team would have finished. That's why I am happy with a point. If I supported Dover, I would feel disappointed and frustrated because they looked woeful up top. Yes, Notts defended much better and looked class in this area. Yet Dover still managed to get into areas where they should have shot on target, very poor game.

This blog is personal, as a result, it's not your typical read on Notts County, and I thought that I should warn potential readers before. It's not designed to be or written to be appreciated, understood or to attract comments. It's more a personal approach to how the individual feels if any reads are struggling with depression, anxiety or illness - please do reach out. Support will be out there, so give yourself a little care. I keep meaning to try to find myself, but my head and life, to an extent, provides setbacks. I don’t want this to seem like a sob story, expressing myself through writing has been quite an eye-opener as I can take in how I feel. It’s a slow progressive part of life I guess and, in my nature, I problem stress a little too easily about things which others might be able to dismiss quickly. The biggest sense of finding inner peace comes from working or at times when I am away with my family. I quite like finding a quiet area to reflect on things, especially as the world passes me by. I’m not afraid to open up about my feelings, yet it isn’t the easiest thing to do – I know and, can understand why some would allow it to build inside. I used to do this, and it isn’t constructive. The thing about depression is that it takes over your mind, I wished I could be more strong-willed, but it’s not easy. I spent many years putting on a brave face, and I used to think I hide it quite well – yet at times now I think it’s more obvious. 2019, for personal reasons, I wanted it to be different. I ended up falling into the usual trap – it’s a never-ending circle which goes around. 2020 for me is the year I want to push myself, yet I keep thinking about how I could have supported those I consider close better. My illness tends to take its toll, it’s not just depression, and since learning about it – I would say I have a level of understanding on how to manage it. Coping is a different issue, especially when I am tired. Until recent years, I haven’t felt as sorry for those with back injuries – as pain in this department is a lot worse than feeling it in your knees or hands. I can’t wait for warmer weather, as I have genuinely struggled with the harsh cold that has been here for what feels like forever now. I often joked about “winter is coming”, a quote from the Game of Thrones (I’m sure I didn’t have to explain that) – yet I would rather face White Walkers than to feel how I do some days. The past few weeks, I have been trying to catch up with my to-do-list, and I have to say I feel bad about not being able to get @ARLukomski thumbnails on time. I put a lot of pride in them and, helping people I can. I know he understands too, yet it’s still a disappointment to me. I know I tend towards being harsh on myself, yet I should be able to be more productive when I can – I mean it’s not like I sit back and deliberately forget, but at the same time, it frustrates me because I’m not used to it. The bottom line is, I need to work harder on managing my health. It’s something I have previously enjoyed and, those that know me well enough – will be pleased to know I have spent more time having me time. That said, it still feels strange, and I want to use social media a bit more – yet I never seem to put it as a priority. It doesn’t remotely bother me if nobody responds, it’s just nice to interact when it is possible. DM’s are always open, I try to reply to those as quickly as I can, but I suppose I need time. I do want to re-find my middle ground, improve my health and be a better person. The latter part makes it sound like I’m not a good person, I don’t mean it like that – I know I care about things. There’s also a difference between needing to say something and, wanting to sat it – I could so easily ignore how I feel but I won’t.

It's a good game for Notts to prove their promotion worth, Dover are a decent team but nothing special. If they're allowed space and, time on the ball - I would expect them to do well. They work hard for each other, yet it's a game we should really be winning. I'm hoping for a good attendance, the club really should be trying to get more fans down for the home run we have coming up. I can see Notts winning 2-0, if we play to a way that pins Dover back.

The future must be the focus, it's good to have two brothers who support each other and those around them. I get the impression that they're relaxed about progress, understanding that it takes time and hard work. The clubs been in a state since as long as I have supported Notts - it will take steady hands to change this. Neal Ardley has been backed by them, they worked fast to support him in getting signings and it's just welcoming to see how it's the club being put first. No gimmicks, no false dawns or blame. No getting the fans all excited over nothing, just common sense.

I'm a bit disappointed that it's been postponed, especially due to the fans who had set off. Hopefully, it won't be an issue with backlogging fixtures.

I forgot about this game, I'm a little nervous due to Notts mentioning how they want to get a double win over them. I don't think they're a bad side, just we controlled the previous encounter and ultimately took our chances. I think they'll be harder at home, but our positives in the amazing support we take on the road. Hoping for a win, but I can see it easily finishing 1-1.

I noticed Notts lead, Jake told me the final score. I didn't realise until I checked a DM on Twitter that the game was won in the final minutes. It's games like this which will install a lot of faith in the squad.

It's a very important signing, Notts just needs to keep looking after him and ensure he's up for games. As he's one of those players who naturally thrives with confidence. We as fans will do the rest.

I would have given him a 5-year-deal myself, yet I openly admit this might have been a bit OTT. 2 years is a very sensible option. We need to be ensuring players like Kyle we can move forward and grow together, I don't want to see the Alan Judge situation whereby we don't meet that forward progression every club seeks to make. If we build wisely, sign players who stock we can later sell but replace well - we would have moved forward a lot. It's always disappointing to see a good player leave, especially for free. Likewise, it hurts when we can't capture them as first team signings such as Ryan Yates and Jorge Grant.

It's a good chance to rest some of the normal starting 11, if we can throw in some of the players who might be able to inject life where it's currently lacking - it could help us further. Winning games breeds confidence, progressing to the next round should be a target - as it's still a cup. However, I am not interested in the competition either personally.