Chris

I think Ruben Rodrigues playing as a shadow striker/advanced creative midfielder - with a certain level of freedom, would help. In certain games, he goes wide in order to get the ball and that takes him away from where he's most effective. Notts has a good group of players that should make the opposition struggle to mark them. Kyle Wootton, Cal Roberts, Jim O'Brien, Aaron Nemane etc. We need to avoid playing out wide as much as we do, with play coming through the middle at times. The first goal against Yeovil is a good way to cut in, making space and allowing the finisher to take time to place it right.

If Notts were well drilled at this point, I think Tamworth would be quite routine to play. That said, I can see them causing us problems Defensively, Notts need to start strong and have their players under watchful eyes. If we can't win the ball back, just ensure we protect the keeper, block, cover and attack with a real sense of threat. I think the quality is there for Notts to enjoy a good performance.

I think Kyle Cameron's return is a vital factor and, for a short moment I feared we might've lost Ciaran Brennan. Also, despite Yeovil sounding incredibly poor, the positives of the win and clean sheet shouldn't be overlooked. I don't think right now any faults can be had, of course there's room for improvement but the win puts Notts back on track to some extent. Charlie Slater mentioned that our start has been poor, without acknowledging that this is due to the 3 defeats in a row. A bit negative that, in my eyes, after the last 4 games. It's the form which hasn't been great, but after two defeats which we gave to our opponents - I think we need to avoid being too critical at this stage. Ruben Rodrigues sounds like he's on fire right now, was it him Ian Burchnall mentioned 'he's been playing through pain' - re the broken ribs comment? Hopefully, whoever it was, that is not the case. Stockport County will be a test, but if we focus on the right things I am not too concerned.

I'm predicting a 2-1 win, I can see Yeovil leading, and Notts pulling back level near the end of the first half. With the win coming for Notts at the 80th minute mark. Kyle Wootton is due a goal again.

I always feel, Yeovil are a bogey type team for us but in truth this is the type of game I'd be very annoyed to lose. They've been poor at times, but compared to our defending - I know which is worst. A win would be a lift. However, it sounds like Michael Doyle might have been selected. I don't know if this will be a good, or bad thing. People say we need grit, but he's not the most defensive player once tired. If he helps, that's great, but it could just hinder the chances of returning to good form. I'd be more excited to see Kyle Cameron/Connell Rawlinson return.

@Super_Danny_Allsopp I had a difficult time telling who scored the final goal. The way Charlie reacted it was as if we had done it. When he named the player, my heart sunk. I have been told by some Halifax fans that they didn't see anything wrong with the disallowed goal. I don't believe the rumours about Burchnall headbutting the Halifax manager though.

Speechless.... 2-0 up, 10 men down, and somehow we allowed them to score not once, but three goals to take all the points. Defensively, Notts aren't focused enough. Ian Burchnall needs to give the players a kick. That is a let-down to the travelling fans who gave their support. Simply, more effort needs to be made to ensure everybody isn't switching off, everyone is doing their bit defensively - we can accept when the players fight. I didn't hear much of it once Halifax scored, its a shame Palmer's goal was disallowed - that could've given us the edge. 10 minutes added time? Madness, but we have to accept this on face value, the players are at risk of getting Ian Burchnall the sack. I don't think this is far, the players are at fault.

@menzinho looked like his hamstring, but I don't know if you noticed, he was the player running laps after the game whilst Ian Burchnall was giving his post match thoughts. That's a positive sign, although we'll have to wait to find out just how serious it actually is. However, to go from struggling to walk, to running laps isn't something you would do if it was a major issue.

Self-destruction in the biggest sense of the word. Notts started to fall apart after the first 45 minutes, we played into Woking's hand. Frustration built, and then we started to make too many mistakes in areas of the pitch, which led to a team who played very averagely starting to look far more flattering than they deserved. Woking wasn't even good, credit for the win because they pushed for what happened, but they only won because Notts took their eyes off the ball. Whilst I have been saying since the early stages that we have defensive issues which need addressing, others thought it was the wrong area. We just watch, no effort is made to win the ball back, and attempting to block it seems a thing of the past. There's a major lack of finishing up front, nothing which I personally blame Kyle Wootton for, but we simply rely on him to do far too more than he needs to do. Kairo Mitchell isn't any better than Elisha Sam, no signs of him being a player who deserves to start as regularly, and it's clear now this will happen because we have no other adequate options. He works hard at times, but usually when he comes more into it - the game is almost most certainly over. Matt Palmer is too good for us, he didn't do anything wrong, and everything that looked lively came from his range of passing. The Notts midfield doesn't need to be like Woking at all, I hope this is never the case! Ruthlessness can be taught, and encouraged. I think rather than having someone who does what Ruben Rodrigues started to do (mostly due to frustration), Notts simply needs to learn to press and win the ball back. Issues for me is that we can't adapt very well in-game, I think we move in a passive way more than one of which is decisive. I am sure I might get some criticising what I have written, yet it's my opinion, and I believe myself to have a good understanding of football. Of course, I acknowledge that I am not always right, and everyone has a sense of this themselves. It's nothing major, but we went from controlling a game we should've won - as Notts was on top in the first half (despite being disconnected at times). Managing games is something that obviously fails when other teams adapt or try to cause chaos.

Each season I try to give back to the community. Obviously, last season proved difficult, but as I was prepared to sort through all the prints I have made since 2018 - which proved to be a terrible season to start, I thought that there might be fans out there who might appreciate being given one. Whilst some fans collect programmes, I have accumulated various player prints from past seasons, and as a whole I have learned about not overstocking them. Heading into the 2021/22 season, my wife joked about where I planned to put the new stock once I had finished them. I mean, 8 new variants, and others - it does start to consume space. That is where a mass giving of these mostly redundant prints is formulated. However, I wanted fans to be involved. I thought that fans could name a worthy cause, and therefore it would be focused on the gesture of that fan - rather than me simply wanting to get rid of them. I don't personally agree with just throwing things out, as I know full well - that players can make a significant impact on your thoughts even if others don't rate them, or see how kind they can be. I know Matt Tootle is one of these types, that would do anything and everything to help fans. Plus there's the fact that many are actually signed by the players personally, so there's a keep sake element to it. Whilst the majority of prints I am giving away have simply expired in terms of interest from supporters, I have added quite a lot of ones which do have demand. These have fallen into giveaways, plus backing ARLukomski who is on the road to 2k subscribers on his YouTube channel. If you're a fan of Notts County, and haven't subbed yet or enjoy watching passionate fans document their footballing journey please subscribe here. My mission on Saturday is to find the majority, if not all of these worthy nominations, and to just try to make a difference. I firmly believe that small acts of kindness can make a positive impression, so I will do my best to ensure this goes ahead. I am planning on giving some away as prizes, others to random fans I notice. Such as a young supporter in the Kop, who has been waving a Belgium flag at every home game, and has tried to call Elisha Sam over to sign his programme. I have an A4 print of Elisha Sam just for this young fan, so I am hoping to call Sam over myself - get it signed, and then to signal the fan, so Elisha can hand the print over himself. If this can't be done, handing over the print will have a similar effect I imagine, however, if I can encourage Sam to do it - I think that would be a nice interaction for both him and his fan. I aim to follow this up by writing about tomorrow's match, and the reactions. Whilst this might not be the most interesting subject, I think it shows a different side, and one that's not all focused on something often seen. Behind the scenes, I do a lot of good, and I have for over 13 years now - 11 of which is via the Pride of Nottingham.

I'm hoping we play an attacking focused formation, as we would be able to control the game if our passing/tempo was spot on. I agree that Woking will try to be direct, most likely trying to make the most of the corners and set pieces. Jim O'Brien deserves to be given a start, he's worked hard when given a chance. If this is for Ruben Rodrigues or Ed Francis, I am confident we can adapt to give him a chance to influence the play. Otherwise,I wouldn't change much, unless injuries etc determine that it must. I can see the game being quite open.

The key word is rotation, Ruben Rodrigues for me, needs to be dropped to the bench for at least one game. If he's carrying a knock, unfit due to pre-season or just finding it difficult - he hasn't been the same recently at all. I'm not looking for excuses, but putting across my own opinion that some aren't quite playing at their usual standard. It quite possibly could be form, but I think some are struggling due to the reasons I have outlined. Ian Burchnall has done incredibly well to settle the squad, yet he only makes changes when he's forced. Just like Gareth Southgate, he won't move from his usual starting 11 - this has its positives and negatives. Regardless if its tiredness, full on fatigue or poor form, sometimes it's wise to rotate the players struggle. We rely heavily on our more creative players, so it well may be a mix of things. Also, I haven't said its everyone but the point to disagree seems to be including the whole squad? We have a big enough squad to make changes. Burchnall himself said he doesn't want to drop Francis yet for Vincent, who is supposedly ready to return. So, if we continue to play players who are either poor in form or tired, and in need of a little rest - what will be achieved by constantly playing them? As I say, it's good IB isn't dropping people for the sake of it but the odd rotation changes the mix. I personally think Jim O'Brien should be given a start, whilst Cal Roberts suspension means we should see Aaron Nemane. This might be enough to force changes and hopefully a stronger reaction to the recent defeat. I'm also, not suggesting by my fatigue comment that its anything serious. Unlike those that bang on about 'semi pros' as if footballers are shoe horned into a standard just because of their contracts, footballers are footballers at the end of the day- they win, lose and draw regardless of their natural talent or overall ability [this comment is aimed at some on social media.].

Of course, professional players can become fatigued - especially those that cover more ground. Perhaps some aren't fully match fit to begin with? I could be wrong, but Ruben Rodrigues missed most of the pre-season, if not all of it. And, yet people seem to believe he will be fully match fit 8 games into the season? Sometimes rest is needed for any professional athlete. Yes, because this means that humans won't't become tired. Some issues will be simply form of individuals rather than the whole group. Perhaps even pressure? Yet I do think Kyle Wootton, Ruben Rodrigues are two players who look in need of a rest. Wootton is too important though, he's our main striker and this can greatly impact a players form.

I think fatigue is impacting some players, I keep saying it. Those fans who think when people come out with logical replies, only to be met with 'that's an excuse'. Playing week in and week out, fatigue creeps in and form dips. I like how Ian Burchnall has stuck to a steady squad, but the occasional rotation is needed in my opinion.

I'm a bit at a loss with the reaction to losing, people saying 'they're semi pro' and 'we're bigger'. Football isn't plain sailing and I think the majority of fans who realise that supporting Notts has its ups and downs will understand that naturally sometimes you lose. It sounds as if we didn't turn up, and played quite poorly. So far this season I am content in terms of performances, and even now it's early to be throwing tantrums over losing by a single goal. I am surprised I haven't read any comments bashing the loanee goalkeeper or the centre back. As if people can't have bad days, it would seem the whole squad did exactly this. I agree with people who are echoing the need for another striker to chip in with assets. Mitchell isn't the answer, at least I don't think - I see no signs of him being a goalscorer. For those that dislike Sam, at least he can find the back of the net. Losing? It happens, I do believe we'll respond from this, and I just hope the negativity stops. Some Notts fans aren't very patient with things, but It's something that really should be put into perspective.

It's early days, but unlike previous seasons we have something to build on - rather than improve from. Yes, the performances at times could be better, I keep saying this will come in time. What I will add is, how much brighter we look. The football is heaps better compared to previous managers. Ian Burchnall also makes use of changes and tactics in-game, which is refreshing not to wait for the 70th mark for a change. As it is going for a win, instead of defending for a draw [which tended to lead to defeats more than that].

Supposedly, they have some players out injured. For ourselves, it will be interesting to see how we do without Kyle Cameron. I think he will be a miss, as he integrates himself into our attacks very well, and he's robust enough to defensively cope with the opposition. Part of me thinks Ian Burchnall won't start the new lad on loan, I know some might question - well why wouldn't he? But I just feel he will be on the bench, with Adam Chicksen and Richard Brindley partnering Alex Lacey. As for them, I wouldn't think much about whom they have available or which players might be out. Prepare to have a solid game plan, where we are more creative in the centre of the park, instead of the flanks, and it should be a good game.

I have intended to keep this blog updated, although it has fallen wayward - much like a lot of things have. Personally, I can't blame COVID or the lockdown. As I made a promise to myself last time, I felt in this position that I would own my actions, and attempt to move past them. Returning to Meadow Lane has been overwhelming, both in a good and an awkward way. I haven't really enjoyed how busy it has seemed, bar the Tuesday night game against Wealdstone which felt more like I know. At the last home game, on the way out - I felt closed, and I feared I would have a panic attack. On the opposite hand, I have realised just how much support and care I have - from people who I have got to know. When I think back about my personal journey, I feel like I have somewhat lost my way, and although I try to address this at the start of every season. It becomes much like a New Year's resolution. Well, something I try to uphold but ultimately fail to achieve. Before I attend games, I try to remind myself that talking does help, and I realise this. The first few matches I stuck to myself, I didn't communicate much at all - simply because I wanted to slowly integrate myself back into the community at Notts after such a difficult year we have all had. I write none of this for sympathy, I won't be sharing the blog directly at all - but it will be there for people who know me. It's something I also feel I can reflect on, as I pick up emotions rather easily and in the right environment I can identify what I need to do in order to help myself. Being able to attend Meadow Lane, seeing Notts and exchanging conversations has been something I have missed. I like looking around, seeing fans enjoy themselves and something I have noted is just how much people I know have changed or grown up. This season seems to be delivering a very good standard of optimistic, something we should all try to embrace, but I have challenged myself to focus on making whatever difference I can possibly do. I care very much about Notts County. My connection to the club, developed first by my grandfather - is something I want to hand down to my family. If I can, I would like to have a positive impact on others. My aim is to pay back to people who have enabled me to move forward, whilst identifying fans who deserve a form of kindness - which I will do by handing out prints. As I try to re-find my mojo, I will be trying my best to keep on the right path. I realise this isn't much of a blog, but for those who read will see my thoughts etc.

@TheSkipper: Sheffield Wednesday fans seem to rate him, plus I do think our recruitment is a lot focused on the quality side of things - rather than the costs or experience.

If you need an agent, you know where I am. Stunning picture, catching wildlife that many youngsters today may never see in their lifetime, sadly.

It was a poor and difficult start for Notts. The passing game is being pushed to give us confidence on the ball, so that we aren't pressured as much - giving us chance to express our creativity and quality. Yet, against Maidenhead this never really worked. Slow build-ups, leading to quicker play, never allowed us to slow down in order to create many decent chances. It always felt very forced and rushed. Even in the second half, I think we fell victim to allowing the frustration to build up. Yet a win is a win. At the end of the day, I thought many of our players had were just too average. Maidenhead wasn't anything special, bar a couple of players who looked to be very direct. Cal Roberts, Alex Lacey, Ruben Rodrigues and Kyle Wootton all had a poor game in my eyes, yet it wasn't down to a lack of effort. Merely the way we played and approached the game, whilst some allowed the frustration of events to effect their performance.

I don't think Notts was lucky to win, we had a perfectly good goal disallowed at a key stage in the game. Sam Slocombe also kept us in the match, which I don't expect to see him being given the credit for. It's the most demanding role on the pitch, but I think he's showing his experience whereas when Ross Fitzsimons was here - he got defended rather blindly until the later stages of the season. If Fitzsimons was here now, I doubt we'd be doing as well. Yet every keeper makes at least a few mistakes. Defensively, we do need to be better. Slocombe and Kyle Cameron have both said this is an adjustment for Notts, which will take time, but the signs are positive. Wealdstone gave us a good game, They started off sluggish, but defensively I always felt they were poor in this department. Going forward, they played a direct game which was opposite to my thoughts on their defence. A better team might have caused more issues, yet in the second half we were on top of the game. The entertainment value was one of the better aspects I've seen in a while, but I still believe there's an unhealthy expectation that Notts should be keeping clean sheets and winning games 5-0, home and away by some fans. This isn't realistic and even the poorer teams in the National League will be able to cause any team issues. It's all down to improving, getting those wins and boosting the confidence within our squad. Cal Roberts could've easily ended the game with far more goals, he got himself into positions where he unselfishly attempted to assist someone else - had he shot and not scored, he'd fall criticism to being selfish. Yet he's alert, bright and eager to do what's best for the team. His free kick was a very close attempt. Kyle Wootton, Ruben Rodrigues, Kyle Cameron all came close to scoring chances which didn't quite work out. That's football. Very few attempts by Wealdstone in the second half had that edge or worry of a goal threat. Despite feeling nervous when they attacked, we hung on and defended well in the dying moments of the game. I think it was a fair match, which both teams took seriously and gave everything - we came out of it deserving the win. Yet I feel Wealdstone proved that they're no pushovers. PS. It's also unlike Weymouth who went 2-0 up, then lost 2-4. I used to argue that winning pretty was better than winning ugly, which most fans seemed to prefer the win however it came - it's happening now, and we want this crisp attractive football where we don't concede. Each game is different, but improvements will be made - yet I think in the National League we must sometimes accept results are the main thing without being overly critical of performances.

need a win to lift morale, I think the chances should come, and we appear to be much better at home. On goal, we seem to be far more creative with our efforts, but this will improve as the fixtures come - Notts are in a very good position right now. Being undefeated and at home, Meadow Lane needs to show its full support. I haven't seen Wealdstone's highlights so far this season, but I assume they'll be similar to last season. They are decent on the ball, able to score and can fight their way back into games, but ultimately have a cagey defence that panics. I don't think their keeper was very good either from what I watched, and I had seen a lot of live games on TV. Hopefully, not much has changed.

Weymouth can score if they control or manage to create changes. The key would be for the Notts midfield to hold the ball, whilst playing at the right tempo - not too slow, not thoughtless rushing. I think the majority of opportunities should fall to Notts, provided we keep the recent standard we have set so far this season. The build-up play needs to make use of the channels, whilst drawing players onto the likes of Kyle Wootton, so that others, i.e. Cal Roberts/Ruben Rodrigues can get on the ball and visa versa. Weymouth for me, are the type of team who will be looking at this fixture and considering a draw would be a good result. No doubt they'll want to win, but a draws much more realistic. I don't think they come anywhere near to the depth we have. The second half should be where the game opens up, as I can see the first half being extremely close. A draw/defeat wouldn't be a good result in my eyes for us, but it comes down to how good Weymouth are and if we can match or beat their efforts. I always reflect on my thoughts based on the whole picture, rather than the result or a single conceded goal.

Despite some mistakes, I'm not going to sit here and type a comment berate anyone. It was a good game, both teams created chances and made the game alive for the most part of the game I think ideally we would've kept Aldershot out, however, they did well at times and the certainly turned the game on its head. The points I've taken away from this is the fact it could've easily ended in defeat or a draw. Notts played with a level confidence and spirit, which saw us created some very good chances which didn't go in. Aldershot continued to cause us headaches with their play, especially when we had to throw literally everyone in the way and Slocombe did superbly to tackle one of their players - after he had the ball kicked out of his hands. Roberts had a good game, first time I've agreed with the Man of the Match so far. Lacey is a joy to watch with his passing, and general defensive work. Taylor did well out-wide and going forward, although he stopped trying to take them on after a while which was disappointing [yet IB might have asked him to avoid it]. O'Brien was back to being average, although this wasn't through a lack of trying. Wootton looks like he will score for fun, given the right chance. Notts will improve further, they won't always keep a clean sheet and no current squad member doesn't give anything less than 100%.