Chris

I think it shown how the players haven’t had long to train together, they looked very flaky and at times very unsure defensively. Straight from the off I could see the weak areas, Oxlade-Chamberlain really didn’t have a good game. Michael Doyle played poor, he’s a lot like Richard Duffy with how he whines and complains about things - yet fails to get stuck in. I’m not impressed, it’s made worse by his sending off. For me, Notts wasn’t creative enough. At times the play was decent, yet someone would always rush things. It shows what this league is all about, yet I’m not overly disappointed. Eastleigh played a smart game, they knew when to break our attacks and how to punish Notts. They could have been 3 up at least, so losing by a single goal shows that if lessons Steve learnt here and the players apply themselves better, results can come. The first few fixtures are games whereby clubs feel each other out, start to get full fitness in the squad and establish a regular starting 11. This would help massively, yet creatively it should be better.

I don't think Matt Tootle will be back, he's expected to be okay for Tuesday night though. Overall I quite like the look of the lineup mentioned above my post, I think the pace would be there and Turner must start.

I honestly don't know what to expect, later I aim to watch how Eastleigh has played over the past couple of years and this past pre-season. The game will probably start off slow, I think Notts should be mindful of going straight at them, but I would hope we could try to space things out early on. Get a real feel for the opposition, of course an early goal would ease things, but the game won't be that easy. The loss of Kristian Dennis and Matt Tootle will be a blow, fingers crossed Nathan Tyson is signed in time. Remaye Campbell could be close to starting. Bring on Eastleigh! #COYP

Honestly, it took me a while to accept the massive drop, but I am actually eager to get back on the road. Some of the fixtures will be decent, I'm just not looking forward to seeing Meadow Lane less buzing.

Kane Hemmings did well considering we pushed him out wide and failed to partner him with someone, I think provided he stays scoring won't be an issue as in the National League we should have people who can chip in - I honestly feel Tom Crawford will come good and be one of those players who adds to the goal tally for the club. There needs to be some brute force in defence, yet Notts needs to find two very good centre backs that can form a good partnership. Hoof it when needed, yet bring it down and pass with confidence when possible. Very good write up @George.

My very first season was whilst Mick managed Notts, I recall my grandfather being unhappy that we had sacked the manager before him (Neil Warnock) and I believe we was somewhere like 4th in the old First Division (now the Championship). I was too young to realise that we had been relegated before that from the top flight and narrowly missed out on being a part of the first Premier League season (Oldham and Swindon made it though). I recall the football though, it was pretty entertaining and the squad Notts had worked well together. I'm not sure why we let Mick go TBH, again too young at the time.

Pierce Bird will be a key player if he's given a chance next season, we need to sign an experienced centre back to assist him and it's a shame Mike Edwards isn't younger (as I believe that's the type of player who'd help). Will Patching and Tom Crawford must be given a chance, Crawford especially since he's stood out at the National League level. There's no point having passengers, these are the signings Notts must avoid so it will be interesting to see who Neal Ardley will choose to give his backing.

Good views, thanks @liampie. I would keep Neal Ardley myself, I think Mel is absolutely right about stability. Its key for success and I think there's more chance of establishing ourselves as a good National League team within our first season with him at the helm. We don't need another season where the manager is guessing who to play.

Good luck to Jon, I know there's talk of him retiring, but I have also heard he might stay on for another year and join a League Two team. I suspect he'll hang his boots up, as this falls into what he's mentioned. He came across as quite grumpy and somewhat rude towards the end of his time at Notts, before that always a standout as one of the best to engage with fans. I'm happy with the retained list, however, it would have been nice to hang on to Jim O'Brien - he gave his all for Notts. That standard needs to be met by any new signings next season.