Chris

Having Will Jarvis fired up like he played against Crewe is very much deserving of the Man of the Match. I am hoping we can get that drive and forward-thinking from him on a consistent basis as he settles in more.

I probably won't have the time to watch the game live, but I will try to keep an eye on the score. @super_ram: fingers crossed the stand for your new TV will be set up in time for the game, as I know you will be watching. I expect updates from everyone who manages to watch the game. 😇

I know members and subscribers understand, but I had to take another step back just to get to grips with the downside to my health. I will be making every effort to crack on, and whilst I know nobody has asked for any explanations, I do feel bad about being inconsistent. I would like to thank all who subscribe and donate because it takes a huge amount of pressure off funding the site. Speaking openly, the amount in costs can be concerning with the cost of living, and everyone trying to get by with such silly prices for electricity, gas, and food. I do not take for granted the amazing support, not one bit.

@super_ram told me, but I find it hard to just watch England unless it's a major tournament. The Nations League isn't something I find all that interesting, though the backward passing is just an element of the modern game. Good win for England, but these types of games are more about introducing fringe and upcoming stars to the national team's setup in my eyes (which I support).

For me, fighters like George Foreman, Muhammad Ali, and Mike Tyson are what's missing from modern-day boxing. People like Tyson Fury would never have been able to manage any of those three, and that's what is missed. Due to the standard these days, it's rare for me to get excited about boxing in general, but I can certainly appreciate those fighters before. When I am in the mood, I do enjoy watching boxing documentaries and past fights on YouTube. It really shows the decline in the sport, where these days it's all about hyping the fight and the money, instead of a good fight itself. George Foreman will always be remembered for the great boxer he was and for his ability to sell grills faster than Hulk Hogan. My thoughts are with the Foreman family and his friends. Rest in peace, George Foreman.

You can see what David McGoldrick brings, and exactly what we have missed during his absence, but for me Nick Tsaroulla deserves my vote for all of his contributions to the game. He did very well, and took on players to open up chances. Great to have McGoldrick back, but Tsaroulla gets my vote.

I caught COVID twice; it wasn't very nice. It impacted my breathing and I had to use my inhaler again. Something I haven't done since I was about 13 or 14. For a period I was waking up in the middle of the night, being unable to breathe, which was later classified as 'long-term COVID'. It was horrible, and I felt terrible for those I know who got it. Two weeks doesn't sound all that bad to recover, but the chills and sweats, combined with tiredness and all the other nasty symptoms, I can understand why some were very cautious. It didn't help insisting that children still had to go to school; this helped the spread, and there is not much some youngsters can do. They lack the preparation and maturity to deal with this sort of thing. The worst thing that made COVID scary was that you didn't know what underlying conditions could cause more problems, and I know people who seemed healthy but passed away due to catching COVID. One of which was in their early 20s and a Notts fan. @Robbie: I am glad you avoided it.

I never felt I would live through something like COVID; it was a strange time. All the conspiracies got on my nerves, and I remember hating lockdown. The struggle to make sure you had food, etc, due to the demands created by the limits. I had a lot of discussions with supermarkets about getting Granny Pie and @super_ram theirs, as I worried that it would put them at risk. It's not like my dad could just leave my mum alone while he fetched a large amount of shopping, nor did I think he would manage. @cheeky~k8, and I basically made sure to check if anything was needed. During the period when you were told to isolate, we didn't have a lot of interaction with them at first, but we would make sure to nip by with essentials. I remember going to Asda in Hyson Green/Radford, and seeing people with shopping trolleys filled with water and toilet roll. Some of the fighting I witnessed shocked me; it showed how brain-dead and selfish some people were. I also remember some local shops increasing their prices as a means to profit at the expense of those who might need them. These places I will never support by shopping in; I would rather walk further and support one that did not. Going back to the memories of shopping, I thought to put my parents on the priority list for deliveries and, to be fair, Sainsbury's was the first to agree. ASDA and Tesco were very painful to deal with, as we spent most days constantly on the telephone. I also took to social media to highlight how my mum was bed-bound, and how my dad looked after her 24/7. Eventually, we got Tesco to agree, but they are a nightmare to deal with. Asda wasn't so bad, but there were still issues. The positive aspect of the situation was ensuring they got food delivered to them, and I think those who handled deliveries were unsung heroes during the pandemic. Whilst I hated having to queue in line with people, I got a sense of reality from going out. I also hated the period where @cheeky~k8 did all of the shopping, and refused to allow me to help because I was struggling with hEDS (hypermobile and dislocating joints). Looking back, I am amazed how poor common sense was amongst most people and all the selfishness. When the restrictions weren't so tight, and you would witness people sneezing/coughing without consideration for anyone else. Leaving used tissues on bus seats is both inconsiderate and thoughtless. Whilst mostly negative, I did feel it brought my family and some friends closer, for which I was very thankful, for that too, as it was a good distraction.

It's the first time I have seen Ilkeston Town's new crest, and whilst I am pleased they have got rid of the one which looked like it was Bristol City's. Their new one looks overdesigned at the cost of simplicity. some might like it, but I don't. It's a good thought to include the mining, but there is so much going on. I would also suggest eliminating the outer shape. The inner crest would otherwise look a lot better on its own, but it's nice to see it back.

I get the reasoning behind the thoughts shared, but Matt Palmer is creative, and the only downside to his game, to me, is the lack of goals from him. Not all midfielders will be goalscorers, but he does everything we would want in a midfielder, and he does that well. I do think he's more overlooked because he is more consistently involved in scoring, but he does make passes which open up the play. A lot of the threaded passes which put someone else through to create an assist come from his forward thinking, so I think this is an element in him not being considered so much as Man of the Match material. Yet he's usually among my candidates; it's just that I think we rely more on players in different ways, and he's someone who contributes defensively and in attack. Whereas some other players tend to be more attacking-minded, a fair comparison to me would be just how involved Jacob Bedeau is when attacking. He does both well, yet his overlapping ability and means of getting forward are part of his exceptional game. Palmer is used more as a player to transition play, to switch things up, and he commands the pace of play. Rather than being energetic, I think we know how important he is to our squad.

The council has had money to extend the lines, but keeps cancelling them, and I find it very annoying. Every time there is talk about the tram's extension, the cost tends to go up. I haven't used one for years now. I think a lot of people in Nottingham would rather see them not break down so frequently; this is another reason why I stopped using them. There's room for extensions, but the funds need to be in place and managed better. It can't be a case of "this is happening" and then, two years later, "we don't have the funds". What happened to the funds that were there to begin with? Nottingham, as a city, is one where a lot of broken promises happen. I read recently that the Broadmarsh development needs more money to flatten more of the unused land. It's no surprise that the council is facing financial difficulties.

I'm afraid I feel stumped as to who should start, but I do agree that it would be nice to see Conor Grant get the chance to make the XI. The biggest issue right now is making sure we control games, but are able to create chances. I don't think having one shot on target is acceptable for a professional team that enjoys such a high amount of possession. We need to be quicker in spells, and make instant decisions by ensuring the team makes movements to free up room that our more skilful players on target might exploit. Each game is growing in importance on the shoulders of the return of David McGoldrick and Jodi Jones. I had this conversation on Saturday with @super_ram, it's not about winning, but making sure we fight. The performance levels are quite poor, which shows in the results, but fortunately the table is still open. This game is a must-win match, or I will be concerned that doom and gloom will take over. Grimsby are a decent team, but one we should really be ensuring 3 points against, even if we are away from home. 3 wins and 2 draws for them in their last five. It's going to be tough, but the recent defeats Notts has had need to see a resurgence in their leaving everything on the pitch. If the players do, and we lose, so be it. I can accept that, as I can with not playing well, but teams like Grimsby have improved as the season progressed. Notts is experiencing setbacks at critical moments, which is proving detrimental. We navigated December, which was a tougher point than this, so I would hope we can now, in March.

I don't think the current situation has anything to do with Matt Palmer not having any form of authority as captain, but I do think David McGoldrick brings a level of experience and desire to win due to his successful stints higher up in the football pyramid. It's important that we don't start trying to pick faults where they don't exist, as for me the problem doesn't stem from him. I keep suggesting how I feel Stuart Maynard is weak at turning things around, making positive decisions to influence games which are out of reach, and despite the better second half, I would still point this out, but some of it must fall onto the players shoulders. Maynard has a difficult job, as any football manager does, but I think he needs to be braver in implementing changes before games are out of reach. I think he's quite good if things are going to plan, or we are simply outclassing teams, but he struggles if teams make it difficult. We can take the lead, and maintain it or even come back; but what we struggle with is stopping the momentum when it has swung too far in favour of the opposition. Not all decisions have to come from making changes, giving players clearer instructions in the game, or understanding why a team has the edge. Sometimes, it's none of this; it's simply that we are not creating good enough chances, and what can a manager do to change this? Instructions and quicker insights are one thing, as is ensuring that the majority of players are able to implement changes. Creatively, we can be a joy to watch, but a large amount of the time it is like trying to force chances. I think the departure of the Saunders brothers gave us a chance to bring in additional quality and, more importantly, an assistant who can give Maynard EFL experience. Personally, I think this role would be vital in assisting Maynard, as it is fair to say he is still learning and no League Two manager is perfect. He's got a lot of positives, but the negatives do seem to outweigh the positives in situations when our form is poor. I don't know if it's because he's stubborn, lacks understanding, or a mixture of many things, but I do wish he could be more practical, as games are playing out to ultimately fix what would allow us to salvage or win games. A good assistant, who fits in, along with another coach, could make a difference. It might be that nobody was available, but, all due respect to Joao Alves, I just don't think he is the right person to step up. I might be being cynical, but I think the decision is more about affording a larger playing budget and at the cost of moving forward properly. At no point am I blaming Alves; he is a good coach, but I do believe his position should have gone to someone who could give stronger support to Maynard at what is a crucial point. Knowledgeable assistants can make a big difference, and I just feel appointments like this tend to lead to mispairings and eventual sackings. I want nothing more than success for everyone within the club, but I still have my feelings and I just don't see the benefit. Many people, after Alves stepped up, were telling me how good he was, a result of the media putting out the interview with him, and I am sorry, most know nothing about him but what was said in that video. Lastly, I think signings do take time and Charlie Whitaker looks to be a good coup if we can continue to bring the best out of him and mould him further. Dan Crowley became one of those players I would refer to as a "get-out-of-jail-free card". One of those on whom the club relies too much, but Whitaker is a fresh canvas, and although he is not at the level Crowley is, I do think he could be a big part of our squad in the coming years. Maï Traoré needs time, but I can see why Notts has said that he needs time. He might not have settled just yet, and it's somewhat unfair to judge him, but he hasn't made the impact Alassana Jatta did, and what I have seen so far, he seems to be struggling more than he does well. Not all signings will have an instant impact, and we have to keep trying to get the most out of him, but I have to wonder, could the fee have been spent on a striker that could have made a quicker impact, considering we desperately need goals from someone in this role. Jatta and McGoldrick can't do it alone, and whilst we have goals across the team. If you consider our creativity and lack of converting some good chances, someone more potent could be a boost rather than needing valuable time to become good. Time spent chasing promotion can be detrimental compared to fading out of the form that took you to the top places. Traoré may do better next season, but I am unsure how he will improve without being given more time in the starting XI at the cost of someone who might contribute more. I do think he's a promising signing; it's just the 'promising' that right now stands out.

It seems a bit of a setback; this current form isn't good at all. I can put aside my frustration, because it won't help in the long term, but it seems almost like Notts are failing to meet the grade needed to finish in the automatic promotion places. I really don't believe it's because we are not good enough; I wonder if the players have doubts themselves, though. Wimbledon have pulled off a great result, they have good momentum going forward, and I wish it were us. I don't believe it's all doom and gloom, but the players must respond. Wimbledon, going into the game, had similar form to our own. They still do, to a degree, so there's hope that we can turn around these disappointing performances. A single shot on target is poor, especially with 64% possession. Something just isn't clicking right now, but the starting lineup looks more than capable of getting a result. Notts needs to start making the possession count, instead of sitting on the ball. Even the bench looks fine to turn things around, but the absence of Mai Traoré seems interesting. We can't afford any further injuries, and again it shows how much we are missing David McGoldrick. McGoldrick and Jodi Jones would be big boosts; Stuart Maynard must try to spot when things are working during games before it is too late. I wonder if fans who attended felt it was like Salford all over again? We responded well after that, so I hope we can move forward, but it's the wrong time to be losing form.

There's a lot of land which could be repurposed, which isn't being used, but we seem to find an area and knock down what could be used in spite of what isn't. I am not sure I really see the point of it. Surely, it would make more sense to redevelop areas where there is already a shortage of houses and plenty of derelict land.

Favourite Player Right Now: Matt Palmer Most Consistent Performer So Far: Jacob Bedeau or Matt Palmer Rising Star in the Squad [Not Including Loanees]: Charlie Whitaker and Lewis Macari Most Improved Player Recently: Charlie Whitaker Best Player in Each Position: Alex Bass, Jacob Bedeau, Matt Palmer, Jodi Jones, Alassana Jatta Who is your all-time favourite Notts County player and why? Danny Allsopp was just a fantastic player to watch and brilliant at scoring goals. Lee Hughes, Mark Stallard, Gary McSwegan and Phil Turner are up there. If you could have dinner with any current Notts County player, who would it be and why? I would want to choose someone who wouldn't be put off by me being quiet, but wouldn't just be silent themselves. Perhaps, Jodi Jones. What's your favourite Notts County chant or song? I had a wheelbarrow. If you could relive any moment in Notts County history, what would it be and why? The victory in the Anglo-Italian Cup stands out as a significant achievement. I had a brilliant day out with my grandfather and brother. What's the furthest you've travelled to watch a Notts County game? Plymouth Argyle, I believe. C'mon silly sausage, get your answers in @DangerousSausage. I'd also like to see yours, Mr @Piethagoram and @Fozzy if you fancy it.

It would be disappointing not to pick up our form, but AFC Wimbledon would be a difficult challenge, and even more so away from home. We need to ensure that the squad has sufficient resources to respond to the recent results. Lately, it seems we don't manage games to the best of our ability, and I always feel that if we can take the lead, we should be good enough to maintain it. I do feel we are massively missing the experience and qualities that David McGoldrick brings; he seems to help maintain the management of games that we might otherwise let slip. It's crucial, with Wimbledon being on the verge of overtaking us in the league table, that we show our early start to the season was earned through hard work. If it's pressure, missing key players, or a mix of things combining, I don't think we can afford not to go for the win. Mai Traore might be struggling somewhat to settle in, but it would be a good sign to see him help to make things happen. It might be a blessing if Jodi Jones is available for the game, though it might be worth not starting him.

@Fan of Big Tone That's a nice way to remember, Steve. Everyone has their own ways, which is nice to see. Jake, Ellie, and Ava, from babies, were encouraged to embrace Chloe as a sister. We carefully explained this to them, which I think has helped them connect and keep a similar mindset to Cheeky and me. I think the worst thing anyone can do is avoid explaining or allowing young minds to understand or experience death. It gives a sense of peace, something I wished I had experienced as a child. I was aware of my aunt, who died as a baby; my mum and grandparents did speak about her. I actually felt closer to her, due to this, and I feel very protective of the grave (even before my grandparents joined her). I used to go on Sundays and help maintain the grave, and personally I find it difficult if I do go frequently. Even if I must tolerate the level of ignorance on public transport. 😛

Tough question, but I think he might just still have the mindset that his move was the best decision for his family. 🤪🫤

It's awful, Robbie. I don't wish to sound like someone just complaining. But, people shouting due to being on their phones or even broadcasting the whole two-way conversation. Just stop it! There's no need for loud music, people using social media where the audio is loud. Put a pair of headphones on, and it becomes a lot more manageable. The worst thing is how much bad smell there is; if I smell weed, for example, it makes me annoyed. If I owned a bus company, I think it wouldn't last long, but those who did use it would love how much better their journeys were. Issue would be, many wanting to use the service would be refused.

The FA, under its membership, should formulate this rule and then seek legal governance of it. This would be a huge step forward, but currently fans protesting or wanting an owner out usually fall on deaf ears. Some local councils do try to get involved; this happened with Derby and I think it helped in their case. They almost lost access to Pride Park without a similar issue to what is happening with Bradford City leasing their own ground for an exorbitant amount per season. I am all for it; I think football would be better off if independent football regulators were introduced. In addition, owners who purchase assets for the club should be required to put 51% of the ownership into something outright owned by the club or its fans. Ideally, not a trust or supporters group. These are areas where problems could easily form, and we only have to look at when Munto purchased the club. I think it should be separate, independent, and formed from all groups involved in supporting the team.

Clem Morfuni is one of the worst owners in football; he has zero clue about how to run a club and has just used the club as a vanity project. He talked of building them, using links to other clubs and bringing in better players, but it has left Swindon Town soulless. I wished, @medievalmickey could comment on this. He wouldn't allow the club to sign players for longer than a single season at one point, and the players under contract quickly hated the environment around the club. There was a video on YouTube where a channel interviewed the Swindon Town Trust and managed to get players to do interviews. One of whom didn't play at all, despite having half a season left on his deal, just because he called out Morfuni. It might seem that they are managing their debts better, but I think it is more due to the neglect and cutbacks that Morfuni had previously put in place. The total amount, I think, is increasing. Swindon fans still want him out, but for them to find someone willing to take on over £8 million of historical debts seems a challenge. I also can't see an owner like Morfuni walking away without wanting some form of profit. He doesn't care what personal thoughts are towards him; he's just hell-bent on owning a football club and only cares about himself. Swindon Town Supporters Trust reiterates call for new owners WWW.BBC.CO.UK Swindon Town Supporters Trust reiterates its call for owner Clem Morfuni to sell the struggling League Two club.

Nice lad, but I don't think he pushes himself enough and I think he's content to be just a professional. I think we have had far better players, and we seem to favour his height over his actual defensive abilities. The only game I think he stood out as having potential was against Colchester in our home game, but I do wonder now if it was because he knew the club were planning to loan him out? I wish him well; personally I think Notts can do better, but I would always hope that a player under contract could prove themselves. After all, he's not Richard Duffy.

This is an example where football rivalry doesn't matter, and life becomes the important thing. It's such sad news, as he has done a lot of good for the club and will have only just started to see his efforts pay off within the EFL. I still feel they outplayed us at Wembley, and that our promotion based on penalties was cruel, but at the same time, so would have been us missing out based on the points difference. That said, there's nothing crueller than cancer, and I wish Phil Kirk all the best in seeing out the quality of life that he can. I really hope he manages to avoid pain, and declines to the point where he just suffers more.

Zak Johnson still needs time, and although he's had some minutes, we haven't quite seen him settle into his position. I thought he looked decent once he got up to speed in the recent home game against Colchester. He did struggle at times, mind, but with his age and the fact that we have centre-backs in demand, to play will be difficult. Johnson does look promising though, as he improved largely in the second half (same game where he struggled and started slowly against Colchester). Unfortunately, I haven't seen him play for Notts away from home, and I think this is where he's seen more time. Hopefully, someone like @ARLukomski can shed some insight into Johnson as he goes to all home and away games.