Chris

I think even with the absent players, we still have a fairly strong side. The defense will be a concern with Sheehan being doubtful and Dumbuya, though it's the perfect opportunity for some of our fringe players such as Manny Smith. Holt (youngster) will likely play left back, Leacock and Smith pairing in the centre and Liddle most likely on the right. Good game for Holt, he made me very nervous at Coventry but the pressure is something he will get used to. Hopefully Derry will choose a standard formation - I honestly feel it's a game we can win and should. I rate Hartlepool, though it's one of them we cannot afford to under-perform in.

The New Manager.... Back when CK was sacked, I didn't really much thoughts on who would replace him. I only had a shortlist of who I would hate to see in the hot seat here at Meadow Lane. Openly, I would hate to see Paolo Di Canio and he was my only real fear. I know of friends who would hate 'Steve Evans' but at least he commits to doing his home work and as a manager he really hasn't done all that bad, it's just a shame about the type of person he is. Now we've seen the likes of Shaun Derry, Brian Kerr and Dean Saunders. Are these really the types of managers we can hope to expect managing the team so many fans truly care about? It's a shame really, it's a succession of bad managers and limited ambition (on whoevers part) for the reason of why we have such a lack of uninspiring candidates. I've actually grown tired of the blame game, I don't care and the type of person I am - I want to see us all move on and accept this, the only real way in doing so in my opinion is to make sure the right person comes in. It could very well be one of the 3 names mentioned above..... Notts County..... Big club, small club or even family club. We have an image, it's not being desperate or the fact we tend to find ourselves far to often in these situations but it's the fact that WE ARE BATTLERS. Perhaps the existing squad don't realize this, along with the tradition and history which comes for playing for the magpies but they have to care. I don't suggest that they enjoy losing, certainly I have the belief that they're good enough. If we go down, I will be there and along with many others. The people who suffer really for supporting Notts, as a club which reflections on the missing fans - The current fan base which I have come to know seem to greatly care and there's a good sense of family/good spirit among them. This suggests as a fan base we are perhaps braver than the actual players, who by the way will most likely leave us after relegating us to the basement division. It will be interesting to see what loyalty these players have! Coventry..... We matched them - I can't refer to Walsall because they looked sharp in the first half and I can't say Carlisle because we were considerably better than them. Coventry looked destined to play out a mediocre game, one which Notts should have taken it to the next level - especially if they had a little of self belief and pride. Can we really be upset about losing to them? No, though it's the fashion we did. It wasn't acceptable and apologizing is not the right thing to do, pretty weak and naive. My Personal Part.... Yesterday I actually enjoyed, I don't see results as being the only important thing. I can take winning, losing and drawing but for me it's about how we do it. The game was horrible, very depressing and I'd rather not try to remember any more about that. Jake was very excited, he likes the group we go with and there's several members (like me) that can make your day just by seeing. One of which did something very nice for Jake and he hasn't stopped talking about it, I really don't mind because I love to see him being confident. It was weird visiting a team playing away from home, although I wasn't impressed by Coventry fans. They seemed very deluded and in their position I wouldn't be making a joke. At half time they gave away free pizza! It was very funny, my honest thoughts was it was a poor joke. It seemed very Americanized, whip the crowd into a frenzy and finish off by throwing football away. Pretty pathetic but I've seen other odd things, so you shouldn't really be surprised. My final thoughts, I'd hate to see people as numbers or making up for a lack. I have to say I feel a little disappointed, especially since I have to make some big decisions but I have to add that the whole day wasn't a disappointment, just watching Notts and going back home.

'The sooner the 'RIGHT' manager is installed the better'. You can't go fixing things by applying just glue, you need something to bond and secure the weaknesses. Horrible game to watch, very soulless and withdrawn.

The sad thing is - I felt JCR should have come at half time and then followed by Haber in around 60th minute mark. I believe if the changes was made whilst we had control and looked threatening, we would have gone on to win the game. This then would have perhaps made it harder for the board to sack CK, which sadly I think it was time to do regardless. Wasn't that down-heartened by the loss, I feel we can climb with a man manager in charge.

It's a shame we don't learn to be reliable at the back - I don't blame Liddle for slipping, though I am sure he will get some stick for that. I think the fact we can't start there, it's just concerning and I've said for awhile there's no point scoring if we're going to concede. More work is required with regards to the defense! Such an important game lost, we now have two home games to attempt to put things right but these will not be easy. Relegation zone is very important to avoid, yet we are firmly in it at the moment. Leaves questions for CK!

I felt quite encouraged by the radio early, that is until they scored but I still felt we could get into the game. I don't see the point in playing well going forward but leaving ourselves open at the back, the defense is pretty good on paper but perhaps training needs to reflect on the types of set pieces we face against us? Not all that much of a surprise, Swindon are a good time but we could have done better. This is the frustrating thing for me, however win, draw or lose. Notts County all the way!

I'm going to push Granny down one time, especially when my knee's a little better (quite intense when I do). I probably shouldn't on holiday but Super needed breaks and well I never really listen to what I am told. Super will come down sometime most likely also.

Brilliant read Weymouth! I've stuck it up on my room in hope more will read it. Sorry about not commenting sooner, I have really been busy. It sounds like you had a cracking day, impressive blog! I love the pictures and it brings something different to the read. Especially the top! Great work mate