- Comment on the Richard Montague interview here
- Who should be recruited in January? Read this excellent recruitment doc from member ARLukomski
- PON member Robbie has highlighted a tough run of fixtures for the Magpies in December, do you have any thoughts on this?⚽
- Former Notts head coach Luke Williams is hoping to reunite with goalscorer Macaulay Langstaff at Peterborough United.
- 👋🏻 Welcome the newest members of Pride of Nottingham! Drop by and say hello, it’s always great to see fresh faces joining the community. 🫱🏼🫲🏼
- 👀 Check out our activity stream to see the latest content as it happens live. Join in with the conversation on Pride of Nottingham.
- Got thoughts on Notts? Share them and help Pride of Nottingham hit its content target! 🏁
- Reply to and read discussions without leaving your screen. Check out the Pride of Nottingham 'Topic Feed', which brings you all the latest content from our community forum in one place.
Chris
Administrators
-
Joined
-
Last visited
Everything posted by Chris
-
It's awesome how we have started, it has been important after the Fleetwood game that we got off to winning ways and have managed to protect the three wins leading into the Bromley match. At some point, it will be broken, but whilst Notts are working hard and the players are enjoying their football - we could within the right approach been somewhat unbeatable. Gillingham is going to be a good insight as to how we match up against another but for now, I do feel we can make Meadow Lane a fortress. With Notts being prompted around various social media pages, it's great to see!
-
I would say since the formation of the Premier League, football has been more about having a squad of about 20–22 players who any of those could be considered first team players. With the rest of the squad made up of youngsters, reserves or players just making the step-up. I think lower down, sometimes teams would sit around 16-18. That's the way Notts has been for a while; we've had spells where the focus was "depth" but usually we did fall short of it, especially under the Trew era. Sometimes it would see us top-heavy with "experienced players" and "journeymen". I think it's not always a bad idea, but the season where Craig Short took over after we gained promotion to League One, the championship winning side was torn apart, and we went for a focus on "former Premier League players". Some who've had experience were beyond past it or were too injury prone. We had spells where that approach was scrapped, with the focus on young players which was exciting, but it was always going to lead to issues. Even under Alan Hardy, we had a lacklustre approach, with the focus being more on attacking players at the expense of people who could actually defend. I think the best we have had true depth has always been under the Reedtz. I thought we would struggle to sign players in our first season in the National League but the depth we had, it looked good enough and far better than I expected. Every season from that point, the quality has increased and depth has become better. This is despite losing players such as Kyle Wootton, Cal Roberts and decent prospects like Sam Osborne. This year, I did think we need a few more signings after the departures, but I think we have done well to avoid being "top-heavy" and instead of recruited players who offer something different but fit within our system. George Abbott is a very good use of the loan system, I am hoping Jevani Brown proves to be too. If we have a good enough budget, we should always try to make sure we have a good amount of quality. I don't mind filling some space with young, such as the likes of Ed Francis and Will Patching (although they may have been on a decent wage). My point is, there's space to have some room for those coming through. I would mention Regan Booty, but his injury history with us wasn't good - yet I thought he was a promising player.
-
Introduction: Name: Steve Hall. David Garth. How long have you supported Gillingham? Steve: Supported Gillingham since 1964. David: I've been a Gills' supporter since the 1963/64 season when Gillingham won the old Division 4 title on goal difference from Carlisle United. Are you a season ticket holder? Steve: I am not a season ticket holder as I live away. David: Yes, I've held a season ticket for many, many years now. Age? Steve: I'm 68. David: 21 plus 59! Favourite Player? Steve: If pushed... David Peach, who went on to play for Southampton, but Bradley Dack, Steve Bruce, Tony Cascarino, Brian Yeo, John Simpson, etc, etc. David: There are so many that could fall into this category, but in recent years, I'd say my favourite has to be striker Cody McDonald, who played for us between 2010 and 2017 and scored 105 goals. He was very quick, both in pace and thinking, and worked well with several different pairings during his time at Priestfield. From today's squad, I'd have to pick Conor Masterson, who has been outstanding alongside Max Ehmer in defence. I'm hoping he'll be back in the side soon after his injury! How do you feel about Gillingham’s performance so far this season? Which player has impressed you the most? Steve: Obviously, I am very pleased with the points total. Very pleased indeed. Maybe I sound like a manager now... "it's a team performance." That is exactly the sound bite you get out of Bonner, and in this case, it is true. With the obvious exception of Bradley Dack, I would not say we have too many "stars," but we field a team ready to shed blood, sweat, and tears. David: Considering our injury list (we've had between 5 and 7 regular starters out all season), we have done exceptionally well. Armani Little has been particularly impressive since joining us from AFC Wimbledon in the summer, and youngsters Jayden Clarke and Joe Gbode are both flourishing under Mark Bonner. I'm sure they will continue to improve and make valuable contributions this season. What are your thoughts on the team’s current tactics? Do you think they need to make any changes to stay competitive? Steve: We have only conceded two league goals. If we carry on like that, we will be in with a shout. We have had injuries, and I am not sure if we have hit top gear yet. That's encouraging. David: Still, the tactics have most certainly worked with four wins from six! Mind you, I am still an advocate of 4-4-2 and do wonder if at some point there will be a switch from one up to an attacking pair once Elliot Nevitt and Josh Andrews are both fully fit. How confident are you in Gillingham’s chances of maintaining their position in the top three? Which upcoming match do you think will be the toughest? Steve: If we can keep Bradley Dack fit, I am confident of a play-off spot. He really is a quality player, but obviously, it will be a challenge to get 30+ games out of him. Another sound bite is "there are no easy games," but I am comfortable we will take six points off the Plastics. Tougher games? Notts, Barrow, and Doncaster are all six-pointers. Twelve points from those games would be a huge step towards promotion. David: I think we are good enough to maintain a promotion push and would like to think we've got a realistic chance of an automatic spot, but there are several very good sides in this division, including Notts County, Chesterfield, and Doncaster Rovers, so it's going to be a real fight throughout the season. The toughest match? They are all tough! What do you think of the new signings this season? Have any of them exceeded your expectations? Steve: I refer to my earlier answer, as they say in the Commons. Bradley Dack is the standout signing. A lot depends on him. Let's hope he can start proving everyone's faith very soon. David: I'm very pleased with our recruitment for this season and with how most of the new signings are shaping up. As I said, Armani Little has been particularly impressive, while, on the other hand, I think Jack Nolan has been a bit below par, but it's only a matter of time before he starts to fire on all cylinders. As for Bradley Dack, there's no doubt that on his day he will be right up there as one of the best attacking midfielders in the business, but it's all about getting him fit as he's hardly played any football for some time. If he gets fit, we will be a real force for sure! What are your thoughts on the manager’s decisions so far? Do you think he has the right strategy for the rest of the season? Steve: I was not convinced with the choice of Mark Bonner. I thought Stephen Clemence had done okay. I thought Neil Harris would also have brought success given time. To be honest, I am quite impressed. The defence looks strong, the keeper is fine, and he has fostered a strong squad feeling with a committed dressing room. I am not eating my words, but I am reasonably optimistic. He is focused on what I am... promotion. Anything else is not acceptable, to be blunt. David: Mark Bonner has really impressed so far and has made the right call in most games. He's done particularly well in the last two home games when we've had a player sent off on the hour mark, as his substitutions all worked really well - just ask Tranmere after last weekend when we broke out from a solid defence to score twice late in the game. How do you feel about the team’s performance in cup competitions? Do you think they should focus more on the league or balance both? Steve: A nice FA Cup run would be nice and can often help a league campaign. I'll forego it if we go up! David: Personally, I'm not too fussed about the League Cup or the Trophy, but I would love a run once again in the FA Cup, which is the cup competition that most of us really care about. What are your expectations for the rest of the season? Do you think Gillingham can challenge Notts County for the top spot? Steve: Going out on a limb, yes, I think we can go all the way this season. Yes, it's a long way to go, but from what we have seen so far, we are definitely in with a chance. A 1-0 win at Meadow Lane would do our season no harm. David: My expectation is that we will hopefully feature in the promotion race throughout the season and will have a good go at an automatic promotion spot. As for today's game, a lot may depend on who is available (back from injury) for our side, but I think a 1-1 draw is the most likely result. It will be two very good teams going head-to-head, I'm sure! Final comments from Chris Both teams will be eager to make the most of the game, so it could be a very difficult match for both respective teams. For Notts, it will be a good insight as to how the team will cope against coming up against an inform team at Meadow Lane, with the likes of Dan Crowley and Jodi Jones recently having been influential in the magpies recent 4-2 away win over Bromley. Gillingham will be looking to cause as much trouble as possible early on, so defensively Notts must be ready to take on that challenge. I suspect Gillingham will want to try to retain as much of the possession as possible, so it will be interesting to see if Notts can retain their usual high amounts, and if the Gills' will focus on pushing back Notts forcing them to be more creative going forward. I have this down as a 2-1 home win, although I don't deny the quality of the opposition. Join the Pride of Nottingham match discussion for Saturday's game at Meadow Lane against Gillingham FC! Share your thoughts and opinions on how Notts County will fare in this crucial clash. What have you been up to this week? Join the weekly chat on Pride of Nottingham and share your latest activities with fellow members!
-
I remember coming across videos on YouTube, then later finding it to watch. I think it actually used to be on YouTube. I thought for the time, it was well filmed and whilst the subject is one of major concern, I can't say it had the same effect as someone who watched it going in blind or at the time of its creation. I like films where it focuses on disasters, so that doesn't help. It's better than the "Day After Tomorrow".
-
It looks like we made the right decision by not signing any of them, two of the players I looked at either had a trial whilst at a club or are unknown as to where they are. I'm happy with how the squad has turned out, I don't mind giving players a chance as who knows? I just think some of these, if not all might have just become squad fillers. Notts has done best to avoid this.
-
I need to watch them all again as an adult, the older ones I haven't seen all since I was a young teen. I remember when I was young, thinking Papa Shango was the same character from a James Bond film, who wrestled for the WWF (now WWE). ???????????? It turns out, the gimmick is based on Baron Samedi. I really liked the film the character was in, but honestly, I wouldn't be able to say which one it was. I know, Richard Kiel played Jaws in 'The Spy That Loved Me' and 'Moonraker', I very loosely remember them. I wasn't a huge fan of Daniel Craig, but the films he's been in have grown on me.
-
Some Gillingham fans (not all) have this game won already by them, which is something I wish our fans avoid doing. It's one thing to predict the score, but it's extreme when you act like you are going to win the league and write off the team you are playing. That reflects a significant lack of understanding or may even verge on delusional thinking. I think they will be a good test for us, but I am confident about our home form and the ability we have within the team. This doesn't mean I would underestimate Gillingham at the slightest, because I know games like this can lift teams. Neither of us can underestimate any team, I mean I felt the game would be hard against Bromley, and whilst I didn't foresee them taking the lead - I don't think anyone would have done so early. Gillingham's fans would be foolish to believe we are in a false position, because it would show that they haven't seen any of our highlights. I would happily accept a draw, but I do think we have the quality to win the game. My prediction would be 2-1, I think we'll lead, and then they'll equalise perhaps before the end of the first half. For us to score around the 65th-70th minute and then the rest of the game will be a bit nervous at times.
-
Even at a young age, I was aware of who Dixie Dean was. I had heard stories of him, and it wasn't until I was like 9 or so, that I learned he had played for Notts. My grandfather, Ray, gifted me an intriguing book about Notts County that highlights its former players. It resembled a wiki, filled with intriguing facts and career statistics, but focused solely on Notts County. I have always loved books like this, but Dean was a true legend of the game. Another interesting fact: ????????
-
I have never heard of Sporting Life Football, but I checked the actual EFL page, and they have someone else doing their team of the week. It's good to see two of our players make this team, but it seems to be a betting company. Dan Crowley made the official EFL team. James Belshaw in goal too.
-
MK Dons are unfortunately the bigger club, with much better prospects and a better squad. How bizarre would it be for Mike Williamson to remotely be interested? I prefer Carlisle United, and I do dislike how plastic MK Dons are, but I am realistic at the same time.
-
@cheeky~k8 found my blood results online, I haven't heard anything back from the doctors re: my recent blood test which was some time ago. I need to get my sugar levels under control, as I scored 42 and I'm still in risk of type 2 diabetes. I have cut down on my sugar intake, but I will start to drink more water again and stay clear of anything that might spike my levels up. I'm actually considering buying a Blood Glucose Monitors. I might be able to repurpose Granny Pie's, as I would just need strips. It's frustrating because I have got the levels down, and not much has changed since then. I have been avoiding things, except for like one off times. At least if I monitor it, I can see what I should be avoiding and see what to switch out. We have been looking at the back of ingredients to check the levels too. ????????♂️
-
Even though I went to the game, I watched this at the first opportunity I had, and I was so pleased to see @ARLukomski doing them. It's a lot for him, I know, but I do enjoy watching and hearing his thoughts. It's why I talked him into joining PON. -
Fantastic win for them! Pleased to see them score 6 goals too, plus a clean sheet and into the next round! COYP
-
Aye, I got that. I didn't have anything to add, other than I do think looking up your family tree for real can be interesting.
-
Thank you, @TheSkipper. I have really valued your help with the content you've written and with the support on social media.
-
Happy Birthday, @CliftonMagpie. I really hope you have a great day, and manage to do something special. How old are you? 22?? Whatever it is, enjoy it. Lewis (@TheSkipper) has referred to him 'hop along' and 'waltz' (Waltzing Matilda). ????
-
Jokes aside. ???? My sister-in-law, @Harrys_Mummy has done a lot of tracing of the family tree. It's something I am curious about, as @cheeky~k8's brother created a family map and was sharing it with everyone during our visit. They're very interesting, I always wondered about my dad's side. I didn't know my grandfather had a then living brother until I attended the funeral and wake. He was a very friendly person, like a bigger brother to my dad (Super has said). He reminded me a bit of Fred Elliott out of Corrie. Just not as repetitive, but fairly loudly spoken. Very funny, I wished I had known him better.
-
I've always liked him, but for some reason he hasn't been included much at all. I think he looked lively whenever he did manage to play for us, and whilst National League football is a drop in quality - I honestly felt with Macaulay Langstaff leaving that it would present him more chance to kick on here. I don't know if he requested the loan, or Notts did, but it's a shame it doesn't seem to have worked out. I mean, there's still hope the loan move could see him return to us, but I have the feeling he will go back to them on a permanent basis.
-
John Bostock played a vital role during his time, lesser with Tobi but his character was good to be around. I would always wish the pair well, I think fans who were shocked we allowed Bostock to go, probably don't see that we were trying to bring back pace and it's unfortunate that he had lost his way a fair bit last season. Good on the ball, but defensively he had been much better in the National League for us. I would have liked to see Tobi himself work out more, I thought he improved and looked better in League Two. Not the best defensively or passing wise, plus his heading could go anywhere but effort, and a decent ability to go forward. I hope they're both doing well for their respective clubs, it's a nice photo.
-
He was once deemed the next big striker, hugely rated and somewhat had a slow start to what seemed like a promising career. I don't think his loan spells from Spurs did him any credit, though I know MK Dons liked him. Not just a striker though, can play out wide and as an attacking midfielder, I really hope he comes good and manages to move on from AZ. They will be good to bring him out, but if he wants to reach his potential I honestly believe he needs to be playing in a better league, with a better team. It wouldn't surprise him if he doesn't return to the Premier League in 3-5 years time.
-
I think you need to have hunger and self-drive. Missing chances can really affect your morale, but when you believe in yourself and understand that working hard will get you chances, it makes a big difference. The ability to finish, along with other important attributes, can really push you forward. Technically, movement and positioning are two different aspects that often get mistaken for the same thing. You need to make good movements, but positioning is what can give you that extra yard advantage over defenders. Understanding the game’s flow is key to being successful. Sometimes, it just helps to have a knack for being in the right place. I have seen players who had everything you would think they needed, yet barely made an impact as a striker.
-
Not playing football probably made him struggle, so I wouldn't be surprised if he lost weight during that period and the awful time he had at Oxford. It takes people a little time to adjust, so now he seems fully settled he might be putting on a little bulk. He could also be enjoying the gym more. He's still in great shape. I also think he's playing with a bigger shirt size now, which can give the impression someone has gained weight. He's probably hitting the gym and enjoying his revived career; I wouldn't be surprised if he hasn't had spells with depression based solely on how he speaks and talks. In his recent interview with Notts, he looked tearful.
-
I think it's very easy to get a little carried away, but I think we need to be prepared for a potential bump along the way and if this happens, I think us standing behind the players is vital. Seasons are tough, we're showing great signs and there's everything reason to be excited, but let's enjoy it and try to keep that feel 'good' factor' going. There are a lot of positive signs, which I don't think we would have pulled off last season but again, we got off to a good start then. Injuries and the loss of Luke Williams really took their toll. This said, again, I don't think Notts would have come back to win in such a convincing way if this was the 23-24 season. It's possible a point might have been salvaged, but it's even more likely Bromley would have taken hold of the game and dominated. Two crucial goals for them, at such an early point in the game. This could easily have got under our players skin, but credit to them, they kept focused and showed a spirited performance to get us back into it. I believe Matt Palmer, who has praised the quality we have, his absence was massive, and it's just as much seeing him return. Yet, we have other strong midfielders, all of which offer something different. Jodi Jones sounded like he took it upon himself to light a match under his teammates, combined with a world-class performance (at this level), he really did prove to be the difference. It was great to hear Dan Crowley, pulling off clever passes and marshalling the back - coming away with the ball to release Jodi and other players. Stuart Maynard is showing just as much progress, having the squad we have now, and the quality throughout really must help. So, Robbie Cundy didn't quite perform all that well (from comments I have seen), at least it's not costing us and the gaffer is showing that he's not afraid to make changes. This win will instil a lot of pride within our camp, we need to see the same work levels, and we need to back the players, even when it's difficult. They will fight for results, we need to encourage that.
-
I would have pitchforks coming for me if I asked this on social media, with people asking why Dan Crowley wasn't listed amongst the runners. I know, with what I said before about David McGoldrick tending to be voted because he scored two and that this might seem exactly the same when I say I would name Jodi Jones. It has nothing to do with his contract renewal, or the fact that he scored twice. It's purely down to his performance, and how he got us back into the game whilst we were still adapting to playing Bromley. He put on an excellent performance, alongside Dan Crowley in the attacking department.
-
It's called full fat because it retains all of it, whereas semi-skimmed milk is around 1.5 to 1.8. Before plastic bottle caps were coloured, it was easier just to say full fat. In place of whole milk. It might have something to do with marketing, as whole milk is more commonly used in America. Whole milk doesn't taste right to me, I don't like it.
