Chris

I am very pleased by this signing. Alex Bass has the potential to improve and become a very reliable keeper for us. I am even more impressed that we managed to agree terms on a deal to move him here permanently. Paying a fee for your keeper at this level, to me, always shows faith in their ability - as it's very easy to pick up one of the many released keepers. There's nothing wrong with that, but it shows conviction and belief that the money is being well invested. I believe this is the case with Bass, his experience already at our level should give us a nice boost, along with the two new defenders. Give him time, let the squad settle, and I am sure he'll impress for us.

Well, I think it made sense as to why we allowed Ed Francis to go. He slipped too far down the pecking order and didn't really progress as we did; I remember saying at the time he was a few seasons off being ready for League Two. He's got there by playing regularly and in a side which does push players to perform well. He really needed a fresh change, but I would be cautious against him making a jump just to play at a higher level too soon because he could find himself out of favour for more experienced players. Good player but with more game time under his belt, I believe he'll only get better. I would hate to see him end up being one of those players who constantly get loaned out for experience, yet never really settle.

I can imagine quite a few people agreeing, sadly because there's a lot of people who are against Gareth Southgate (perhaps lack a real understanding of the game). There are some points which I would agree with, but I feel the video is pandering to those who have no clue. Southgate wasn't the issue as to why Serbia grew into the game. No changes were made after we scored, changes if anything happened too late and at a point where our players allowed the game to become more pressured for them. Yes, he went defensive when Serbia started knocking on the door. It's a fair point about not subbing Harry Kane, however, Kane plays because he's a quality striker and just needs one chance. The issue was the lack of him. We could have switched strikers, but that wouldn't have resolved the creativity issue. Phil Foden was very average, as were some of the players who were inconsistent as the game progressed. The criticism is laughable. "I'm not wrong." Oh boy. How deluded do you have to be to think you're the sole answer? Yes, Gareth Southgate is frustrating but every manager is. I wouldn't have taken Harry Kane off; I would have switched formations to bring on another striker. Southgate isn't afraid to make changes. He sees things differently, but it's not his fault we haven't won something. It's down to him that we have been more successful, asking the media to put pressure on him is such a clueless thing to say. Our press does it by default...

Yes, but support is very loosely based on what it is. I haven't watched our Olympic team for years, but I wish them all the best, and I am delighted when I read about how they have done. That's quite a passive way to support them, but in my younger years I did find it easier to be excited about watching it.

I really don't want to seem like I am boasting, but in my earlier working years, I have met a lot of famous people. The Austrialian cricket team once stayed at a hotel I worked at due to how quiet it was - my manager (very lazy) assigned only me to breakfast shift. I had to open up, setup every table (even those not in use), get the breakfast area ready, so we were talking fruit, cereals, yoghurts and milk etc. There were 13 covers expected for breakfast, with the food already being sent to the kitchen the night before. Guests had a time whereby they were supposed to arrive. It was a very slow shift at first; none of the 13 people were to do with the cricket team. A handful were builders who were staying, they were very respectful and despite the common association with them being 'difficult'. They never once did anything out of line, plus seemed to appreciate I was alone. Around 11am, you start to turn the tables around for launch. I cleared one side of the restaurant so that this made my life easier. Living a an area where the daylight shined through was commonly the better area. Sometime after, the Australian cricket team came down, and I spoke to one of them about breakfast almost being over. I explained that they could still use the breakfast options, but that it was down to the chef if he would cook any meals outside of pre-orders. I spoke with the chef who wasn't happy, but agreed to cook fry ups for any of the players/staff that wanted it. I was encouraged against allowing them all to request meals, so I tried my best to assist them in a way that wouldn't make the chef want to kill me. Most were happy with having toast, and items from the breakfast area, but some did want cook food. Part of my job was to make sure guests had drinks, so I would have to go to the bar and do their order myself. Between fetching the drinks, I had to do the toast by myself. So, I focused on doing a handful of tables at a time. I explained this to the cricketers and apologised, so they understood I was by myself. I had managed to get half of the remaining sorted, when I went to make more toast (you have to keep it warm) and when I went back into the restaurant. They were having a food fight and being very rowdy. Not just food was being thrown, but cutlery, salt and pepper containers. and anything you could imagine. They made a right mess of the area, which felt like a nightmare because I had gone out of my way to cater for them. So, they end up leaving the room like a tip as I am trying to tidy up after them. Stretching over time and whereby my manager turned up, he wasn't happy and gave me an instant dismissal warning. That p***ed me off even more, as how can I stop grown adults from having a food fight when I'm the only person on duty? I had called to reception to ask the general manager of the hotel to come up, but he just sat on his arse. I had woken up at 5:30am, caught a bus at 6am and got into work about half an hour later. I had been working the night before on a function which ended at 3am. So, I was speechless. I actually felt like just walking out, but I didn't. I tidied up by myself - as other staff started to arrive for the launch shifts. My manager had them watch me, without any help, as I cleaned up. I would have been finished by 12:30 and then back at 5pm. However, cleaning up took over an hour and a half. This gave me a chip on my shoulder, so when I later on at night bumped into three of the cricket players. I ignored them, but sarcastically thanked them for getting me my first dismissal warning. The following day, my manager decided to put 3 people on duty but for further punishment for the mess. I was assigned to clean the function room from the prior night before which I had worked. So, I know the mess that had been created wasn't there when I had finished. I also got tasked with restocking the kitchen and breakfast (which involved a lot of carrying items up 4 floors). By late 10am, I had finished with all the 'punishment' and walked into the restaurant to see what needed doing in there. I immediately noticed my manager, standing talking to two of the cricketers. I went to check the list for when we expected people down, to see that we only had 5 guests left to serve and then any potential late arrivals (which usually didn't happen). As I started to clear some of the tables, one of the crickets said 'excuse me'. Still annoyed, I ignored it. He then said, 'Hey, look. We feel awful about yesterday mate'. He then stood up and walked over with a signed cricket bat and all. My manager quickly intercepted him and said that he would leave the items for me in the staff's cloakroom. I never saw those items again, but I did speak with some of the players before they left. I accepted the apology, but I still felt like they were the worst people I have ever served.

I need to start by saying the clean sheet and win, that's what matters, but it was quite boring. Serbia did very well in the second half, no way could they have continued to play how they started. I think the Netherlands has had the best start that I have seen (albeit wasteful on goal). At times, I wanted England to be braver, to be more direct, but other than Jude Bellingham we had little idea. Bukayo Saka did well in spells, but he's very overrated. Good player, but he reminds me a lot of Aaron Nemane. He's either brilliant or lacking. Kyle Walker did well making space and shaping up the defence, I think the subs shook things up, but we went too defensive. Conor Gallagher looked useful, no idea how his close control with his foot ended up being given as a handball. I think the referee started to bottle it towards the 70th minute, making some very poor decisions. He did well up to that point, but allowed Serbia to get away with so many niggling challenges. Jarrod Bowen also made a difference. I like him. He does what is needed, and although he got criticised for his clearances. He would win the ball, who cares if he kicks it up the field to nobody. I mean, only Harry Kane was up top at that point, and we risk injuries demanding him to hold up the bathe fieldll. Good opening result, but a performance England must improve on.

Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham @Stephen May. I hope you enjoy being a part of our Notts County community.

You need to seek medical advice from a doctor, if it's terrible go to the A&E or drop in centre. Don't cope with struggling, but try not to stress about it. The main thing is to find out what is actually going on, what it might be and what you can do to help. I think most Notts fans and people in general would encourage you to see a medical professional. PS. When dealing with stress, try other means to relax. I find listening to music to help me but everyone is different, I wouldn't recommend vaping.

Playing styles are emerging together, you see players that are influenced by their icons, but the British style is even adapting. There seems to be a trend of looking elsewhere and wanting to copy or to incorporate parts into your gameplay, the top managers of Europe do this, and I just enjoy watching football that is played well. I have mentioned previously, in the FA's ambitions to do well (prior to Southgate) they looked to implement what other successful EU nations were doing - Spain, Germany, France etc). This has had some impact on the way our football is played. The Premier League used to be far more entertaining in the early to late 90s. Standards might have continued to improve, but I find watching teams like Manchester City to be hit-and-miss. The joy of watching two teams isn't something I often encounter and much of this is down to teams struggling to play more fluid football.

Swansea should invest in improving their defence, not splash cash on a striker. I don't really buy it. I think Luke Williams may have said that he would love to have Macaualay Langstaff in his team, which reporters are now trying to get the views by saying it's 'serious interest' on their behalf. While his form is good, he will be linked and talk of his move will be rumoured. I don't think it's something we need to worry about; ideally when the offer is too much we will accept it and use the funds to strengthen the squad. I would love to give Macca another 3-year-deal, if we do land a longer contract that would be great but at some point we do need to think what we can get for him. Leaving on a free, when there's potential to get a good fee, just seems silly. I'm saying we have to sell him or that we should, I just think there will be a point where he'll either commit to us longer or we would have to sell down the line.

I've been loosely watching the Euros, but I haven't really been impressed by what I have seen. Much of the other stuff I have been doing is more preparation and planning. Today, I went to see @super_ram for Father's Day but also to catch up. Good laughs and now I am back home awaiting the England game.

Terry Venables always seemed to have a good grasp of the England squad, the respect and enjoyment of playing under him was clear as a blue sky. I have fond memories of racing home from junior school to watch Euro 1996, where he guided us to a respectable point. Falling short to the Germans on pens, which is probably where I got my hatred of watching them being taken. I thought Kevin Keegan would do similar for England, as a kid I really liked him but since growing up, I feel much different having watched interviews with former players on how mardy Keegan could get. The fact that he stopped players from playing just due to personal disagreements seems extremely petty. I wasn't Sven's biggest fan; I feel he never got the best out of the 'golden generation' and all the antics that followed him around. With the rumours his wife picked the squad always baffled me, as sometimes it did look as if someone else were pulling the strings with his selections. Steve McClaren was an awful point in time, possibly the right man at the wrong point. Being appointed, I think it impacted his career to a degree. Fabio Capello I never liked or rated, he seemed very focused but with limited ideas on how to make England successful. The fact he started forcing players to eat pasta, cut out the social side of things and expected players in bed by 9pm just seems too strict. Also, how he treated Ben Foster, when his wife was pregnant and going into labour, is extremely disappointing. We could have easily allowed Foster to go without hiccup, he just seemed way too strict with a blend of modern and bygone style of management. Roy Hodgson doesn't get the respect I think he deserves, although at the same time he never looked good enough to manage a squad like England. He's always seemed to make average players better, getting the most out of the smaller nations he managed, but I think at this point in time - he gave the England players a better platform to improve. Big Sam, I actually felt would make a positive difference, but he messed up by focusing more on illegal backhanders and money making schemes than to take the job as seriously as it deserved. Had his focus been on the team, preparation and winning games, I think he could have done far better, but he really did screw himself over. You see a manager come in, someone who might have been overlooked previously when deserved, and you think he will sort this England team out. What he ends up doing is causing more issues, to do what he tried as the England manager it's just shocking. Gareth Southgate deserves more respect, he has given us more hope and success than anyone else. All whilst the press are doing their part to ruin it, including our own fans. He's by far from perfect but the fact we have reached a semi-final and the final under him speaks volumes. Sometimes you need a manager who connects with the players, he might not be the best but is able to inspire his players. That is what Southgate does! I also felt that Peter Taylor deserved a chance; I think he could have given us some stability leading into the golden generation.

1993, is the point where I remember watching Arsenal on TV and liking their kit (well their socks). I will never forget the electrifying moments when I witnessed cup matches, where the unstoppable duo of Ian Wright and Kevin Campbell, occasionally joined by the immensely talented Alan Smith, left an indelible mark on my memory. I know a year earlier, Arsenal had allowed David Rocastle to leave, who also died young (33). Kevin Campbell was a very hard-working striker, who scored some wonderful goals in the Premier League. I am surprised that the national news seems to be overlooking the time at Nottingham Forest, as he helped them regain their Premier League status. At Everton, he did well but I felt he was more threatening whilst with our nearest neighbours. Rest in Peace, Kevin Campbell.

A goalkeeper is of high importance. If we could identify someone like Darren Ward, it would be a good call to have someone who can be inline to starting games alongside Tiernan Brooks. Brooks looks to be the future for us, and whilst I am also happy to see him given the chance. I think we need someone who has appearances to his name, young enough to improve but already has a wealth of experience. I think one more CB is highly likely, I can imagine someone coming in who is a little more nonsense. There's the chance we might be able to pick up a player who can cover a wide range of positions in the middle of the pitch, CB/DM/CM. That would be ideal, as I think depth and cover is something we must look at but also making sure players will get game time. I'm not a fan of small squads, as it's easy to see suspensions and injuries derail your progress. The club may choose to sign two more wingers/wing backs, as if Will Randall is leaving then we really do need the cover. Is there a young winger in the National League that we could swap Randall for? I don't see how he will fit in and the few times I've spoken to him. He leaves me feeling he's isolated and not very communicative. There's no need for a striker, provided nobody leaves. Those rumours, I don't buy. I think it would be daft to make a change to the squad, when you think that player may be moving on. I think that is more likely to be at the end of the season, if anything does materialise. ????

They got the tactics wrong, Scotland, but I totally agree that their performance made Germany look much stronger. Scotland set themselves up defensively, but never really looked like they were ready to get a grip of the game. Instead, allowing Germany to play. They have some good players, who could have caused Germany a few problems but on paper it should have been routine for them. Now, this will force Scotland to either wake up or crumble. They must go for it from here, otherwise they will be going home early.

Hello, @Jake. Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham. I hope you enjoy being a part of the Notts County community. PS. Jake's a very good name, plus I hope you enjoy your cap when it arrives.

Part of me wanted to laugh, but that feels mean. I felt very disappointed by how Dan Gosling performed for us, he was very underwhelming and to say all the talk of him still being of Championship quality - he never showed it. This could be a good way for him to see out his career, whilst still enjoying football.

They'll give us a good test, provided they field a strong team. It's a good fixture. I wasn't aware that we weren't hosting any home games - this must have been mentioned at the fans' forum. I read the article about the opening announced fixtures and that stated home games would be announced in due time, I'm not overly bothered that we won't return to Meadow Lane before the season actually starts. I hope to at least make the Saturday friendlies and the Alfreton game.

They tend to put the phone down when I tell them I am handy with a computer, not that tracing them would be all that difficult with the right equipment and a little knowledge. You should also listen to how @super_ram deals with them. My youngest daughter, Ava @CutiePie - she likes watching scam baiters on YouTube.

Hello, @Pies79. Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, I hope you enjoy being a part of our Notts County community.

I miss the model village at Skegness. A certain member of my family believes nobody is interested in this kind of things because they're 'dated'. However, I would love to explore this wonderland. It's a great build for sure! PS. Being driven by a friend on match days, I believe the recent changes to the Broad Marsh and Maid Marions Way has a racing course inbuilt now.

Peter Sallis is a legend, I still enjoy watching 'The Last of the Summer Wine' - though it feels quite saddening to realise most are no longer with us. I am glad that they haven't retired Wallace. I recall reading talks that Gromit might end up going it alone, or various famous people being mentioned as someone who could step in. I think it has to be done right. Sallis will always be a national treasure and I bet he's glad that it will continue.

I don't think a director of football, or technical director, would be a useful thing. I believe it's important for Stuart Maynard to be given time to settle; the difficult period must have been a useful experience for him to learn from. If we start going over his head and treating him like he can't do the job, I think that would just be a further hindrance to him. It might also weaken his support from fans and make it difficult to find a suitable replacement if the worst was to happen, and he did end up being given the axe. We can't throw money around, I just feel we need to improve the squad and hopefully a bit of luck will see his hard work pay off. The club could try to offload pressure, but it's usually that pressure which makes someone sink or float. If Maynard is the right man, I am sure with an improved defence the results will be better. I think the biggest focus is having a clear plan for our ambitions. If we are trying to stabilise ourselves in the EFL, whilst 'trying' for promotion. Then we need to be mindful of that. If the club is seeking promotion, then that puts a difference stance on things if Maynard struggles again this season.

We also probably couldn't guarantee him any more game time, after suffering that serious injury it shortens your career (at least can) and I would suspect he's keen to play as much time as possible. The terms of our deal will never be known, but I think some fans need to look past this as if Bajrami isn't being loyal to us. Notts did the right thing by standing by him, we offered a new deal. It's unfortunate that he decided that he would like to move on, but it needs to be respected. There were times when watching him play was pure joy. I always felt like he had something that might take time to unearth, but the injury didn't help with this regard. I do think had the injury not happened, we would have seen him in the middle, at the back between Cameron and Baldwin. He's decided to move on; we just have to accept it and wish him all the best.

If a bid for Notts failed, whilst Alan Hardy stood over us, and it was linked to such a player as Gerard Piqué. I am more inclined to believe it's not true. I know there was that hedge fund which he could have been involved with, but my memory recalls it being led by someone untrustworthy - who didn't have any resources at all. I don't believe the Taylor Swift story, that seems to have fallen due to social media tweets when I looked into it at the time. As to where this story came from, it might be true that he wanted to look at buying an English club but anything serious, beyond interest, just seems unlikely to me.