Chris

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.

I shouldn't laugh, but I can't help it. ????????

Neil Warnock? There's been no one more successful than him in the EFL. If you want to survive the drop in the Championship, hire him. If you want to promote, hire him. He just brings the best out of players and whilsr he might not make the grade at the Premier League level. His career speaks volumes for him as a manager, which makes him by far one of the greatest.

This will be a great thing for our fan base, bringing a central zone and thinning out other areas. I am excited about my first visit! It's things like this which makes me more thankful for our owners, who have been getting stick the past two seasons for supposedly not investing in the right area. We are in a race, which won't be won without reserving our energy and this could be such a massive boost towards that.

@ARLukomski has shared why this is potentially the best signing we'll make ahead of this upcoming season. I'm very impressed, as I am extremely familiar with what Jacob Bedeau brings to us. He has plenty of room to grow, his potential has caught the eyes of bigger clubs and his decision to sign for Morecambe actually gave them some solid ground - as he could have easily chosen a bigger club but has grown further due to getting regular starts under them. Very good defender, who's awareness and ability should make the world of a difference for us. Massive signing on paper!

He's a very good signing, it really does look as if Notts are aiming to sort the defence out ahead of other priorities. A solid signing in goal would go a long way towards building excitement for the new season, but on the bases we have captured two of the best options for the CB positions. Bedeau is an excellent defender; he's one of those who is just very steady, and I think his potential makes the deal the most exciting aspect. I know previously, Bolton were one of few clubs that had shown interest in him, and he did excellently during his time at Morecambe. This is one of those signings which really gives me more hope that we will be much better defensively.

It's very saddening news to read this, may he rest in peace.

@Piethagoram It wouldn't surprise me if Kyle Cameron had decided he would move on after this season, he's given us a lot and whilst his position in the starting line-up might be being questioned - I think the appointment of Macaulay Langstaff as captain is more of a chance to get everyone back on board for a new season. The season had barely ended before fans were asking who the next season captain should be. I get that Cameron has had faults, but it lacks respect which is one of the worst things in football these days. Until the club or captain decides otherwise, we shouldn't really have a say - unless there's doubt nearer to the pre-season.

I feel sorry for Kyle Cameron. I witnessed nasty comments directed to him after games by mindless so-called fans. I don't believe anyone can give such abuse and throw it off as passionate about the club. It's destructive and hateful. I hate those fans who gave Macaulay Langstaff stick for not scoring early on last season, don't repeat their behaviour because I am sick of these so-called supporters. Firstly, Kyle Cameron has always done his best for us and has led the team out proudly. I hope Macaulay Langstaff does well with the role, I tend not to lead to much towards speculation, but I think out of our squad he's someone who we can look up to and the players respect him (the players did Cameron - they wanted him as the captain previously). Which leads me to say, I firmly believe this is more a case of the club looking to hand the band to the next best option. Will it secure offers away from other clubs? No, but it might make Langstaff prouder to represent us and the bonus in pay may appeal to him to extend his stay. Captain tend to be firmly behind the club, so I believe it's a very positive decision.