Chris

I haven't read any anger here, but I have elsewhere on social media. There's worse times for a manager to decide to jump ship and there are ways where it's far worse, I can't let the disappointment lead beyond that. I'm just hopeful the next manager speaks sense and isn't dull.

Our platform and Luke Williams fitted each other, as a stable environment for him to further learn his trade as a manager. When Ian Burhcnall left, I wasn't that bothered because I thought he was decent enough but far from perfect. I felt more bothered that he went on about our fans, rather than the small minority that wanted him out. The current scenario of Swansea City's interest in Luke Williams stands apart from others. I firmly believe that if the clubs couldn't agree a compensation package between the two clubs, Williams wouldn't have gone. There were rumours with Burchnall that he was sending feelers out, I trust Williams when he said that there had been no contact before. The good thing about compensation is that it should give the new manager a bit more to play with and make suggestions to our board. We might even be able to make an appointment which sends a solid message that we are seeking promotion, however, I do think it's more likely that a lesser known manager will come in. Simply because it's worked so well previously, but I hope for experience. Not experience as in someone who's constantly being fired, but someone who has a record with leading teams and establishing clubs at a higher level. All managers get sacked at some point, it's about getting someone in who can bring further stability whilst understanding how to get results when we might be weaker.

The issue with young keepers is they will make mistakes. Tiernan Brooks most likely will, but it will help him learn from it. I believe a game could determine whether Brooks is prepared to further strengthen his skills, while Aidan Stone's development continues. I think Notts fans have a tendency to be harsher on the keeper(s) than defenders. I have criticised Richard Duffy multiple times on this platform and on social media. Only for people to defend him, he was dire! We all see things differently, so please don't take this the wrong way but when the defence is criticised too, I have to make the point about the midfield being at fault too. It's never just one way issue though. I think Aidan Stone could prove himself here if we were more solid and less focused on passing back. Ultimately, the new manager that comes in will have to choose about the situation with Sam Slocombe and Aidan Stone. If we don't use the keeper to play it out from the back, and we have tactics focused on moving forward, creating spaces and into positions which the opposition must defend and therefore commit players to defending. We shouldn't need to rely on the defence; I am hoping we see a vast improvement from Kyle Cameron, Aden Baldwin etc with a different focus. Provided we can gain promotion this season or the next, the whole situation doesn't matter because we should improve in stages.

I wish him all the best! Some fans will be a bit annoyed, but it's not like Ian Burchnall and although Luke Williams is by far the better manager. I think it makes a lot of sense as to why he decided to go to Swansea, I didn't believe it until it was confirmed, but I respect and understand why. There's some anger about him leaving us mid-season, but we are in a good position to find a new manager who can get the results we need to push on. A bit of time to access who to bring in, get onto the recruitment of players and allow the new manager to have the final say once the squad is accessed by him. Luke's left us in a great position, so it's hard to feel annoyed. He, unlike who he replaced, hasn't bad-mouthed us (at least yet) and I don't think he would allow a small minority to do so.

I missed the chance to celebrate our promotion with fans, although I did have the pleasure to speak to Luke Williams once. He was very kind. I had done a portrait of him prior to Wembley and had been trying to give him a copy. He was just as he comes across in the press conferences, I didn't have his print, but I showed him what it looked like via my phone. It impressed me how down to earth he was, as I could tell he realised how nervous I felt and the way he spoke to me helped settle that. Funnily enough, I strolled through Messenger and the conversation I had with @Ryan Raynor. He noticed all the player prints I had made and asked about each one, if the players had seen them etc. I actually did my best to scroll through it as fast as I could, as I knew the last image was the portrait I did of him. He told me to go back to the reception in the future and ask for him, however, I never did because that felt too much of a bother. I don't like feeling like I am bothering people, but I felt so proud by his reaction. Hopefully, whoever comes in next will have a similar approach to fans. I really enjoy listening to the way Luke Williams speaks in his interviews; he always came across as detailed and insightful.

@Super_Danny_Allsopp When I glimpsed at this, I had a sinking feeling, but I still believe we are in the best position to hire someone else who can continue the journey, much like Williams did after Burchnall. https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/2024/january/luke-williams-departure-040123/

@Ohh Tommy Johnson I remembered it's postponed. ????

I am a little sceptical of this whole situation. I have seen stories like this in the past dupe people, so I tend to be more inclined to wait for official news. I don't understand why Swansea City would pay a six figure fee or why it's bandied around like it's a good deal or us. The majority of managers who join a new club command a release in the six-figure range. We also have a coaching team who most likely would see someone else take charge of the training if Luke Williams and Ryan Harley are absent. Luke Williams is still learning his trade, he's got a lot to offer but if this is true. I can see him ending up in the same manner as Ian Burchnall. Whilst I understand concern that he may be on the move, the only real concern I have is how his potential leaving of our club may lead to him wanting to sign key players from our squad. I really respect what Williams has done, but jumping to the Championship just seems too steep. We should be able to make a good appointment, so concerns about a new manager aren't a worry to me. I really hope this is just people fanning the fire, but if he leaves, I only wish him well. We are in a greater position thanks to Reedtz to move forward. The potential replacement shortlist would be far better than any previous season, far better than any other ownership since Derek Pavis.

I am very sceptical about Luke Williams leaving, but knowing my luck it will be confirmed the moment I post this. Our media has the tendency of picking up on the rumours spread by pranksters. It might not be the case in this instance, but it's funny how it's meant to be announced yesterday and hasn't happened as of now. Notts might be delaying it whilst they secure a replacement, however, I think even that would be quite unlikely. The thing that makes me slightly nervous is how we haven't released any pre-match press conference videos. We have at times this season seen them delayed, but this is the only concern for me right now which might back up this rumour. Swansea City might be closer to Luke Williams, but I can see it being similar to Ian Burchnall situation at Forest Green if true.

Let's refrain from bringing up the number of goals we let in, shall we? Let's start 2024 off with this positive message and the promise of better to come. Congratulations to the team for this achievement.

The festive period fell a little wayward and, I apologise that this hadn't been completed sooner. November was a great month for PON, which led nicely into the final calendar month. There was a lot of fantastic effort by the community, which is pleasing and although things did become quieter (quite naturally) nearer to Christmas and the New Year, I still believe it's important to wrap this up. Between myself, @cheeky~k8 and @Burnz3r0. We have decided upon the nominations for each member group as to who should be named December's Member(s) of the Month here on the Pride of Nottingham. NewPie of the Month goes to: ???? @Robbie. Member(s) of the Month goes to: @menzinho and @Piethagoram. Team Member of the Month goes to: @TheSkipper Congratulations to the four members! This is a fantastic achievement worth celebrating. So, many excellent contributions and posts during December and, we go again in 2024. Please take a moment to wish everyone well.

We used to celebrate the New Year at my parents, although we stopped some time back and would video call each other once Auld Lang Syne had been sung (usually just by myself). ???? Those years, we tended to see the following year by watching films together or on the past few occasions watch a stream of a live gig. Pausing once it was almost a New Year, to finish the night off with the rest of the stream or film. I was pleased @super_ram came over. I very much wanted him to come round before as we had made plans for him to stay over Boxing Day and for a few nights but somewhere along the way this ended up being forgotten. Jake @super_pie, very much wanted it. However, New Year's Eve was perfect. It was nice because I just felt well enough to be downstairs and made use of @Dash_16k's beanbag as a very comfortable cheer. We played Monopoly (a quick version which turned out to be anything but fast) - yet it was enjoyable. We also played Cluedo which was good fun. Despite having two weapons and a character.I quickly established what the weapon was and who the murderer was. I then carefully watched where Jake, Ellie, Kate and Super would go. Carefully noting within my head the questions they ask, the rooms they tended to get no answers from. Until I figured out the room to win. Jake was catching on to what I had figured, though we both had our comedy moments. Firstly, when I referred to the wrech as a spanner and Jake referred to two rooms incorrectly. ????

I think my main goals would be to continue on the health front. It's been a bit difficult over the last few weeks for me, what with having a bug and feeling too tired to do anything. However, I made a resolution the year before that I wouldn't push myself beyond my ability when unwell and I have stuck to that quite well. I would like to find more time to do more digital art work. I want to connect better within the Notts community, rather than just being a friendly face and someone who takes pictures at games. Socialising before and during games is something that I need to put time into - even if it's a quick hello. I care a lot about our fan base and I have met so many wonderful people that I should seek out more often. I also want to write more poetry. I have always found it to be a creative outlet towards understanding my feelings and having a natural release. Other than these, I just hope to have more family nights together. I spent time with my dad, brother, and sister-in-law. They mean the world to me, so it would be good to have film nights and catch up more frequently. It would be able to give Kate quality time with our own family who are becoming difficult to get all together now that they're all teens.

Wishing everyone a joyful New Year! I am more than eager to make 2024 an even better year for us all.

@Robbie: I am pleased you are enjoying the Pride of Nottingham. I am also glad that you have found your way to the site, because when someone joins and instantly gets involved it's a sign that something is working as intended. Many people join, but they often become lost or simply remain passive, which is completely acceptable. However, witnessing this can be quite discouraging. Seeing how much you have so quickly become involved, it's great. Honestly, I think @Fan of Big Tone has someone giving him a run for his money in terms of always being on. We appreciate your valuable contributions.

@Lozzle1 said to me once, that Les Bradd deserves it. I fully believe this to be correct, the amount of good he's done with charities and working in the game.

I don't really like having things bought me, unless I want something in general and usually this isn't the case. I spent the money given to me for Christmas by @super_ram and @GrannyPie on a new mattress topper. Our mattress is very comfy, but I don't know they always seem to become lacking in time. We had a topper before, but it's not very good. I always pulled it to my side.???? The new one, not only stays put but it helps massively with my back. I think Cheeky's happy with it too.

From having watched their teams, I have nothing but respect for Charlie McParland, Martin Allen and Kevin Nolan (his pop at me being Arsenal Fan TV) made things a bit begrudging but it's smoothed over now.

I know the fan who owns his match worn Notts shirt, maybe they'd be interested in this? The shirt looks horrible though. I'm not a fan the colour.

Mary Earps hasn't really done anything to warrant it, I'm not one those people who bash her and go on about it solely being awarded due to feminism. I just think their are far more worthy people, people who have retired and done so much charity work. It's not just Mary, others are having awards given to them for a spotlight instead of a true legacy. It's just wrong in my eyes.

@Fan of Big Tone No, it's perfectly fine. NewPie: @NottsCountyKev, @JustLikeJuve, @Sir Magpie and @Morten Johansen. Member: @Piethagoram, @menzinho, @allardyces tash and @KingWilliams. Team: @TheSkipper, @CliftonMagpie, @liampie and @Burnz3r0. Honourable Mentions to: @Callumpie and @Robbie__64. It's like signing Ronaldo and Messi. ????

I know some people seem a bit baffled by it reaching number one, but personally I think it's a decent Christmas song which should have won it the first time round. Ladbaby and his cringeworthy partner are the worst. Charity or not, those types of songs get the spotlight more due to the willingness of people wanting to help. Albeit Band-Aid is far more credible with many real musicians coming together, I still think he shouldn't have been included in the charts. Let's make Mr Blobby and Bob the Builder number one! Oh wait, they did already.

Doncaster when we played them at their ground earlier in the season, sort of reminds me of how we have been as of late. Struggling with self-assurance and severely lacking in organisation. So, they should be much tougher, but the good thing is how we will be at home. Notts tends to control the game much easier. I do feel Dan Gosling is running out of time to impress and with the midfield being the area where we would hope to see more creativity - I can't help but feel we haven't quite utilities him. He's perhaps the only change I would consider, provided he's fully fit. He's been here long enough to really make his first start now. I won't be at the game, so I will be relying on those who do make it to provide their insights into the match.

I completely agree, @DangerousSausage. If we were more established at this level, it might be a bit more different, but really I fully understand that Stockport County are a very good team. The save by Aidan Stone when Kyle Wootton was one-on-one was very good. Plus our goal line clearance, but the issue isn't with our keeper. It's the amount of chances we give due to not handling the threats.

My grandfather made sure that myself and my brother each went to the finals. I remember them quite well even though I was pretty young. In the earlier days of PON, I started discussions on social media to gauge if anyone else thought it should come back. I believe there's some form of campaign/appeal which was active that tried to bring it back to the attention of football officials. I know it seemed very mixed from the responses back then, with more fans hoping to see the Anglo-Scottish Cup's return instead. Personally, I would much prefer the Anglo-Italian Cup, and I am admittedly biased because of my fond memories of the competition. I had never heard of the Anglo-Scottish Cup before I had asked. With all respect to Scottish football, there are very few teams or places I would like to visit or see Notts play. Whereas Italy would allow Notts fans to reconnect with the @Italian Magpies amongst other wonderful locations and people. Were we the only English team to win the revamped 90s version before it was discontinued? I believe I recall Spurs had won the previous version, though I should brush this part of my memory up.