Chris

I'm hoping we play an attacking focused formation, as we would be able to control the game if our passing/tempo was spot on. I agree that Woking will try to be direct, most likely trying to make the most of the corners and set pieces. Jim O'Brien deserves to be given a start, he's worked hard when given a chance. If this is for Ruben Rodrigues or Ed Francis, I am confident we can adapt to give him a chance to influence the play. Otherwise,I wouldn't change much, unless injuries etc determine that it must. I can see the game being quite open.

The key word is rotation, Ruben Rodrigues for me, needs to be dropped to the bench for at least one game. If he's carrying a knock, unfit due to pre-season or just finding it difficult - he hasn't been the same recently at all. I'm not looking for excuses, but putting across my own opinion that some aren't quite playing at their usual standard. It quite possibly could be form, but I think some are struggling due to the reasons I have outlined. Ian Burchnall has done incredibly well to settle the squad, yet he only makes changes when he's forced. Just like Gareth Southgate, he won't move from his usual starting 11 - this has its positives and negatives. Regardless if its tiredness, full on fatigue or poor form, sometimes it's wise to rotate the players struggle. We rely heavily on our more creative players, so it well may be a mix of things. Also, I haven't said its everyone but the point to disagree seems to be including the whole squad? We have a big enough squad to make changes. Burchnall himself said he doesn't want to drop Francis yet for Vincent, who is supposedly ready to return. So, if we continue to play players who are either poor in form or tired, and in need of a little rest - what will be achieved by constantly playing them? As I say, it's good IB isn't dropping people for the sake of it but the odd rotation changes the mix. I personally think Jim O'Brien should be given a start, whilst Cal Roberts suspension means we should see Aaron Nemane. This might be enough to force changes and hopefully a stronger reaction to the recent defeat. I'm also, not suggesting by my fatigue comment that its anything serious. Unlike those that bang on about 'semi pros' as if footballers are shoe horned into a standard just because of their contracts, footballers are footballers at the end of the day- they win, lose and draw regardless of their natural talent or overall ability [this comment is aimed at some on social media.].

Of course, professional players can become fatigued - especially those that cover more ground. Perhaps some aren't fully match fit to begin with? I could be wrong, but Ruben Rodrigues missed most of the pre-season, if not all of it. And, yet people seem to believe he will be fully match fit 8 games into the season? Sometimes rest is needed for any professional athlete. Yes, because this means that humans won't't become tired. Some issues will be simply form of individuals rather than the whole group. Perhaps even pressure? Yet I do think Kyle Wootton, Ruben Rodrigues are two players who look in need of a rest. Wootton is too important though, he's our main striker and this can greatly impact a players form.

I think fatigue is impacting some players, I keep saying it. Those fans who think when people come out with logical replies, only to be met with 'that's an excuse'. Playing week in and week out, fatigue creeps in and form dips. I like how Ian Burchnall has stuck to a steady squad, but the occasional rotation is needed in my opinion.

I'm a bit at a loss with the reaction to losing, people saying 'they're semi pro' and 'we're bigger'. Football isn't plain sailing and I think the majority of fans who realise that supporting Notts has its ups and downs will understand that naturally sometimes you lose. It sounds as if we didn't turn up, and played quite poorly. So far this season I am content in terms of performances, and even now it's early to be throwing tantrums over losing by a single goal. I am surprised I haven't read any comments bashing the loanee goalkeeper or the centre back. As if people can't have bad days, it would seem the whole squad did exactly this. I agree with people who are echoing the need for another striker to chip in with assets. Mitchell isn't the answer, at least I don't think - I see no signs of him being a goalscorer. For those that dislike Sam, at least he can find the back of the net. Losing? It happens, I do believe we'll respond from this, and I just hope the negativity stops. Some Notts fans aren't very patient with things, but It's something that really should be put into perspective.

It's early days, but unlike previous seasons we have something to build on - rather than improve from. Yes, the performances at times could be better, I keep saying this will come in time. What I will add is, how much brighter we look. The football is heaps better compared to previous managers. Ian Burchnall also makes use of changes and tactics in-game, which is refreshing not to wait for the 70th mark for a change. As it is going for a win, instead of defending for a draw [which tended to lead to defeats more than that].

Supposedly, they have some players out injured. For ourselves, it will be interesting to see how we do without Kyle Cameron. I think he will be a miss, as he integrates himself into our attacks very well, and he's robust enough to defensively cope with the opposition. Part of me thinks Ian Burchnall won't start the new lad on loan, I know some might question - well why wouldn't he? But I just feel he will be on the bench, with Adam Chicksen and Richard Brindley partnering Alex Lacey. As for them, I wouldn't think much about whom they have available or which players might be out. Prepare to have a solid game plan, where we are more creative in the centre of the park, instead of the flanks, and it should be a good game.

I have intended to keep this blog updated, although it has fallen wayward - much like a lot of things have. Personally, I can't blame COVID or the lockdown. As I made a promise to myself last time, I felt in this position that I would own my actions, and attempt to move past them. Returning to Meadow Lane has been overwhelming, both in a good and an awkward way. I haven't really enjoyed how busy it has seemed, bar the Tuesday night game against Wealdstone which felt more like I know. At the last home game, on the way out - I felt closed, and I feared I would have a panic attack. On the opposite hand, I have realised just how much support and care I have - from people who I have got to know. When I think back about my personal journey, I feel like I have somewhat lost my way, and although I try to address this at the start of every season. It becomes much like a New Year's resolution. Well, something I try to uphold but ultimately fail to achieve. Before I attend games, I try to remind myself that talking does help, and I realise this. The first few matches I stuck to myself, I didn't communicate much at all - simply because I wanted to slowly integrate myself back into the community at Notts after such a difficult year we have all had. I write none of this for sympathy, I won't be sharing the blog directly at all - but it will be there for people who know me. It's something I also feel I can reflect on, as I pick up emotions rather easily and in the right environment I can identify what I need to do in order to help myself. Being able to attend Meadow Lane, seeing Notts and exchanging conversations has been something I have missed. I like looking around, seeing fans enjoy themselves and something I have noted is just how much people I know have changed or grown up. This season seems to be delivering a very good standard of optimistic, something we should all try to embrace, but I have challenged myself to focus on making whatever difference I can possibly do. I care very much about Notts County. My connection to the club, developed first by my grandfather - is something I want to hand down to my family. If I can, I would like to have a positive impact on others. My aim is to pay back to people who have enabled me to move forward, whilst identifying fans who deserve a form of kindness - which I will do by handing out prints. As I try to re-find my mojo, I will be trying my best to keep on the right path. I realise this isn't much of a blog, but for those who read will see my thoughts etc.

@TheSkipper: Sheffield Wednesday fans seem to rate him, plus I do think our recruitment is a lot focused on the quality side of things - rather than the costs or experience.

It was a poor and difficult start for Notts. The passing game is being pushed to give us confidence on the ball, so that we aren't pressured as much - giving us chance to express our creativity and quality. Yet, against Maidenhead this never really worked. Slow build-ups, leading to quicker play, never allowed us to slow down in order to create many decent chances. It always felt very forced and rushed. Even in the second half, I think we fell victim to allowing the frustration to build up. Yet a win is a win. At the end of the day, I thought many of our players had were just too average. Maidenhead wasn't anything special, bar a couple of players who looked to be very direct. Cal Roberts, Alex Lacey, Ruben Rodrigues and Kyle Wootton all had a poor game in my eyes, yet it wasn't down to a lack of effort. Merely the way we played and approached the game, whilst some allowed the frustration of events to effect their performance.

I don't think Notts was lucky to win, we had a perfectly good goal disallowed at a key stage in the game. Sam Slocombe also kept us in the match, which I don't expect to see him being given the credit for. It's the most demanding role on the pitch, but I think he's showing his experience whereas when Ross Fitzsimons was here - he got defended rather blindly until the later stages of the season. If Fitzsimons was here now, I doubt we'd be doing as well. Yet every keeper makes at least a few mistakes. Defensively, we do need to be better. Slocombe and Kyle Cameron have both said this is an adjustment for Notts, which will take time, but the signs are positive. Wealdstone gave us a good game, They started off sluggish, but defensively I always felt they were poor in this department. Going forward, they played a direct game which was opposite to my thoughts on their defence. A better team might have caused more issues, yet in the second half we were on top of the game. The entertainment value was one of the better aspects I've seen in a while, but I still believe there's an unhealthy expectation that Notts should be keeping clean sheets and winning games 5-0, home and away by some fans. This isn't realistic and even the poorer teams in the National League will be able to cause any team issues. It's all down to improving, getting those wins and boosting the confidence within our squad. Cal Roberts could've easily ended the game with far more goals, he got himself into positions where he unselfishly attempted to assist someone else - had he shot and not scored, he'd fall criticism to being selfish. Yet he's alert, bright and eager to do what's best for the team. His free kick was a very close attempt. Kyle Wootton, Ruben Rodrigues, Kyle Cameron all came close to scoring chances which didn't quite work out. That's football. Very few attempts by Wealdstone in the second half had that edge or worry of a goal threat. Despite feeling nervous when they attacked, we hung on and defended well in the dying moments of the game. I think it was a fair match, which both teams took seriously and gave everything - we came out of it deserving the win. Yet I feel Wealdstone proved that they're no pushovers. PS. It's also unlike Weymouth who went 2-0 up, then lost 2-4. I used to argue that winning pretty was better than winning ugly, which most fans seemed to prefer the win however it came - it's happening now, and we want this crisp attractive football where we don't concede. ????????‍♂️ Each game is different, but improvements will be made - yet I think in the National League we must sometimes accept results are the main thing without being overly critical of performances.

need a win to lift morale, I think the chances should come, and we appear to be much better at home. On goal, we seem to be far more creative with our efforts, but this will improve as the fixtures come - Notts are in a very good position right now. Being undefeated and at home, Meadow Lane needs to show its full support. I haven't seen Wealdstone's highlights so far this season, but I assume they'll be similar to last season. They are decent on the ball, able to score and can fight their way back into games, but ultimately have a cagey defence that panics. I don't think their keeper was very good either from what I watched, and I had seen a lot of live games on TV. Hopefully, not much has changed.

Weymouth can score if they control or manage to create changes. The key would be for the Notts midfield to hold the ball, whilst playing at the right tempo - not too slow, not thoughtless rushing. I think the majority of opportunities should fall to Notts, provided we keep the recent standard we have set so far this season. The build-up play needs to make use of the channels, whilst drawing players onto the likes of Kyle Wootton, so that others, i.e. Cal Roberts/Ruben Rodrigues can get on the ball and visa versa. Weymouth for me, are the type of team who will be looking at this fixture and considering a draw would be a good result. No doubt they'll want to win, but a draws much more realistic. I don't think they come anywhere near to the depth we have. The second half should be where the game opens up, as I can see the first half being extremely close. A draw/defeat wouldn't be a good result in my eyes for us, but it comes down to how good Weymouth are and if we can match or beat their efforts. I always reflect on my thoughts based on the whole picture, rather than the result or a single conceded goal.

Despite some mistakes, I'm not going to sit here and type a comment berate anyone. It was a good game, both teams created chances and made the game alive for the most part of the game I think ideally we would've kept Aldershot out, however, they did well at times and the certainly turned the game on its head. The points I've taken away from this is the fact it could've easily ended in defeat or a draw. Notts played with a level confidence and spirit, which saw us created some very good chances which didn't go in. Aldershot continued to cause us headaches with their play, especially when we had to throw literally everyone in the way and Slocombe did superbly to tackle one of their players - after he had the ball kicked out of his hands. Roberts had a good game, first time I've agreed with the Man of the Match so far. Lacey is a joy to watch with his passing, and general defensive work. Taylor did well out-wide and going forward, although he stopped trying to take them on after a while which was disappointing [yet IB might have asked him to avoid it]. O'Brien was back to being average, although this wasn't through a lack of trying. Wootton looks like he will score for fun, given the right chance. Notts will improve further, they won't always keep a clean sheet and no current squad member doesn't give anything less than 100%.

I'm hoping I don't have casual fans behind me for this game, at the Torquay match I found it restraining just to tell these two middle-aged men to stop moaning [which they did for 90 minutes]. The mention of DKE or Slocombe might also trigger me, as neither of them are at fault for much. It's a good start to the season in my eyes, undefeated and confidence should start to increase with the steady flow of games. On paper, it should be a straight forward, but I think Matt Palmer needs to get more time on the ball. He's much calmer with it and generally distributes play in such fashion that it enables others to do what they can - at their best. I think Ruben Rodrigues benefits a lot from Palmer's passing play. I'd like to see Aaron Nemane make his full start at home, provided he's fully fit. Also, it would be nice to see Alex Lacey back in the squad but we shouldn't rush him in fairness. I just feel that Kyle Cameron and Connell Rawlinson would benefit from having a stronger CB by their side, instead of Richard Brindley would for me would be better as a wing-back.

Wrexham will require time to get the most out of their signings, which, for me, does benefit Notts right now. Our squad largely understands the players around them and this can make a difference. Notts need to make a lot more movement in the opposition half, I am slightly concerned about them finding our formation to be something of a weakness mind. We need to be a lot more organised and determined to keep a clean sheet, then build from that. Roberts will likely be the player who can make things happen, yet I hope Rodrigues plays a more central attacking role - as he is someone who can create something out of nothing. Wrexham putting on a strong performance, against another promotion rival, could make them settle together a lot quicker. It's going to be interesting to see if there are any changes, I would give Taylor the start over Chicksen and allow O'Brien to start ahead of Francis.

Good performance by both teams, that made an exciting game in all fairness. Torquay came out looking to score early on, Their build up play at times was very good but lacked the end product. Notts started sluggish and lacked directness, but people should understand it's simply due to how high Torquay pressed. The main issues in the first half, was the high balls to DKE - it's ridiculous and anyone who genuinely blames Dion for this issue needs to get their heads checked. I felt the chances Notts created in the first half were actually much better than Torquay, yet they are few and far between. It was a decent first half, I don't think anyone can really say it was awful or rubbish. I'm starting to believe that the signings and, win over Barnet is starting to cloud some peoples' judgement. Much like Don Masson's comments at half-time has got people all in arms over us playing the ball out from the back, it was difficult for me to hear exactly what was said, but I made the jist of it. I just wasn't sure if Masson was trying to claim Slocombe couldn't hit a free kick to our striker - if so, this is nonsense. In the second half, Ian Burchnall actually addressed some issues from the first half. However, I think it's completely unfair to blame DKE for his performance because he did fine with the ball at his feet. Nemane made a huge difference, but he needs to avoid doing to much. I mean when it works, it's exciting, but it does seem wasteful when theirs better options available. O'Brien seems revived and keen to play a bigger role in the squad, he was a real bright point when he came on. His movement and ability to get forward, it made a huge difference. With Roberts and Nemane pulling strings over on the right side, it forced Rodrigues to drift to the left and I think he would've been more effective if he could have stayed central. O'Brien went to the left often enough, but Chicksen didn't really support O'Brien. He seemed more interested in taking players on and, getting the ball into the box. Chicksen played okay for me, he did some exciting things, but largely I feel he could've worked better with others. The decision-making wasn't always ideal from Notts, I do agree at times it could've been much better, but the game was good. Torquay knew the pressure would mount on them. They slowed down and took to dropping to the ground to kill any momentum or simply to hold onto their lead. Their keeper should've been booked earlier than he did, and still managed to time waste beyond a point where he could get away with it in my eyes. I got the impression the referee didn't want to make any more bookings after a certain point with Torquay, as he looked to hold out and 6 minutes for all the antics was short. Yet, I accept it because a draw isn't the worst result. Notts played some exciting football in the second half, Burchnall needs to make sure we maintain the same level of intensity and directness. If a team decides to park every player in their penalty area, we need to draw them out with the creative players that we have - Roberts did well in this regard, he tried to draw people onto him, and it often created Nemane time to get a cross in. Unfortunately, Nemane's crosses was hit-and-miss. This needs to be improved, but I don't think people suggesting we should shoot from outside the box understand anything about football. You've got to have a clear target, or see a way for your ability to get something in on goal - this won't happen with 3-5 bodies all in your way. Honestly, I left happy and felt we could've won - yet I will always take a point in games like this. It could've easily turned in favour of Torquay, although Notts really should've made the most of them having 10-men. I don't think it's worth criticising and, moaning because it's very early in the season. Just because we won Barnet 5-0, it doesn't mean we'll batter every side [unlike people on social media seems to think].

Kate added the fixtures yesterday for me. It needed this one to stop from generating a match discussion. Let's just stick with the 5-0 win, I don't want to tempt fate. ????

Notts County was a club on its knees during the remaining days of the 'error era', I am incredibly thankful that the Reedtz brothers have come in and given us some solid foundations to build on. Back-to-back playoff finishes, stronger recruits and players signed for a fee. The futures black and white!

@CliftonMagpie: No point playing Cal Roberts, he will want to feature, but we should slowly ease him back in when the season starts. I keep saying it, but another injury would be a big loss for us. I don't want a repeat of Jimmy Spencer, although the chances of an injury are much higher with Roberts. Hopefully, Tyreace Palmer gets a run out against Coalville Town.

???????? He can get us going down the left flank, it will be encouraging seeing how he does for us.

I'd avoid playing Cal in the pre-season, allow him to focus on training and then wait to slowly give him chance to gain match fitness in the league. He's better protecting, than losing again. Avoiding the Jimmy Spencer type situation, I am sure Roberts is ready and keen to go. Just need to be safe IMO.

After losing Jake Reeve, which now in hindsight always seemed to be the case - what with Neal Ardley being sacked and the single year deal. I think retaining Sam Slocombe and Connell Rawlinson gave the club a boost, plus eased the minds of the fans who might have felt their would be a mass exodus from Meadow Lane. Michael Doyle also agreeing to become head coach is a big thing, although I believe he had already started his coaching badges with us - so that seemed highly likely but nonetheless its great news.