Chris

Two things for me. One, I don't think Jodi was always worth the start. I preferred him to come on as a sub. He's lost a bit of pace, but will always have that quality and I just felt last season that moving forward we would have to balance his game time. I would much rather start him in important games, or against weaker teams where he's clearly a class above. Yet when I said this to fans last season it became a very unpopular opinion but I do stand by it. As much of a quality player Jodi is, he never seemed consistent enough and his connection with fans meant his downturns would often be overlooked. Now, some of them may see things for what they are now. Secondly, I couldn't imagine us having Cal Roberts and Jodi Jones in the same lineup. I think Roberts is a clear candidate for being a more consistent performer who is able to assist but also score. Those two would keep out players like Nick Tsaroula, but on paper it would have been one hell of a choice to have. I just don't see it as being practical, when it sounds like Jodi wanted more money and I don't blame him for that. He's given countless top performances, plenty of things to remember and at this stage I don't feel anyone should blame him.

Sorry to be another late welcome, but better that than never at all! One of my son's old science teachers at Ellis Guilford (Basford/Aspley) used to be a Notts fan; it would be another strange coincidence if it happened to be you before finding work in Mansfield. We won't hold that against you; if anything, you might be doing some good there! 😉 Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, I hope you enjoy being part of our Notts County community.

Hello, @Project Pie. You have a good display name! Welcome to Pride of Nottingham, I hope you enjoy being part of our Notts County community. A big 'you pies!' to you.

A good player on his day, but I have to admit he's always looked quite average in Salford's team. I do remember him at Accrington Stanley and Swindon Town; I think he did some promising things for Stanley but struggled with consistency at Swindon. He signed among them a wave of talent; I don't think he's quite reached his potential, and for that reason I can see why the club has monitored him. I wonder if @medievalmickey remembers him? The club's recruitment generally does well, and I can't hold past judgment on him. I don't feel as excited about the signing as others do. I am sure he will give his all; I just hope he can surprise me and prove to be one of those rough gems we polish.

Cal Roberts changed the game, and made a virtually instant impact. It might seem harsh on the defence who did brilliant, but without Roberts we'd be a point down.

I think we shouldn't have slowed down on our pace, it allowed them into the game and the goal conceded was very poor. They've not been as dirty as I expected, but still are so boring to watch.

I'm not bitter, he's helped us with two promotions and we got the best out of him. I just wished the circumstances were different, we obviously don't know if he is injured or not. I just think he could have been more involved in the pre-season, and left with us all wishing him the best.

I am not all that impressed with Doncaster; they are a team that likes to bully others and be physical. They tended to lack any real threat, but do have players who can hold the ball. I can see them trying to keep the game slow, time-wasting, and just trying to frustrate Notts. Whatever the outcome, we just need to be smart and hold our own. I am impressed with our midfield; I think, with the injuries, we are light in the attacking department, but Dan Kanu will help with this. I hope the referee stamps his authority from the start and doesn't allow silly challenges from either club, though I do think Doncaster will be physical. The ground is nothing special, quite soulless, but Notts always manages to take it over even when things aren't going to plan. I'm looking forward to seeing the game live; I just hope we are more alert at the back and don't press off or push up when they are on the ball, because we tend to leave space that I think they will be able to exploit. James Belshaw kept shouting on Saturday to push up and get out of the penalty area, and this led to the same issue. We don't defend certain balls behind us very well, which makes creating chances easy. I think it will be a tight win for us, even if it ends 2-0, because they will have chances due to height and their wingers.

Very good signing for me, but we will need to figure out how to rotate enough so he gets the game time needed. Much like Luka Smyth needing time to get match sharp, I think we need to be patient with Dan Kanu. I think he will make a positive difference, and now that we have another option up top, at least we can try to avoid starting games too defensively, though I can appreciate that we have players who can give their all and try. Kanu will be a big blessing, and I hope he can prove he's a good talent at this level.

My brother and his family came over so we could give birthday presents to my niece belatedly; it was nice to see them. We don't see much of them now that they live in Derby, but it's always good to catch up with her and my nephew Harry. I'm tempted to talk Jake into going to see Super today, but with me going yesterday and Donny tomorrow I don't want to overdo it. I will give him a call later; I must have been on the phone to him for over two hours last night (not that I mind). It's nice to let him talk, be put on hold, have the call terminated, and still manage to pick up from where we left. 😁

Well, I managed to go to see Super. Jake didn't go, but I understand that he doesn't like thunderstorms. It almost looked like I would get away with it, but it did in the end. It was that loud it reminded me of my grandparents saying, "God's moving his furniture." It was nice to catch up with him, but when it stopped raining around 5ish I made a quick exit to go home. No rain, but plenty of thunder quite loud. Other than that, I have been trying to deal with someone very inconsiderate, who called me brother more times than Hulk Hogan said it in a promo.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I know I had some pre-judgement/concerns going into the game, but I felt he was very natural. I overheard a small group of fans suggesting his performance was too "safe" and "casual"; I think that is quite harsh. On your debut you want things to go well; you want the team to know you are capable and reliable. I don't think his performances warranted harsh criticism, but some would have more focus on things. On the ball he was calm, got stuck in and looked naturally at home in midfield. He looked very calm, and his passing was neat and tidy. Some of the sprayed-out balls to the wider areas made me realise what Newcastle United see in him. Defensively, he had no fear and looked like a very established player. Would he have had a training session? Newcastle broke the news before Notts even did, but I think he looked well at home in midfield. As far as baseline performances go, you want someone who can give a strong impression and that isn't to be overlooked by someone who is safe or calm on the ball. We admire Matt Palmer for this exact reason, so I was delighted for him. He looks excellent, and I think he will be more than a rotational player or backup, which was my concern upon the news.

I feel sorry for Jatta, but maybe if this doesn't work his silly agent will be given the push? It's going to be tough for Casa Pia, and hopefully not all games will see them so easily outplayed. They do have a young squad and some very good players, but that doesn't mean it transpires into a good team.

Chris looks so much different from what he used to be, but what a great photo of two former great Notts men. I wish them both well with their careers, and if they choose to remain in football or hang up coaching.

I'm trying to talk Jake into coming with me to see Super; my back is still hurting from yesterday, and there are days when I have been busy, that the following day my walking is impacted. I know that he doesn't like thunderstorms, but he has been putting it off and making excuses for the past week or so. I woke him up at about half past one, but he's only just turned out of bed. I remember how difficult life was when I was his age. 😂 Not only did I have a full-time job, but Jake was two years old and I helped Granny with her work. Plus, Granny wouldn't let me for a moment do nothing or stay up late. Sorry, son, but you need to see the funny side of this. 😉