Blake

It’s a great signing, and not just because he came through United’s academy. That’s not the main reason to be excited. What really stands out is that he’s got something to prove. He picked us over other options, and that says a lot. It shows he wants to play and make an impact.

I like what Martin Paterson has to say, and I enjoy hearing his thoughts. He seems focused and ready, which gives me a good feeling about things. I hope the start to our League Two season goes well for him. If all the work he’s doing comes through on the pitch, we might be in for a much stronger season.

Great blog, it really gives us something to think about. As for the poll, I reckon bringing in a forward and a solid new keeper to take over from David McGoldrick and Alex Bass would help win back the fans’ trust.

I’m not bothered, really. I never understood the point of calling it a behind closed doors friendly if fans can still go. It just feels like a training session in disguise, with both teams trying to hide their players from other clubs.

It’s a bit embarrassing for Man City, but we’ve seen before that they’re not unbeatable. Teams managed it last season, so it’s not a complete shock. It’s a big moment for the Saudi side, though I do wonder how much effort City really put in. Pre-season games can be a bit odd like that.

Gutted to see Bass go. One of the best we’ve had in a while.

I'd prefer if we kicked off the season at home. If not, then somewhere nearby like Walsall would do. I'm not too bothered beyond that, really. I just hope we avoid a rough start or a tricky run-in at the end. We won't know how it shapes up until the other leagues wrap up, but I'm just hoping we can put together a decent campaign.

Notts even said on the official site that we’re playing Cardiff City on Saturday. 😂 That gave me a laugh. Just shows how easy it is for little mix-ups to happen sometimes.

He likely wasn’t happy about being third in line and wanted the coaching role for himself. It’s understandable if he felt he should have had more responsibility. I don’t think we’ll miss him. He came in through Football Radar, and his time here didn’t really stand out.

That’s really helpful to know. I’m not going myself, but it’s good to have something like this just in case. I can see how it would be useful for anyone who is going. I’m sure other fans will appreciate it too. It’s always better to be prepared, and this gives a clear idea of what to expect.

New approach sounds promising. Let’s give them time to settle in.

The energy Ollie Norburn mentions is exactly what we need. It's refreshing to hear of a player inspired by our club's vision.

Seems like a player with real heart and talent. If he finds form early, he could be massive for us.

Been crying out for someone with that bit of bite and composure. Could be a key figure next season.

I can't argue with that. Jatta struggled to handle Wimbledon's physical play and let it affect him. The only possible excuse for those images is if he slipped. But he threw himself into the tackle, and even though he won the ball, it was a clear red card.

Notts played well but lacked the finishing touch. It took them some time to get going. David McGoldrick would get my vote, but George Abbott, Will Jarvis, and Jodi Jones all showed they were at their best.

Notts played well in the first half, and we should have made that count. Even though Chesterfield had a few moments, I didn’t see them as a real threat. In the first 15-20 minutes of the second half, we just couldn’t get to grips with the game. Both goals we conceded came from poor play on our part and a lack of organisation. I hated hearing all the negativity about Sam Slocombe being in goal. Defensively, when Chesterfield scored, I don’t think there was much Slocombe could have done. Notts should have done better to block or clear the cross. Chesterfield knew it would create good chances, and we just never dealt with it properly.

I thought George Abbott played very well, winning the ball back and getting involved. Defensively, I felt he was solid. However, his passing and purposeful movement going forward really earned my vote.

It was a long day, but on my way home after the game, I could only think of George Abbott. He truly gave a superb performance, and I felt we controlled the first half effortlessly.

Come on Notts! We can do this. The results and performances have been much better since the injury list narrowed down. While David McGoldrick and Jodi Jones are big losses, I believe in the squad.

He scores for teams in the National League but never gets a look in with Notts? Two managers, surely something else is off with him not getting a chance. I hope Woking signs him because we’re wasting his career.

Whittaker stepping up is great to see! But we really need Jones back soon, his creativity is so important.

Yes, I felt torn between Jacob Bedeau and Charlie Whitaker. I thought Whitaker played a more impactful role in the creative side of things and had several chances which tipped my vote.

Morecambe had no real game plan. They wanted to see how Notts would attack and knock the ball around. Once they knew, it became the tactics of heavy fouls and just trying to stop us from playing. Those two goals really cheered things up because Morecambe didn't deserve anything. I think they were poorer than us at their ground.

My dad told me yesterday that he used to manage our reserve team and had been around for a long time at the club. It was interesting to hear at the game what Les Bradd and the other former player said about him. It's very sad, even more to know he suffered from dementia.