Nocturnal-Magpie

Unfortunately, the young centre back doesn't seem to have what it takes to succeed. He performed poorly against Nuneaton. In comparison to Owen Betts when he was here, he falls short. While he may improve, he currently appears to be a liability. We have other, better young players who could have made better use of the game time. If he's playing due to the risk of injury, it suggests we need to bring in another centre back. The rest of the squad did well, and I don't think Aidan Stone can be blamed for any of the goals. It is what it is, and we move on.

It took Notts a little time to get going. Defensively, both halves’ teams did well. David McGoldrick looked good, as did some of the youth players. Nuneaton played well; they were up for it. It was good to see how both teams worked together respectively.

I remember watching highlights of that era’s squad and thinking Mick Vinter played with a traditional sense. He was also ahead of his time in terms of his reading of the game, being physical but not overpowering. When he got the ball, magic soon followed. I would have loved to see him play for Notts in his prime. If you had witnessed him, I can only imagine the goosebumps from watching his attacking mind.

It's a common occurrence for stores to eventually disappear, be consumed by others or be renamed. This has been a problem ever since supermarkets started seeing huge sales numbers. Smaller stores like the CO-OP, which used to be big, are now being taken over. For example, Sainsbury's purchase of Argos removed a giant high street store. There's nothing wrong with buying online, but the issue is more down to stores not adapting, staffing correctly or making the most of sales. British Home Stores fell because the person who took it over just wanted to asset strip it.

It all sounds promising. There seems to be a keeper within Aidan Stone; it’s just a case of getting it out of him.

The more I read about Dan Crowley, the more I feel we have signed a very good replacement for Ruben Rodrigues. He just sounds quality. I hope he doesn’t disappoint on the pitch but proves himself to be a fan favourite.

Interesting comments by Dan Crowley. I think his decision to move shows he’s committed as a player. You don’t step down when expecting children if you’re not sure about the decision. The comments about being his own player are fair; Notts has a habit of pigeonholing people. All those managers said to be the next Jimmy Sirrel, for example.

I know when players come from a higher-up team’s academy it’s played upon, but I really do feel like this is a marquee signing. It seems like a blueprint for building a team to ensure the quality is there so that Notts is well adapted to life in League Two.

It doesn’t quite feel like a dream, nor does it feel like a honeymoon period where suddenly it’s going to turn to hell. It just feels like the club is back to a level playing field, with smart and sensible decisions. The club has the potential to be a big team all the way up to League One, but mismanagement has caused most of the hardship. It doesn’t feel like we will find any skeletons or earth-shattering news with our current owners. It’s almost perfect. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As long as there’s fuel in the tank, you have the desire and ability to play. Why retire? Age is just a number and he will once again demonstrate why he has been one of our best players in the past 5 or so years. He may be at his peak, but he has matured well with age.

I have followed some more members and will need to check out the forums because I use the dashboard page. Articles are useful and I will look into those too.

If he has learned that money doesn’t make him happy, what are the chances of him hiring me as his personal security guard? I’ll keep those autograph hunters at bay. He really does come across as a typically nice bloke though, and you have to respect that.

Naturally, he’s one of the players you want to see remain at the club for the longest time possible. Considering where we are now compared to when he arrived, I think those 3 years have been kind to us. We could have lost him the last time his contract was up, but he committed. Now’s the time to cut him loose and hope he does the right thing.

Reading what Ruben has to say takes much of the “why Oxford United” from my mind. I don’t know what type of football they play in League One. Yet to get the best out of Ruben, they need to avoid hoofing it. He improved as our passing play did; the quicker we knocked it around on the ground, the more he stood out.

Jodi Jones is a classy player. I just hope if he does play, he doesn’t pick up an injury. I am sure he will be fine, but I do worry. Best of luck to him.

It’s good to know the pre-season fixtures. I wish the club would have them all ready to be announced or, if they must, announce home and away separately instead of slowly filtering them out. It makes it seem like it’s a slow news week.

Mecca is a top, top bloke! He's very down to earth and you can see he's a grafter who enjoys the rewards of his hard work. He's had a sensational start to his Notts career, I hope this keeps in his mind when if comes other clubs promising him the earth. It's what you're gifted, not what you take that makes you a success. I believe in Macca!

We can compare ourselves to some of the teams that have find better, whilst anything can go wrong within a season. I don't feel it's likely with Notts, as the fans, club, staff and players are all pulling in the same direction.

Great performance, no disrespect aimed at the opposition but a good win looked like likely early on if it’s pushed for it.

Awful result but what can you do about it now? Hartlepool are a good side, they played better. Notts needs to match teams because no side should make us look small in this league had 100% been given.

I think it suites Doyle to play further up, with Rose playing a duel role as a player who can mop up the ball but get in behind the forwards. No doubt Michael is an asset to the clubs playoff bid.

The amount of mistakes Notts owners have made, they could write a book on what not to do. I think the new owners are sensible, they’re looking at the bigger picture. It would have been easy to sack Neal Ardley in the moment, when many seemed to want him gone. But the focus was on next season, the one after that and further beyond. Not based on resetting the club and struggling due to adjusting. Things have come together brilliantly, long may it continue.

There was some good play from Notts, not enough but players like Kristian Dennis made every effort to do something from nothing. Shame the majority seem spineless and unmotivated.

A win would really fuel the start that has been made in recent weeks, a draw would be acceptable but right now points are what is needed. Notts must play for the win and not just play defensively as a way to avoid leaking goals. It's time to see if the defence can manage without the stabilisers on. Attack and go for it, there's no risk of losing right now and winning well could allow things to click further.

I am not confident about winning, I feel a draw is likely but if it's true about Crewe having too much inexperience right now it could be the time. I am just prepared for some setbacks. A draw wouldn't be that bad, just need to see a steady performance at the back. 2-2 I say. Stead and Evina.