allardyces tash

It wasn’t an area I thought we needed to strengthen, but I’m pleased with the signing. We don’t yet know how we’ll set up or what changes Martin Paterson might make, but Barry Cotter looks like a player who’s better than League Two level. I always prefer permanent signings, though maybe this could become one if he does well. Time will tell, but fingers crossed he settles in quickly and makes an impact. It’s been a long time since we’ve had this much quality out wide, and the middle of the pitch is shaping up nicely too.

I wish I could go, but sadly I can’t make it. It would’ve been great to see the new signings in action and start to get a feel for what Martin Paterson might bring as our head coach. These friendlies are really just for getting players back into shape and building up match fitness. I don’t read too much into them. I am a bit curious about the goalkeeper spot and whether there’ll be any surprises. I also wonder what formation we’ll go with, and if there’ll be any changes during matches. The result and performance don’t mean much, especially if we end up playing different XIs in each half, which is likely.

Absolutely spot on. PON truly is a home for thoughtful discussion, friendly banter, and that warm sense of belonging we all look for in a community. It’s built on the kindness, wit, and input of its members, whether you’re starting a thread, dropping a quick reply, or simply taking part in a quiz for a laugh. Every bit adds to the welcoming atmosphere we’re so proud of. Let’s keep leading by example. By being encouraging, inclusive, and open to all, we make sure PON isn’t just the community we know and love, it becomes one others are drawn to as well. Here’s to everyone who gives their time and heart to keep it going.

This is brilliant, Michael. You've done an excellent job putting this together. Full credit to you for writing it so well.

Thanks very much to everyone who has taken the time to read my blog. If you’ve enjoyed it, I’d be grateful if you’d consider following my main page. I like to keep things light-hearted to help spread a smile, and it means a lot to see such a positive response. For me, tone matters. I think it should be a bit quirky and playful, something that helps you stand out from the crowd. I love making people laugh and smile, and this blog is a fun way for me to share that with everyone.

There’s no doubt that the Pride of Nottingham shows how much passion and hard work you’ve put into the club, @Chris . The site’s in a strong place, and it’s great to be part of a community that looks out for each other. PON is a top place to chat about the club, and I really appreciate all the time and effort that goes into running it. It’s great to see so many members getting involved and keeping things lively. Off the back of all this praise, I’d like to thank everyone who’s able to support the site by subscribing, and a big thank you to @Michael D Pie. for what sounds like a tremendous effort on his part.

Hot off the press! a fresh football pie blog served up for the PON crowd to tuck into. If it tickles your taste buds, feel free to leave a reaction or a comment.

New blog’s up! Short, sharp, and hopefully not too daft. I welcome comments, unless it’s to suggest I take up mime. I write to make smiles, not to knock the club.

The world of football is a place where hopes rise and fall quicker than the English summer. Notts, with its eyes locked on the brass ring of promotion, has made its intentions clear: up the table or bust. This ambitious quest for glory has offloaded Stuart Maynard, our ex-head coach, to the annals of "what could have been." In his stead, we welcome Martin Paterson, whose introduction has divided fans as neatly as a knife through a contentious pie. Entering Meadow Lane feels like encountering numerous fresh faces all prepared to assist us in pursuing our ambitious aspirations. Ollie Norburn stands ready to assume command in the midfield and we must not disregard our latest striker acquisition, Matthew Dennis, aged 23 from Carlisle United. Word has it he has been outpacing defenders with remarkable ease. The squad has also been seasoned with the likes of Tom Iorpenda, a loanee from Wigan, and the Afghan sensation Maziar Kouhyar, expertly adding a dash of international flair to the midfield. Our goalkeeping woes, a Shakespearean tragedy unto themselves, find solace in young Harry Griffiths, who stands valiantly ready to catch more than just colds. The tactical wisdom underpinning these acquisitions appears based on increased creativity in midfield, complemented by Norburn and Iorpenda's versatility. Yet, in what could only be described as a tale begging for a melodramatic twist, Alex Bass has exited the picture. His departure and the bewildering cancellation of a friendly match with his acquiring club have spun enough yarn to knit a conspiracy theory sweater. Was it a case of cold feet or even colder negotiations? Who’s to say? Rest assured, our speculation retains the vividness of an abstract painting - colourful, yet unclear. The past 2024-25 season taught lessons with the ominous absence of Macaulay Langstaff, now at Millwall, leaving us feeling much like a jilted lover. To compound matters, Junior Morias’s loan and Cedwyn Scott's sale to Carlisle United have left Notts's frontline resembling a solo act rather than a full band. Nevertheless, the partnership between Alassana Jatta and David McGoldrick channels a harmony only rivalled by Lennon and McCartney - a potent duo turbocharging Notts's campaign for near glory. Then there's Bass, that stalwart guardian between the posts, whose departure is akin to removing the heart from an otherwise sturdy body. His contribution was a buoyant force in our defence, whose exit leaves us clutching at straws faster than a scoliosis test on a Monday morning. The defensive signings of Jacob Bedeau and Matty Platt seem valiant, but without a confident keeper, they might just be the proverbial knights missing their trusty steeds. The lesson from seasons past rings louder than the chime of Big Ben: cash is king, and quality must be queen. The Reedtz brothers have done a stellar job ushering improvements both on the pitch and away from it. Yet, with the spectre of promotion ever present, now more than ever, savvy spending becomes the clarion call. The team desperately requires additional talented players especially a skilled goalkeeper. This need is as evident as the intense atmosphere during a penalty shootout. In this grand theatre of sport, balancing hope with reality is the dance for any ambitious club. Losing players who lit up the pitch is undoubtedly a bitter pill, but this accentuates the urgency of recruiting talent capable of reinventing our story. Will Jarvis's arrival brings excitement, while Mai Traore's role remains a tantalizing mystery, much like the whereabouts of the last odd sock. With our new coach’s attacking zeal, bolstered by further signings, it’s a concoction that might just brew a season to remember. Or, in classic Notts fashion, we may spend our time grappling with playoff fate. Football is the unpredictable whirlwind it always has been, but at least we aren't hurtling headfirst towards relegation - knock on wood. As the curtain rises on this thrilling saga, eyes will nervously follow each incoming talent. These players are like the threads that will decide whether Notts climbs to greatness or ends up with a story that didn’t quite meet expectations. This season is no ordinary one. It has surprises many unexpected events suspense & loads of drama all combined.

It’s heartbreaking to hear that someone has lost their life in an accident. Rest in peace, Diogo Jota.

It would be typical of Notts to react quickly when news gets leaked or shared, but it's not unusual for a friendly to be called off if there’s a worry about protecting a player or avoiding confusion that could cause problems. These things always lead to speculation. Maybe Notts are trying to avoid losing more players to Peterborough and thought the friendly might give them a chance to spot someone else. Or it could be that Peterborough arranged the match to get a closer look at Alex Bass, thinking their bid might not go through. Perhaps they planned to make a move after the game, but instead made the offer early.

He seems like a decent prospect, and time spent in a setup like ours could really help him grow. Whether there’s any truth to the talk, I’ve no idea. He’s versatile too, able to play on both wings and in the middle behind the striker, which would give us some useful choices going forward. I’m sure not everyone would be thrilled if he signed, but I would be. With the right time and support, he might turn into a real gem for us.

@Fan of Big Tone, Technically, it’s a bed sheet, but I went with “sheets” for a bit more style. It just rolls off the tongue better, even if it’s not spot on.

Not at all, just like @Chris s said. No fee ever changed hands when he signed or afterwards. It was just another Munto fairy tale. Some have claimed the payment was made, but that’s long been proven nonsense. Kasper even cleared it up on a podcast with Joe Hart, saying he gave up his wages and came in on a free. Not everything got sorted, but enough was done to stop the club from going under. There were stacks of unpaid bills, and the Trews got lucky that no one came knocking for them. While they did keep us afloat, I reckon someone else would have stepped in. Even so, it was the right call not to send the club into administration. Kasper Schmeichel Transfer Histo...Kasper Schmeichel Transfer HistoryAn overview of all transfers made by Kasper Schmeichel (38), a Danish professional footballer who now plays for Celtic.

You have to wonder what Ray Trew and Alan Hardy make of it all. Munto, with nothing in the bank but big promises, ended up delivering a season they could only dream of. For all the dodgy dealings behind the scenes, that campaign brought a buzz back to Notts. It reminded everyone we were still a big name in lower league football, and for once, we actually looked like champions. The fallout could’ve been a disaster. Sven walking away from his wages, Kasper not costing a penny in the end, and Man City somehow getting ghosted on a transfer fee, it’s madness. But what a ride it was.