CliftonMagpie

After seeing the goal, Notts moved the ball well and Cedwyn Scott’s finish was very tidy. In time, we will have players splitting the opposition’s defence. I have full faith that David McGoldrick and Dan Crowley will be able to do this, but we must be mindful that this is still a workout focused on experimenting and trying new things. It was a good performance in terms of possession and retaining the ball, as this builds confidence.

It’s going to be a good test to see Notts playing Boston United. I hope that Luke Williams continues to give some of the youngsters game time. It’s always exciting to see new talent on the pitch. I’m also hoping that Sam Slocombe is close to making a return. Fitness is key in these pre-season games, and it will be a good run out for the team. Fingers crossed for a great match!

I appreciate that the club and Luke Williams are addressing this issue head-on, as it instils confidence in their abilities. Some managers prefer to avoid discussing ongoing concerns to prevent panic or negative feedback, but I believe this only generates more concern. For example, with Junior Morias, when we don’t know what’s happening, it’s easy to forget about him and assume he’s been forgotten. However, it may just be a minor issue preventing him from starting pre-season. Addressing issues directly is wise, although the longer Morias struggles, the more I question his acquisition. Nonetheless, I have faith that he will eventually come good.

The home friendlies have shown us how we need to prepare defensively. Those were very good exercises for that, and I think Telford played quite well, although we definitely looked a lot better. The squad is progressing well, and these games aren’t about winning. Although winning does breed confidence, it makes a massive difference to their fitness and the structure of the formation we play.

Hello there, @BeestonPie. Welcome to PON, it's good to have you here.

Interesting choice of games out of all the 23 teams. I think some of the local games, such as Mansfield, Doncaster, and Walsall, are ones that I am personally looking forward to. Having gone to Wembley with @liampie, I am very keen to make sure we meet up or travel to those types of games. I am interested in Stockport County because I want to see how Kyle Wootton does.

Yes, @ARLukomski mentioned him, and I agree. I think he looked good for the time he had on the pitch. He played a calming and careful game, which was positive.

It’s sad to see the duo of Charlie and Stall come to an end, but hopefully they can bring someone in who can connect with the fans on a similar level. I think we’ve been lucky to have Charlie, after the sad loss of Uncle Colin.

Fair play to Steve Cooper for his approach in speaking with Luke Williams. It reminds me of the stories of Jimmy and Cloughie. While we can enjoy banter between our rivalry, it’s good to know that the club personnel can get along, as it opens the doors to signing potential good players from them. Also, the home shirt is really starting to make me want to buy it. It’s good to see what the gaffer thinks of the squad and pre-season.

The switch to a 4-4-2 formation was a welcome change. The 5-3-1 gives us those extra bodies in midfield when we can dominate a team, but it’s less effective when we play a team that does what we do to lesser oppositions. I thought defensively Notts looked composed; we moved the ball around well and created space. There were groans that we did this a little more than some fans would like to see, but it prevents us from needlessly giving the ball away. It also works teams into opening space up, so we have to be patient at times in our build-up. When we went for it, Notts looked superb, and I would hope Forest fans can give us the respect we deserve for keeping their quality mostly quiet. I thought both teams showed a lot of respect for each other, and although Jim O’Brien had cause to lash out, as he was fouled and stomped on, it never boiled over, which it shouldn’t do in these types of games.

I would like us to keep the squads the same as in the Forest friendly, with changes coming in the second half. It would be a good indication of how the players measure up against different levels of teams and give the squad a chance to settle as we approach the final pre-season friendly. This should help the youth players, who need some of the senior players to give them confidence.

We have a lot to be optimistic about. The first game against Sutton will hopefully show us a bit more. The depth is a good thing, and Luke Williams has a clear plan for how he wants his team to play. I think he knows what his starting 11 would be, even if he’s not publicly saying so. I also believe that we may try to start the season without signing any more players.

Southend needs a lifeline; it’s terrible what they’re experiencing, but we’ve been there. I hope they manage to sort it out in time.

Luke Williams should proceed with his plans and ignore the moaning fans. I think dropping the youngsters at this point would be harmful. A strong defence would be a good call, but the more I think about it, you would hope the players react to the minority of so-called fans who threw their toys out of the pram. I think Forest will allow us to play much more than Stoke City did; they came and acted like it was a cup match. Fair play, but I would be surprised if they didn’t.

I have been very busy with work commitments, but I will be returning to this. I don’t want to say that I will have the next clue or round-up, then struggle to do it. Keep your eyes on this.

I’m looking forward to the game, even though the sunshine has now disappeared. I think we’ll want to focus on our ball retention against Stoke City, while defensive threats will show how our existing players will cope. If we can play our passing football against them, I think they may struggle, but they do enjoy long throws and hoofing the ball.

Notts County’s preparations for their pre-season games against Stoke and Forest underline their hunger for success. The team is ready to measure up against tough adversaries, and key figures like Macaulay Langstaff have been providing insights into their meticulous groundwork. Langstaff’s confidence in his team’s abilities shines through, despite the formidable opposition they’ll be facing. With the newcomers fitting in well and adapting quickly to the team’s style of play, Notts County is eyeing strong showings against Stoke and Forest as they progress with their pre-season preparations unflinchingly.

What a guy! There is no doubt that he's a threat, even if he does score tap ins or takes someone else's goalscoring opportunity. That's what a striker does, they make sure his team scores. I thought he did well against an aggressive Nuneaton Borough.

It was a nice trip. I enjoyed watching the teams and observing how the squad interacted with one another. The coaching before and after the game was particularly interesting. I believe this is an often-overlooked aspect of the club’s success. Everyone takes their role seriously, which helps prepare the players on the pitch. I cannot single out any one performance, but it was wonderful to see the youth players feature. I hope we see more of them during the season.

At first, I was disappointed for Tiernan Brooks when Aidan Stone was signed, but this could be just what we need to push Brooks closer to the starting 11. I think he’s the ideal long-term replacement for Sam Slocombe, without having seen Stone play, of course. On paper, our midfield is strong and well-equipped to attack. Defensively, we should have improved, but I still think this is an area where we can add some depth. I know we have Richard Brindley, but I prefer him out wide, although he will most likely be a centre defender in the 3-pairing that Williams prefers.

This is a great read, with all good comments from the four fans who took part. I like Evan’s take on things; he’s right to point out David McGoldrick, and I hope all four of them enjoy the season. We are in for a ride, for sure!

I would split the two teams into the strongest we can make both sides, or maybe even consider making one team focus on attacking and the other on defence, but with an attacking mindset and some fringe players. This could give us some insight into how we will defend under pressure. It should be a nice day for us all.

Luke Williams is a good leader, detailed and thoughtful. He clearly knew that giving Aaron Nemane time would increase the chances of him agreeing to a new deal. Losing Ruben Rodrigues is a loss, but at his age, it always seemed likely. Having a manager who wishes departing players well while focusing on the right things is a joy. His openness instills faith and belief, and it’s all very positive.

Aaron Nemane is a livewire for Notts, capable of keeping pressure on the opposition and getting Notts on the front foot. He’s a very good player, and we understand his importance. Retaining him feels like a coup, considering other higher-placed clubs were reportedly interested.

He was known as a powerful and tidy finisher, using his natural ability to give him an edge when playing. I remember when the news of his death hit, and although he was before my time, I felt saddened. The tributes paid by all his former clubs show how highly he was thought of. Despite some personal problems, we should remember him as the great player he was. It’s a shame that he suffered in his later years, and I can’t imagine what it must be like to suffer from dementia.