CliftonMagpie

David McGoldrick will be an essential player in our quest to achieve back-to-back promotions. While some fans may prefer to take things one step at a time, it is important that we have faith in the abilities of this squad. Luke Williams, in particular, is a real driving force behind the team’s success. It is heartening to see experienced players such as McGoldrick and O’Brien thriving under his guidance.

Watching the training videos released by the club, it is clear that the team is focused and determined, yet still able to enjoy themselves and have a good time. Maintaining this balance between focus and enjoyment is crucial for success on the pitch. The smiles and laughter evident in these videos are a testament to the positive morale within the team, which can only serve to benefit us in our pursuit of success.

What I like about David McGoldrick is that he’s always talking to the players around him, he’s always smiling too! His homecoming gives us a fairytale type story and on the back of promotion from the National League last season, well it brings optimism with it too. I have enjoyed seeing him so far, I think once the season begins we’ll start to see more of the class he brings. His experience from his days in the Championship and Premier League is going to be a big boost for us.

I find it suspicious that @super_ram first attended a Notts game at Meadow Lane, rather than at the Baseball Ground and some other random team. It’s starting to paint a very clear picture, that tells me he is indeed a secret Notts County fan first and foremost. This Super_Ram is trying to keep his secret going, but I have said it before we can tell he loves Notts more! Can we have a whip-round to buy him a proper football shirt?

This is a lovely and excellent read, I am only pulling your leg Super!

It’s good to have people like Tobi around. He seems to have recovered from his injuries, and from what I’ve seen of him during the pre-season, my confidence in his ability has increased. He appears to be a great guy who will boost morale in the dressing room.

Luke Williams’ comment about charging him on the coach for away games is amusing, as is the campaign to have him do every post-match interview. The media team might consider giving Tobi a camera to capture a behind-the-scenes look at the club.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

It's great to see the new signings in action as we head into the friendly games. The squad's morale is still high following our promotion, and this is reflected in the season ticket sales.

I'm feeling very encouraged by how things are going and I believe we'll be able to compete well against all the teams in League Two. The depth we have in positions is a bonus, and there's still time for one or two new faces to arrive. All in all, it's a promising start.

It does sound like Notts has made a big impact on Nigel. Coming from a Notts family, it will always be in the blood, but I also think this is a great story. It’s nice to read into the background of fans. If Nigel reads this and can jump on board with PON, it’s a fantastic story!

I’m really pleased that Dan Crowley joined Notts. It’s wonderful to see a player who is excited and proud to be part of a club that is moving forward and playing football in the fourth tier of English football in the way it should be. I think his enthusiasm will bring a lot of positive energy to the team.

I’m thrilled about the release of the fixtures. The opening games are very attractive and I believe there’s a high probability that we can start off strong and build momentum.

It’s interesting that he may already have a friendship with John Bostock. I think once he settles and his confidence grows, along with the support of the fans, we may have signed a player with a good resale value. Not that this is the only consideration, but his quality could take us further with such a great squad.

I am also pleased by the arrival of Dan Crowley. He has the ability to help us gain promotion. The recruitment is finally allowing us to add the right depth, and I think this will be money well spent. He’s a very good player who can reach his full potential by playing in our squad.