Countyman

A big part of succeeding in football is about adapting to the different types of play one might be up against. One of the key factors that Luke Williams has discussed is teams playing a deep block against us. This is an inherently defensive strategy, suggesting that the opposition respects our attacking prowess. While it's a compliment in a sense, it also presents a new challenge for the team. Can we maintain our direct, attacking approach while still finding ways to unlock a staunch defence?

Pre-season has gone quite well. I like what I see and I think any issues with players working together will improve over time. There are already signs that players are linking well and good results will help Notts push on during the season. These games are all about preparing for the league and I think we look ready. Good write-up!

Brilliant addition to our backline! Tipton comes with a lot of promise and it will be beneficial for both him and Notts County. His versatility also brings so much depth to our defence. Can't wait to see him in action.

While I don’t believe Alfreton performed exceptionally well, I wouldn’t describe them as “poor”. I believe the quality displayed by Notts made it challenging for them. Alfreton could have been more adept with the ball, but it was evident that the training Notts had undergone paid off. We pressed and were eager to regain possession, and the team delivered a fantastic performance. Macaulay Langstaff seemed likely to score given our direct passes to him, and David McGoldrick’s outstanding effort was a joy to behold.

McGoldrick's confidence is infectious. Love how he believes in his quality and the team's potential, just goes to show the positive spirit in the Notts County camp this pre-season.

I am glad that Luke Williams is strategically pulling out players who are showing signs of strain. It's early days, so best not to risk exacerbating any injuries. Better to miss a few friendly matches than miss pivotal league games.

Hello, welcome to the Pride of Nottingham @BeestonPie.

The squad is establishing a level of understanding with the new players. Pairs of players, such as Dan Crowley, are serving as anchors further up the pitch, connecting others into the games. It's looking promising for when we play teams at our own level.

Much better, I thought the youngsters did well. It was Luther on the left wing in the second half, wasn’t it? He controlled things well but looked like he had no confidence taking players on or crossing the ball. I felt for him. The centre back actually did much better. I was pleased by the performance because Notts looked the better team.

If Luke Williams can get a good response following the Stoke City game and get the players to improve their concentration, I hope those fans who were disappointed with the Stoke City result don’t go to the other extreme, especially if Notts manages to win. We have to keep in mind how much money has been spent this past season just to survive the relegation drop from the Premier League. Win, lose or draw, I just want everyone to enjoy it. Let the players have their moment against Forest and don’t call out players during the game.

From our point of view, Notts made it very easy for Stoke City, and the number of mistakes, even in a friendly, was alarming. However, it’s not the end of the world. I don’t see those errors happening as frequently against players closer to our own level. Just imagine how other teams felt when we played them last season; it’s virtually the same effect.

Langstaff really provides us fans with some insight into what’s happening behind the scenes. I appreciate his involvement, it's comforting to see he’s as invested in the upcoming season as we are.

Well deserved! Congratulations to Dan Leivers and the entire team.

I too believe that the team has a good chance to start the season with a win against Sutton United. Their lack of significant victories towards the end of the last season makes this a great opportunity for Notts County to get off to a positive start. I'm particularly interested in the home game against Grimsby Town and how it pans out. Seeing how they ended our last season, the anticipation is indeed high, and I believe that Notts County won't disappoint

The fact that his move to Notts makes his personal life easier is a great bonus. A happy player is a productive player. Wishing him all the best!

It’s clear that O’Brien has a lot of respect for Luke Williams and his coaching staff. It sounds like they’ve created a great environment at the club.

It’s very good news that he has agreed to a 2-year deal. I think he will form a great partnership with whoever plays at the back this season and prove we are much stronger going forward.

Jim is a good player and I would rather see him retire on his own terms than allow some of the mindless people who supposedly support Notts to drive him out. I guarantee that Jim knows he’s supported by the majority of fans. As previously said, his fitness levels are insane and if he continues to push himself, why not give us another year? He can think about retirement at the end of the season. He’s got a job to do now and I want to see him give his all as he always does.

It will be a tough game for Malta. I bet Jodi is excited about playing against some of the world’s best. I can imagine he and his teammates will try to close the space England finds. He may do more defending than attacking, but I am wishing he gets to have a good run out regardless.

Tony sounds like a true Notts fan. I also hope we can make a return to League One, but I am happy just to see the club building in the right way. That will eventually lead to success. It’s a good story, this one. Well done, Tony.

This is a brilliant story of a fan’s background and history of supporting Notts. He’s right, some fans are fickle, but many are superb and have backed this club all the way. Some just like to moan a bit too much; it’s more about their character. Great story.

Seeing Jim extend his stay is a blessing; imagine if we lost both him and Ruben? While some might not be disappointed with the latter, he is by all means an important squad member.

They have signed a cracking player who can give them an edge in League One. I think Oxford will be in the running for the playoffs, maybe upper mid-table, but Ruben now has the chance to push on with his career. I just hope they don’t end up selling him for a silly fee, as we have clearly lost out.

I am disappointed that he has left for Oxford United. It’s not the biggest step up and I would have thought we could push for promotion. In the end, it should all work out. Ruben Rodrigues has been a vital player for Notts and that is something he will have left behind.

It’s always great to see one of our own representing their country. Good luck to Jodi and Malta!