theMagpies

I’d have preferred Brackley over Woking, so I’m happy with the draw. It won’t be a simple match. FA Cup games rarely are. Still, it’s a good chance to build some momentum and earn a bit of money for the club. If we go into it thinking it’ll be a walkover, we could end up like we did against Salford City, before they joined the Football League.

Rod McDonald came into the squad at the right time and has taken his chance with both hands. He’s not just filling a gap; he’s grown into the role and brought leadership to the back line. The partnership with Bedeau is growing, and Matty Platt’s injury has turned into a chance for Notts to evaluate how three at the back can work when Platt returns. Rod’s right foot helps balance the defence and his range of passing lets us break out from the back more cleanly. There are tough games ahead, but the unit feels more solid than at the start of the season. If he keeps this level, he earns a longer run and the squad gains confidence in itself.

The challenge isn’t just tactics, it’s balancing identity with adaptation. When Notts play well they move the ball quickly, switch tempo and hurt teams. When they lose control the passing becomes aimless. We have good techs in midfield, but the league is rough. We need to mix longer balls and direct play to relieve pressure, especially away. Let Martin Paterson try different shapes and use subs to shift momentum. The bench must influence games. If fans see steady progress, belief grows and results follow.

Writing off the loan from Football Radar shows the owners want the club to stand on its own feet. It reduces annual interest and frees money for players, training and scouting. It also signals confidence in the club's strategy and the work of the Reedtz family. The change from debt to sustainability means steady growth rather than sudden leaps. Some fans will still ask for more investment, but this step aligns with a longer term plan to reach League One and stay there. It would be good to see the money used for development in the academy and facilities, which benefits not just this season but the club for years. This move feels like a significant turning point for Notts as a club.

Dennis has made such a difference in the final third. He holds the ball up well, he’s direct, and he looks like he’s enjoying his football. The Player of the Month award came at the right time and will only boost his confidence further. What I respect is how he said the goals are just a bonus. That shows he’s thinking about the bigger picture. With Gillingham top of the table, tomorrow is exactly the kind of game where you need players like him to step up.

Tom Iorpenda had a decent game. He showed some good touches, but he tends to give the ball away too easily. Defending isn’t really his strong point from what I’ve seen so far. Ollie Nurburn looked sharper overall. He was more involved across the pitch and gave a better all-round performance. He kept things ticking and helped link play well. Rod McDonald stood out the most. He organised the back line, won plenty of headers, and dealt with the danger Fleetwood managed to create. He kept the defence steady and deserves Man of the Match for that.

It seems like he wants to finish his career with one last good run. I’m disappointed we couldn’t agree terms to keep him here, especially since ending where you started is a rare and special thing. Still, it’s clear he wants to write his own story, and I respect that. I wish him all the best. I just hope he doesn’t let the search for one last bit of glory harm how his career finishes. It’s important to go out on a high, not with regrets.

Kim's story hit me hard. I've seen her around the club over the years and never realised how much she’s actually done. It’s the kind of dedication you don’t see every day. It’s heartbreaking what she’s going through, but typical Kim to face it head on. Wishing her all the strength in the world. She deserves to make every memory on that list.

It was a good message from Alex Bass. Waiting a bit before sharing it was a smart move with how some fans have been feeling. I really hope no one’s giving him a hard time. This is a great move for him, and the truth is not every player will stay longer than a season, no matter how much we wish they would. He left in the right way. Players come and go, it’s just how football works. Thanks for everything, Alex.

The main thing for me is that the club moves forward. I liked the interview, and I think it might change the minds of some fans who had early doubts. Some of the comments I saw on the BBC Sport site weren’t great. People seemed quick to judge and dismiss him, but that probably comes from feeling let down recently. I hope Martin Paterson gets the chance to keep showing what he can do. His first interview came across well and gave a good impression.

I'd love to see Denmark’s U21s give France a good thrashing. That kind of result is always fun to watch. At the same time, it would be good to get some proper news about who the next head coach will be. The wait is dragging on now. It looks like Luke Williams isn’t in the picture anymore. Seeing him working at Bristol’s Airport pretty much confirms that for me. That makes it even more likely that something else is going on behind the scenes. Otherwise, I don’t understand why it’s taking so long.

I find Norburn's approach towards his move to Notts County both sensible and inspiring. Even in the face of offers from League One, selecting our club showcases the allure and concrete nature of our vision. His insistence on the essence of both winning tackles and managing games resonates with a lot of us who have been advocating for a similar approach. This practical mindset, combined with his leadership, promises to guide our younger players on and off the pitch. Integrating someone who recognises fan power and genuinely wants to contribute towards returning the club to its former glory is a boon for us. His presence is bound to be a motivating one, urging us toward our goals.

Does this mean the club has decided against owning its own training facilities? That’s what has been said at the last two fan forums, and I understand it would be a big financial commitment. I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but I find it interesting because investments like this usually signal a change in direction. Sharing with the University of Nottingham makes sense, and hopefully, it’s a step towards funding our own facilities in the future. If the Championship is the long-term goal, having our own setup would be ideal, but this is still positive news.

Notts have taken much of the season in their stride, but there have been more games than just the Salford one where we could have played better. However, we have been more consistent than the Maynard critics suggest. It's not just the Salford game, but I do agree we should have beaten Port Vale in our home encounter.

I like the balance Maynard has found with the squad, and these signings. He’s clearly thought about how they fit into the team rather than just grabbing names. Traoré is a really exciting addition, his pace will be useful when breaking down deep defences. Jatta has been class, and McGoldrick’s experience is invaluable. Midfield is packed with quality, and the defence looks steadier with McDonald in form. Really interested to see how Whittaker develops too, Everton fans rated him highly. If we stay consistent, we’ve got a serious chance this season.