JustLikeJuve

It’s been another boiling hot day, not pleasant at all to be stuck in it. The heat’s really taken it out of me, sweaty and draining. I’ve been sat in my living room with two fans going flat out and the blinds pulled across the front. It’s still warm, but it’s finally starting to feel a bit better. Watching Notts earlier was a similar kind of pain, totally unbearable at times. Still, I believe we’ll be ready for our level when the time comes.

It’s always part of football, players move on. But it’s a shame because David McGoldrick will be missed. He might have played a big part in helping us get back to League One if he’d stayed. Still, I wish him all the best at Barnsley. It’ll be worth keeping an eye on how he gets on and what their fans make of him as he settles in there.

I’d give anything to go back to school. For those still in it, you might want it to end, but once you’re working and barely see your mates, you’ll start wishing you could rewind. Those years should be some of the best in your life. I’m stuck in an office now, buried under piles of paperwork. The job’s simple and pays alright, but if school had gone a bit better, I could be doing something more meaningful. Those are not the sort of things you want to mention on your travel insurance, assuming you got that sorted. Early starts and alarms don’t help much either. Got to take care of that heart. You two really bounce off each other. The way you joke around is brilliant. It’s rough when you’ve got nowhere to hide from things. Make the most of the balcony, and maybe look into ways to keep the wasps at bay. Are there any hanging baskets nearby? That could be why they keep buzzing around.

They could easily work alongside each other, there’s room for both in my view. Each brings something useful and doesn't need to replace the other. I don’t always take part in the weekly chat, but I can see how it’s separate and offers something different. It’s good to have choice in how to get involved.

The site’s upgrade really stands out. It’s come on massively, and that alone makes you stop and think about subscribing. The way it’s been built with care, aiming for top quality and adding useful features, it’s clear there’s been a lot of effort. It shows in every corner of the site. That’s why I’d be keen to support something like this. It’s not just a passion project for Chris, it’s something special and worth backing.

Reading this actually makes me more confident than worried. It’s easy to panic when you lose a friendly but if we’re honest, testing the squad against higher-level German sides is perfect preparation. Paterson clearly wants us pressing high and playing aggressive football but knows it won’t work unless the squad’s super fit. That’s what pre-season is for. He’s spot on, mistakes now mean fixes before the real games. Also like how he says he won’t beat the lads with a stick. Hard but fair. Let’s see what Kaiserslautern brings.

There aren’t as many homes available in Scotland, but it might still help to house players there for a short time while they figure out their plans. Most footballers don’t tend to move permanently. They usually stay in short-term flats with other team-mates while they’re playing. Players who have families or see a long-term future with the club often look into getting their own place to live.

Don't worry about it, it's just good to see you joining in. Fingers crossed we will have a good season, and we have plenty of good things to say! COYP

Paterson gave a good interview after the match. It felt like he was saying the sort of things we all want to hear, and I reckon he knows exactly what the squad needs before the season kicks off. I hope the board are taking what he says seriously, and that they back him by bringing in the players he’s asked for. I liked what he said about Griffiths and how we need a clear first-choice keeper. Sanderson impressed me too. I would’ve liked to see how he did with the starting team, especially since we leaned on Kellan Gordon far too much to put the ball into the box.

It’s great to be welcoming another new member. Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, @theAnticlough.

What I tend to look for early on is who looks sharp, how fit the lads are, and how the new signings are settling in. That first in England, before the Germany trips, it will be a real eye-opener, and it’ll mostly be about fitness. I just hope no one does anything daft in protest over Martin Paterson’s arrival. He deserves a fair chance and shouldn’t be judged too soon.

Hello and welcome to the site and community. We’re really pleased to have you here, @MikeWood.

He looks a solid signing, but I do always keep in mind that loan players don’t always give it everything. Still, I think Barry Cotter will add some energy down the flank. This might even free someone else up to take that attacking midfield slot we’ve been hoping to fill. I won’t guess who that might be, there are a few possibilities, and knowing Notts, we might still bring someone else in for the role. Welcome to Meadow Lane, Cotter!

Excellent blog, really enjoyable to read. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next part in the series. I think the squad will come together once a few more players are brought in. It’s vital we replace Alex Bass smartly, if we manage that, this team should be strong enough for the Play-Offs. A few extra quality signings could give us the edge to push even further. I’m quietly confident. As long as we don’t lose any more key players and we keep strengthening, we’ll be alright. I don’t buy into this talk of relegation.

Nicely written, Michael. Thanks for sharing your poem, it’s great to read something about Notts for a change.