Sir Magpie

It’s been a strange summer, hasn’t it? On one hand, we’ve brought in a mix of hungry young players and seasoned heads, and you can tell the club is trying to reshape the squad to fit Paterson’s style. Players like Norburn should bring grit and experience, while someone like Matthew Dennis might just be a hidden gem if he settles quickly. The midfield’s definitely looking more balanced already. But I can’t help feeling uneasy about the keeper situation. Griffiths is unproven at this level, and while I wish him the best, it’s unfair to expect him to replace Bass seamlessly. If we don’t sort that position soon, it could undo the rest of the good work. We’re a couple of signings away from looking genuinely ready to compete at the top. The club have said they’re looking to bring in a replacement for Alex Bass. But things can change quickly, and if a good player becomes available, other clubs might think we’ve got money to spend and raise their asking price. I’m not sure which goalkeepers are available on a free at the moment. Still, buying one outright often gives the best results when it comes to getting real quality between the sticks.

Alex Bass leaving genuinely feels like a bit of a body blow, we were just starting to build something solid, particularly defensively. His consistency and composure between the sticks gave a lot of confidence to the back four, and losing that isn't something easily fixed. We’ve sold for good money apparently, but I feel we've undersold the true worth of Bass given what he's delivered and his potential to improve even further. This means the club really must step up their recruitment game now. We’re not exactly swimming in reliable keepers and Harry Griffiths is largely unknown at senior level. He deserves a chance, but surely this can't be the only solution here. It's crucial we reinvest wisely; otherwise, we’ll be kicking ourselves come mid-season. I'd love to be optimistic, but Notts haven't always shone when juggling squad turnover. Let’s hope this time they pull it off.

Foreman’s career was one of the most fascinating in boxing history. His early years were defined by raw power, an undefeated streak, and a devastating win over Joe Frazier. The Rumble in the Jungle showed his weakness, but in hindsight, that loss helped him become a better person. Instead of letting defeat ruin him, he found faith and walked away from boxing, dedicating himself to helping others. Few fighters have shown such personal growth. His comeback was nothing short of miraculous. To return after a decade away, in his 40s, and reclaim the title against a much younger champion was inspiring. But what makes Foreman truly special is his warmth, humour, and ability to connect with people. He wasn’t just a fighter, he was a storyteller, a mentor, and a man who gave back. Rest in peace, Big George. A legend in every sense of the word.

What a shift from Tsaroulla! He’s got everything you want in a wing-back, pace, aggression, and an eye for goal. The way he got himself into that position was fortunate, but his finish was instinctive. He’s becoming such a key player for us, both defensively and going forward. Hearing him speak about the fans was great too. It’s clear he thrives off the support, and that bond between players and supporters will be massive for us this season. You can see the belief growing within the squad, and wins like this, in tough away games.

This squad is starting to look really well-balanced. Maynard seems to have learned from last season. The clubs seems to have avoided panic buys, just smart, thought-out additions. The forward options now give us something for every situation. Jatta’s physicality, McGoldrick’s intelligence, and Traoré’s pace give us so much flexibility going forward. Defensively, McDonald deserves a lot of credit. He’s stepped up massively, and it’s reassuring to have a leader back there. With Macari and Ness on their way back, we’ll hopefully have a solid foundation heading into the final stretch. Playoffs are the minimum expectation, but if this squad gels, who knows?

This is exactly the kind of signing we needed! A young, hungry forward with good experience at a decent level, but also plenty of potential to improve. The fact that he’s quick, strong, and left-footed gives us something different in attack, which is crucial when breaking teams down. I hope we give him time to settle because stepping into League Two from Norway won’t be easy. But if he can adjust, I think he could be a brilliant addition. Excited to see what he can do in a Notts shirt.

I thought the team played excellently. There are several players who could be in contention for the Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match. My vote went to Nick Tsaroulla, but I could have easily given it to Jacob Bedeau, Jodi Jones or David McGoldrick. I felt very impressed with how Tsaroulla performed. I think he gave an excellent account of his ability. He's someone I would like to see starting more and I think this performance demonstrates why.

We started the match on a high note, completely dominating the first half with sharp play and excellent ball control. Nick Tsaroulla scored a fantastic goal, and David McGoldrick’s clinical finish highlighted his value to our team. Palmer and Whitaker also had great chemistry, linking up effectively in the attack. The second half proved to be more challenging as Gillingham pushed back, making it a real battle. However, our defence held strong, and despite a late goal making things tense, the lads kept their composure. Bass made some crucial saves, and we had opportunities to secure the win earlier. Nevertheless, securing three points away from home is a huge achievement.

Excellent first half, but we made it difficult for ourselves in the second! We came out flying, controlled possession, and looked sharp in attack. Nick Tsaroulla took his goal brilliantly, and David McGoldrick’s finish showed exactly why he’s so important to this team. Really good link-up play between Palmer and Whitaker too. Second half was more of a scrap. Gillingham came at us and made it tough, but we defended well enough to see it out. That late goal made it nervy, but credit to the lads for keeping their heads. Bass made a couple of big saves, and we had chances to put the game to bed. Huge three points away from home.

Curtis Edwards has had quite the journey, and it’s incredible to see how far he’s come. Starting from the Northern League, he could have given up after not making it with bigger clubs, but he didn’t. Instead, he kept working hard, playing in the lower leagues, and even working on construction sites. His time in Sweden was the game-changer, where he proved his worth by stepping up to the Allsvenskan and even playing in Europe. It’s no surprise he’s now making an impact in League 2. His style of play is exactly what Notts County needs. Not only is he technically strong, but he works tirelessly off the ball, supporting the strikers and pressing the opposition. You can tell that he’s used to a high level of football, and he fits right into the way Notts play. It’s unfortunate that injury has sidelined him for now, but when he’s back, I’ve no doubt he’ll make a significant impact.

Another game where we showed we can grind out results, and I’m all for it! Early in the season, we’d have probably let one in late on, but the defensive discipline has improved massively. Credit to Stuart Maynard and the players for sticking to the plan and keeping it tight. Jatta’s goal was brilliant, great to see him getting more confident in front of goal. Still, the officiating in this league is a joke. The penalty shout was blatant, and the explanation given to Maynard is just baffling. How are players meant to react? We tell them to be professional, but that works against them now? Glad it didn’t cost us this time, but it’s frustrating to see these decisions week after week.

Curtis Edwards’ return couldn’t have come at a better time. We’ve been crying out for more depth in midfield, and he showed exactly why he’ll be so important in the coming weeks. Even though he was only on for a short time, he helped settle things down, and his experience will be massive as we push for promotion. The fact that he’s missed four months yet still looked sharp says a lot about his work behind the scenes. Hearing the fans cheer when he came on was class. You could see how much it meant to him in his interview. He’s not been here long, but he’s already made a big impact. If he can get back to full match sharpness quickly, he’ll be like a new signing for us in midfield.

Abbott’s been an absolute revelation since joining. For a 19-year-old, he plays with so much maturity and intelligence on the ball. His ability to transition from defence to attack is brilliant, and he’s got a real knack for picking the right pass at the right moment. That cross for Jatta’s goal showed exactly why he’s so valuable, calm under pressure, precise delivery, and a real eye for an assist. With four goals and four assists already, he’s proving to be a key part of the team’s promotion push. His chemistry with the squad is clear, and you can see how much he enjoys playing here. Extending his loan is a massive boost, and I’ve no doubt he’ll play a crucial role in the run-in!

I think the standout performances are few and far between the usual candidates that we normally see. I thought we needed to dig deep at times to achieve the win and not conceding is a very positive outcome against a poor Carlisle United. Nick Tsaroulla and Jodi Jones did acceptably well, but I don't think anyone quite reached the levels of George Abbott's performance. I think the sponsors are finally paying attention to the game, instead of which player they wish to meet after games. Well done George Abbott, I hope he wins Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match too.

I joined on the 22nd of August 2023. I have been a long-time reader of the content published by the Pride of Nottingham, which I find excellent. I do not get involved much with the forum side of things, but I enjoy talking about Notts and reading discussions. Any area where I can provide a detailed and worthwhile comment inspires me to contribute. I do not like adding a comment if I feel I cannot add to the context or points. From time to time, I visit the forum, and I see something where I feel a comment would be worth adding. Although I have not been a member for very long, I have read the site for as long as some of you have been members. I understand that it is difficult to maintain something like this, but I miss the content and articles put out on the home page.

Jack Hinchy’s comments about adapting to senior football really struck me. Under-21s football can only do so much in terms of preparing players for the physical and mental demands of the professional game. His move to Notts has clearly been a big step forward, and it sounds like he’s embracing every challenge. The goal itself was a great example of being in the right place at the right time and making the most of it. He’s showing signs of becoming a versatile midfielder who isn’t afraid to take chances. With more minutes under his belt, I reckon we’ll see even more progress from him.

Colchester’s recent form makes this one of the toughest games we’ve faced in a while. Keeping three consecutive clean sheets shows their defensive discipline, so breaking them down will require precision. Maynard’s comments about managing player minutes make sense, we can’t afford to rush anyone back. It’s a relief to hear Platt and Abbott are close to returning, and Crowley’s progress is promising too. His ability to unlock defences has been missed, particularly in the Walsall match. I also appreciate Maynard highlighting the fans’ role. The atmosphere at Meadow Lane has been electric this season, and it gives the players that extra push. This game will test us, but if we keep our focus and stick to our style, I believe we can bounce back with a win.

I think our priority should be quality over quantity. We’ve got a good squad, but January is a chance to address specific areas where depth might be lacking. With Jodi Jones and others in and out of the side due to injuries, having another solid option out wide would ease the burden. A quick winger who’s comfortable taking on defenders and delivering consistent crosses would be ideal. That said, we shouldn’t overlook the importance of strengthening defensively, especially at wing-back. Players who are strong in transition could add more balance to the side. It’d also be interesting to see if we target another striker to support Jatta, as having an alternative option up top could give us more variety. Hopefully, the club’s analysis team is already deep into the scouting process!

Alan Judge’s career has been an emotional rollercoaster to follow. When he was with us at Notts County, he was the type of player who could light up a match. His pace, creativity, and eye for goal were exactly what we needed at the time, and he quickly became a fan favourite. His performances earned him a move up the leagues, and it felt like we were watching one of our own climb the football ladder. It’s always a source of pride to see players who wore the black and white stripes succeed elsewhere. However, it’s heartbreaking to think about how injuries impacted him. That horrific leg break at Ipswich was a cruel blow, especially given how close he came to joining a Premier League club before it happened. Despite everything, he’s shown remarkable resilience and professionalism throughout his career. He’s a player who always gave his all, and I’ll always appreciate the memories he gave us at Meadow Lane. I hope he’s doing well these days, he certainly deserves it.

I’ve followed a bit of Partick Thistle’s journey, and it’s a shame they’re struggling again. Scottish football is such a different landscape compared to England, and the financial pressures seem even greater due to smaller TV deals and gate receipts. It’s commendable when clubs try to be ambitious, but the line between ambition and recklessness is so thin. Once debts pile up, it becomes a vicious cycle that’s hard to break. Fans want success on the pitch, but no one wants it to come at the cost of their club’s future. Looking at Notts, we’ve had our scares in the past, so it’s good to see our club being run more sustainably now. The owners have a clear plan, and you can tell they’re not throwing money around carelessly. That’s the right way forward. Still, it’s a reminder that football needs reform to make finances fairer for smaller clubs. Maybe revenue sharing or stricter spending caps would help, but it’s hard to see the big clubs agreeing to that. Hopefully, Thistle finds a way through, as losing historic clubs is bad for the game.

Reading about the team's journey to this point is inspiring. Overcoming tough environments like Kempston Rovers and managing a solid performance against Burton Albion shows their character and determination. It's also impressive to hear about the meticulous preparation by the coaching staff, especially with Tigran Tadevosyan doing his homework on Fulham. Facing a Category 1 academy team is always a daunting task, but it’s also a chance to show their skills on a bigger stage. It’s clear the focus isn’t just on winning but on growth, learning, and representing the club with pride. Hopefully, plenty of fans turn up on Sunday to create a great atmosphere for these young lads.

I’ve always admired Martin Allen’s style, both as a player and a manager. His time at Notts County was full of passion, and although it was a short stint, he left a lasting impression on fans. Winning Manager of the Month in 2011 showed the potential of what he could achieve with the squad. This live podcast idea is fantastic. It’s not often you get the chance to hear directly from someone who’s lived the highs and lows of football management. I’m especially looking forward to the Q&A – knowing Martin, he’ll have some hilarious and honest answers.

Reflecting on Remembrance Sunday is always a profound experience. Beyond the sombre tone, it's a reminder of the unity and resilience that characterises our nation. Those brave souls; young and old, from different walks of life, came together for a cause greater than themselves. It's this unparalleled courage and selflessness that deserves our utmost respect and gratitude. We must never let the lessons of history fade into obscurity. In quiet moments, as we bow our heads, we honour not only their sacrifice but also their enduring legacy. Lest we forget, indeed.

The game had everything: energy, passion, and some tense moments. Jatta’s goal was the highlight for me, not just for the finish, but for how well it was executed based on what Maynard mentioned about training routines. You could tell it was a rehearsed move, and it paid off beautifully. In the second half, Doncaster stepped up, and we had to dig deep defensively. While we let in an equaliser, I think our ability to regroup and hold our ground was a positive sign. Maynard’s call for bravery is spot on. The fans were fantastic, and having 3,000 supporters behind the team showed how united we are. Let’s keep this spirit going for future away games.

Jatta’s story at Meadow Lane has been one of hard work, talent, and genuine connection with both his teammates and fans. Scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances is impressive, but it’s his attitude that truly sets him apart. When he talks about how the team creates space for him and supports his play, it highlights a player who knows football is a collective game. His ambitions to hit double or even triple digits this season show he’s not resting on his current success but striving for more. What stands out even more is how he relates to the fans. His comment about feeling at home and comparing it to Gambia was heartwarming. Moments like collecting the flag demonstrate how deeply he connects with us supporters. It’s no wonder he’s quickly become a favourite. With international matches ahead, I wish him the best and hope he continues to bring that energy back to Notts.