Sheffield Pie

Everyone was on it, subs included. Cal was fouled quite a bit early on - I think that;s what caused MP to have a go at their bench and why Slocombe was booked - and he was a bit subdued after that. We had 39 touches in their box and 16 shots but only two on target which underlines what everyone's saying about a striker. Not sure if Palmer, Platt or some of the others will get back into this side. I think Sanders is the only one guaranteed to get straight in. But overall awesome, just want that first win to keep the momentum going.

Great performance in front of a full house. We look stronger than last season in some respects, some of the new players are clearly an upgrade. Also Tsaroulla and Ness just keep getting better.

Michael Woods in 2010/11. I had a season ticket but have zero recollection of him. Looks like he only played in the FA Cup early rounds.

Where's he going to go? No one's offered him a lucrative 3 year deal for a fee to Notts or he wouldn't be here. Notts probably don't want to sell him to an EFL1 club. Would a championship club take a gamble on him? He doesn't seem to be on Salford's shopping list. Not York's either minus Maynard. Hopefully all parties will see sense and strike a deal.

@Dripsey3 yes sounds like if we'd had a bit more quality up front or off the bench we could have nicked it. Got to be pleased though, credit to MP for finding a way to be competitive.

Only four of our Wembley winners start. Lot expected iof the new signings. Could be a long afternoon. Hopefully we catch Burnley under prepared. They didn't win any pre season games and their manager is new to English football. Gotta hope.

I try not to let it get to me but I feel a little bit sad that there are Notts fans who are so critical and pounce on any bad news or even rumours, and can't even receive good news in the right spirit. I agree it's unhelpful and disrespectful. I had a bit of a rant on the other site recently which I'm embarrassed about but couldn't stop myself! I need to just accept that some people are not happy unless they're unhappy. Anyone working in a media role will be well aware of that side of human nature.

Gone to York. Could have been for personal reasons or money, who knows. Disappointed but I wouldn't expect our owners to get into an irresponsible bidding war.

The playoffs reduced the time available to rebuild the squad. The Jatta and Jodi sagas will have caused uncertainty. Competition for signings is strong (looks like York might have beat us to Boyes). Season ticket sales, although up, aren't spectacular. I think they were as ready as they could be. They did make three good signings very quickly suggesting they had some plans in place. But it would be great to have some announcements asap!

Now being linked with Dean Campbell at Northampton. Is he any good? That's quite a few we seem to be chasing, if we get some of those targets e.g. O'Reilly, Mellon, Boyes we'll be OK.

The owners and RM have said a few times that they regard the loan market as 'good value'. Confident they are trying to get in the best they possibly can. Players or clubs wanting guaranteed game time might be a barrier. Have got the sense once or twice that loan players were being picked or coming off the bench, especially in the second half of the season, even though they'd lost form or interest. Or I might be just imagining that.

Traore released. Sanders injury is a blow, one of the best signings on paper. Still time to bring in a few, maybe there'sa part exchange in the offing, and at least one loan.

Formation will be interesting. Signings so far suggest we might be tweaking it a bit? Quite a lot of talent in central midfield but a bit light elsewhere. In recent years Notts have 'tried to win every game' which has been great, but maybe now's the time to be more pragmatic while we get used to EFL1. Should be able to play an expansive game against Walsall though, who seem to be in a pretty poor state. Edit: Sanders out for three months!

He's 27 so in his prime. Probably sick of EFL defenders and referees. Gets a signing on fee and wage rise presumably - important for any player but especially if your family is from a poor country. Gets to play in a top division. The model has worked well for Notts again. PS didn't mean to have two threads but don't know how to merge.