Sheffield Pie

It's a complete mystery, to me anyway. Paterson emphasises that it's a squad effort and likes to rest players who've picked up a knock, so you'd have thought he'd make the bench occasionally. Maybe it's an off the field issue (to be clear I'm not implying anything). PS just seen Jarvis has been moved on, shame but clearly had an attitude problem and that won't wash with Mr Paterson.

Certain players' decision making could be better, Dennis for example, and more goals from midfield would be very welcome. But I think Paterson is just, rightly, a harsh taskmaster and doesn't want complacency to creep in. This time last year is when the wheels started to come off:. Seven wins from the final 17 games would have got us automatic promotion, but we managed only five.

Fantastic Notts. I make that a sensational 50 points from the last 25 games after our shaky start. Keep that up and there's nowway three other teams will finish higher than us.

Looks a bit lightweight in midfield. Need Norburn to continue his good form. Jarvis immediately pushed off the bench by the new signings. Will he be loaned out?

Great that the club have tried to address all the areas that everyone could see were an issue. Obviously they've decided that how it turned out with Traore and Edwards doesn't necessarily mean Scandinavia to L2 is too big a leap. I wonder if RR has said he'll come back if we're in L1 next season.

It's a stretch now mathematically. Four points is easy to claw back when you're at the bottom, but at the top, over only half a season, you need a fantastic run of form. You can't afford a bad month. Yes, Bradford did it last year so there's hope, but we don't quite have the players, the ruthlessness, or the luck with injuries. And the first two signings in this window have been 'ones for the future'. We're now 7/1 at the bookies i.e. a 12.5% chance. More realistic to hope MP can find the right formula in time to put up a good fight in the play-offs.

Even more recovery time now. Hoping the next time Notts get a run out we will be stronger to the tune of two or three players in key positions.

Good question. To answer it, it's also worth considering whether L2 is stronger or weaker this season. Last season it was definitely weak, some bang average teams got promoted and it was a massive missed opportunity. Slightly stronger division this season I think especially on the managerial front. In that context, MP is doing OK. though he needs some strong showings asap to put that Accrington horror show to bed.

Agree with all the above but it's also about the big players, winners, leaders, who can make other players around them better. If we had a couple of those then almost any other nine players in our squad would be fine in supporting roles. The problem is we don't have any partnerships on the pitch or anyone inspiring the rest, driving them on, as well as chipping in with goals and assists. Palmer and Robertson have a bit of that but not the whole deal. Norburn talked the talk when he arrived but not delivered. JJ is past his best. Need a new impact signing urgently in the mould of Glenn Roeder or Ryan Yates. Not more 'data model says they might be worth x% more in two years' signings.

I pride myself on my positivity but starting to lose faith. I'd love it if the owners could magic up a L1 side with their data model, a bunch of journeymen, crocks and loan signings and a rookie manager. But after watching that and plenty of other performances where we've been schooled by L2 also-rans with experienced coaches, I'm not sure it's possible. Yet again a 10k crowd has been let down. They won't keep coming back indefinitely.

Not great. Midfield not clicking. Norburn is a passenger. Changes please MP.

Going to be very difficult to get something out of this. Their massive bidget versus our 'top 7' squad. Only way to overcome that is MP winning the tactical battle. Come on Notts.

Turned down offers for players (plural) last January. Wonder who it was other than Jatta. Bass or Jones maybe. Good that they turned down bids. Though I'm absolutely fine with us selling for top money. It's actually the biggest sign of the progress we've made, being a 'selling club' instead of a 'couldn't give them away' club.

Can't complain at that performance. Just wish we had a midfielder who could chip in with the odd goal. Missing Hall a bit.

Thanks for sharing I really enjoyed reading it even though nearly all the names are new to me. Some of the attacking midfielder options sound exciting. Would playing in Ireland be a good enough apprenticeship? Thinking about the players who've excelled in that position for Notts and their pedigree e.g. Arsenal or the Dutch league.

The good times. What memories from the last three wins. Would you want to be anything other than a Notts fan?

I think it shows we need to keep faith with the owners. They hinted that they wanted a team that would be stronger physically and mentally and that's what we've got. Also they must have appointed MP for his relentless determination (as there wasn't much else on his cv) and that's proving to be a huge asset.

I suspect DH Lawrence hated football (and rugby, as that's probably what he was forced to play at the High School). But he was enough of a contrarian to be a natural Notts fan.

Robertson must have the flu? Even so, looks like a Notts side that can actually out muscle the opposition, not seen that for a long time. A lot resting on Grant's shoulders to be creative, maybe even kick the ball into the net. Decent bench.

Some people's shopping lists aren't realistic. The January window is very difficult to start off with. Notts can't just go out and sign six players - ones that fans would expect to be better than what we have, good enough for L1 in fact, not susceptible to injury, have the right attitude, and be willing to sign for a fourth tier side with a maybe 50:50 chance of promotion. Two good first team signings would be amazing. Not six. Also, why disrupt things so much? Since our poor three-game start we've averaged the required two points a game, and that's been a squad effort.

Historic. Love you Notts! Respect to Paterson for getting the best he can out of this squad. Just seen the highlights. The subs all did brilliantly to make the goal. The pass from Gordon is exquisite.

Such an exciting time. The club was dying a slow death then suddenly WTF! He did us a favour. Wouldn't go as far as to name a stand after him though.

5-0 to Notts. No mercy from MP. Just enjoy it.

Fantastic news. What a signing this turned out to be. Nailed on for making the L2 team of the season.

It's partly about availability. At the start of the season Jatta was suspended, Robertson, Tsaroulla and Ness recovering from injury (I think), and Macari and Hall not considered match ready. So basically MP has been doing a brilliant job since he's had key players available.