NCFCGuy

Interesting how things worked out if that's the case - Jacob has played in every league game since he joined and Matty played in every league game last season. Despite his undeniable attributes, I still think with his age and his issues with injury I'd look for someone who like McDonald is Left footed and could play central and cover the left side if anything happens to Jacob (I think he's got the left side spot nailed down). I agree about the formation, I think we need to be able to change it up as we look one dimensional sometimes. We could also make use of players like Enoru and Bennetts who seem to look like a round peg in a square hole in some games.

My Starting XI would be: Belshaw, Ness, McDonald, Bedeau, Tsaroulla, Jones, Palmer, Norburn, Iorpenda, Grant, Jatta I think the key to success is keeping it tight at the back, not over committing and keeping shape off the ball, and Iorpenda and Grant pressing the CBs trying to force a mistake. Jattas performance will also be key, He will likely get at least one big chance and we need him to be clinincal. I think we stand a chance overall if we can bring back at least a draw to the lane. If we win the first leg, I think that will help us significantly as they will come to ours and will have to be really aggressive and will leave lots of space in behind. Overall though, i think it will be a draw, 1-1

I mostly agree, although I would pass on McDonald. I think he was probably brought in as cover for Platt and Bedeau and his injury record hasn't been great. I think Notts need to hedge their bets to a Degree and look for players that have 40+ games under their belt. I listened to Patto's Chesterfield presser and he said something along the lines of "Its hard to be consistent when the team is frequently having to change because of injuries" and I think that has been the crux of why we aren't celebrating automatic promotion. That's a really good shout, although I think we're able to adapt wingers and deploy them as Attacking Midfielders behind the Striker. Callum Stead from Barnet really impressed me when we played them and both of these would potentially offer the 'value for money' and the 'develop and sell' aspect the brothers like to talk about. I wonder how much we'll rely on players that offer flexibility in where they can play. I think Myles Hippolyte (AFC Wimbledon) is out of contract and plays LWB or CM or Lewis Billington (Crewe) a RWB who at 6'2" could slot in at Right Centre Back.

Whilst I agree about this being one of the toughest games, and without downplaying their form too much, all of their recent wins have come against teams in the bottom half (with the exception of Crewe) and all of their recent away matches were won by a one goal margin. Despite our shaky form as of late, I still have full belief that the lads can go out and get the job done today. COYP! (and Crawley/Crewe😉)

Hopefully, there'd be more scope for a more expansive budget in League 1 - with extra TV revenue, aswell as the higher EFL 'Basic award' and 'Solidarity payments' and hopefully extra revenue from attendance increases and larger away followings

My Starting XI (if available) would be: Belshaw, Ness, McDonald, Bedeau, Jones, Tsaroulla, Palmer, Robertson, Iorpenda, Luker and Jatta. Their game plan relies on the chaos caused by long balls into Cavegn/Harrison. Dominating the knockdown is essential. They are also a threat from set pieces, scoring 18 this season from dead ball situations. our defenders are really going to have to be on their toes; the height of Ness, McDonald and Bedeau will be essential. another factor is how we deal with the second ball. Their full-backs often push high to support the attack, leaving space behind for quick transitions. Notts will need Iorpenda and Luker to capitalise on space out wide on quick counters, dragging the width in the back 3 wide and leaving space for Jatta through the middle. Another key to victory could be to deliver high-quality balls into the "corridor of uncertainty" (in-swinging crosses 6-9 inches either side of the far post); Rovers' defensive line has proven susceptible to losing their discipline under sustained aerial pressure. (Conceded 20 from set plays)

It would be interesting to see the brothers' strategy if we do go up - to see how much they increase spending on the pitch. I definitely agree about the signings depending on what league we're in. I'd imagine we're top 6 in terms of salaries in League 2, but unless it was increased dramatically in League 1, we'd likely be bottom 3. If we are in League 1 next season, I'd be happy to spend a season settling in and finishing around 12th-16th.

High praise! Just spend way too much time looking at stats, to be honest. Some are leaving big shoes to fill and hopefully the recruitment team can continue the upward trajectory we're on

Thanks Everyone! I've been a supporter for around 30 years, attending my first games around 95/96 with my grandad. Currently enjoy going to watch all home games and attend with my Mum and younger Brother. Current Favourite is Jodi Jones and probably all time favourite is Macaulay Langstaff

I feel after 3 years in league 2 despite gradual improvement season on season, not achieving promotion this time will irk a portion of the fanbase and with that in mind, this would be a good season to clear out some who lack the resiliency to play a full season/Cash in on others. I think only offering Platt and Tsaroulla a new deal and selling Dennis and Traore would allow us to fill any gaps that have shown this season. I feel we need a natural right footed Fullback/Wingback and I cant think of anyone I'd like to see more than Gus Scott-Morris (Southend United). He is arguably the most effective wing-back in the lower leagues and would be a massive upgrade for the Notts right flank. His elite crossing ability and knack for arriving at the back post to score goals(15 this season!) make him the quintessential modern wing-back for a high-intensity, attacking side. with injuries to Platt and Macari, I feel we need a couple of new faces in at the back. Jack Shepherd (Barnsley) and Will Wright (Swindon Town) would provide Notts County with a formidable and technically gifted defensive foundation. Shepherd, a commanding left-footed Centre-back with over 3,100 minutes in League One this season, offers elite aerial dominance (93% duels won) and the composure to build from the back. Meanwhile, Will Wright brings a rare offensive spark to the defence, having registered 6 goals and 5 assists in the 2025/26 campaign, making him a lethal threat from set-pieces and transitions. Together, their blend of physical grit and high-level ball progression would perfectly stabilize the Magpies' backline while significantly increasing their goal output from defensive positions. another position we've had issues is in the middle of the park. Palmer and Robertson have been fantastic when fit, but when they've been injured we've looked a bit light and there is a plethora of talent that will be available to fill the gaps. the two that I would love to see are: Ossama Ashley (Salford City) Provides the "steel" that balances out the "silk" provided by Palmer in the Notts midfield. Known for his high energy and tenacity, he is a ball-winning specialist who can break up play and transition the ball quickly to more creative players, and; Ashley Charles (Bromley) A metronomic midfielder who thrives on keeping the game moving. His suitability for Notts stems from his high volume of successful passes and his press-resistant nature; he rarely panics when closed down in his own half. We've also lacked creativity in those pockets between the midfield and the striker and Jack Payne (Colchester Utd) brings a wealth of EFL experience and a high football IQ to the attacking third. He is excellent at finding pockets of space between the opposition’s midfield and defensive lines, a crucial skill when Notts faces teams that "park the bus." His vision and ability to execute the final pass would take some of the creative burden off the aging veterans, providing a consistent spark and a high volume of chances for the strikers. Also Mark Helm (Fleetwood Town) represents the "buy-to-develop" model that the Reedtz brothers favour. He is a dynamic, intelligent attacking midfielder who excels in quick, one-touch combinations and ghosting into the box late. He is able to operate on both the left and right of attacking Midfield, or as a deeper number eight, giving the manager tactical flexibility while maintaining the high technical standards required to flourish in a possession-heavy system. Finally I feel like although the strikers have been great, we have often lacked a bit of variety up top, with Jatta and N'Dlovu offering similar attributes. Kelly N'Mai (Salford City) and Danny Ormerod (AFC Fylde) would be transformative additions to the Notts County frontline, combining League Two experience with prolific non-league form. N’Mai, a standout for Salford City this term, has registered 5 goals and 4 assists in 25 matches, proving himself as a creative, high-energy capable of playing in attack or on the left side, dismantling organized defenses. He would be perfectly complemented by Ormerod, whose extraordinary 2025/26 campaign with AFC Fylde has seen him net 31 goals and 6 assists, cementing his reputation as one of the most clinical young strikers in the country. Together, N'Mai’s ability to create chances from the wide areas and Ormerod’s relentless finishing would provide the Magpies with a potent, multi-dimensional attack built for both immediate success and long-term value.

For me Roos has to go - his high wage bracket and inconsistent fit for our system make him a prime candidate for a move away. Having spent time out on loan recently, it’s clear the club is looking in a different direction. Offloading Roos now provides significant funds to bring someone in who would genuinely push and challenge Belshaw Also id be looking to offload Mai Traore - Traore in his limited appearances has shown small flashes, but often looks isolated in the Notts system. His style is perhaps better suited to a more direct, counter-attacking team rather than a side that demands intricate link-up play in the final third. By placing him on the transfer list, we could find a buyer who values his specific physical attributes, allowing us to pivot towards a 'Poacher' type striker with instincts to compliment the physical prescence currently in the squad It might be controversial but id also be open to any decent offers for Matt Dennis - although his goal contributions have been vital at times, I feel towards the 2nd half of the season his determination off the ball seemed to drop - and with rumours in January of interest from the Belgian and Polish top flights, he might be the ideal example of the Brothers' model of finding gems and moving them on for a profit.

i'm undecided on Tangen - due to fitness/injury we haven't really seen enough - depends on fees/wages i guess Id offer Platt and Tsaroulla a new deal - although id look to sign a natural right footed RB/RWB so Tsaroulla's game time would be limited to rotation/injury cover Norburn is a tough one - great for the level but it's the discipline that concerns me. Also likely a high wage that we could potentially use to sign a couple of replacements - theres some interesting free agents thats for sure! has anyone thought about who they'd like to see in the Black & white Stripes?

Looking at some of the reported salaries of a few, I think there is some who I would release/try and offload regardless, but I agree theres some difficult decisions to be made!

With the regular season drawing to a close, my mind has already started wandering toward the summer window. Whether we manage to clinch promotion or find ourselves preparing for another go at League Two, the squad is going to need some surgery. I wanted to open a thread to see where everyone else’s head is at regarding two things: 1. The Retained List: We’ve got a few players with contracts winding down this June. Looking at the squad, there are some tough calls to make. Players who are out of contract: Rod McDonald Matty Platt Ollie Norburn Maz Khouyar Keanan Bennetts is there anyone you'd List for transfer? and; 2. The "Wish List" If the Reedtz brothers handed you the reins this summer, where are you spending/saving? Personally, I think we still look thin at the back with the Platt/Macari injuries, and I’d love to see more creativity/goal threat behind Jatta to take the pressure off. Who is on your radar? * Are there any standout players from our League Two rivals you’d like to poach? Should we be looking at the National League again for those "hidden gems" we love so much? I’m curious to see if anyone else has given it much thought! COYP!