TheSkipper

Yes, I am sorry I missed welcoming you sooner. Welcome to PON, @MikeWood! Join in when you get chance, once you get used to things here you should really enjoy it.

I won't be at the game either, but it should be a good run out for the squad. Alfreton Town are a good team at their level; while we can outplay them, they do tend to be defensively organised and can be challenging to break down. It all depends on how they play. I know previously they stuck a veteran striker up top, and he had no service. For us, it's all about getting shape, communicating, and preparing to listen to Martin Paterson's instructions. The formation will be interesting, and I hope we can start with the strongest XI at the beginning. There are plenty of minutes to get the new signings settled and embedded into the team, though I do think most will start. I don't think the club is doing it, from what I have been hearing; if so, I would have thought they would announce it. It does seem a shame if they don't stream the game to those of us who can't make it.

Excellent poem, well-written and insightful as to how most fans might be thinking. The gaffer will be happy; he's a poet, too. Well done, and thanks for sharing it, Michael!

It's been great seeing the likes of @McPie, @Sheffield Pie, @BridgyPie, @PieHard and even @Michael D Pie. joining in. I am sure there's plenty more; these are just off the top of my head, and the upgrade has made a big difference, too. I feel the site is far more polished, and with further work still needing to be done. I am thankful that the community supports the site. Thank you to all the members who subscribe to PON, especially. Michael. You all are making a difference. 👏🏻

I pitched it earlier today; my editor is thinking it over. Even if he doesn't like it, I might persist in my personal time. It would be a lot easier to use my media credentials. At least from the investigative angle. I might reach out to Peter Trembling, but he may want to distance himself from it now. He clearly was the pawn behind it all and probably was clueless as to Russell King's lies.

I can see you are more a "half-eaten pie" type of fan, rather than a "half-empty, half-full glass" type of person. 🤣 😂😂😂😂👏🏻 I think we need to keep note of some of these lines you use, as I still can't get over your reference to MK Dons having 'the rich history of a microwaved lasagna'. It's pure brilliance and such a joy to read.

@piedestrian, David Button, and Kai Kennedy would be excellent signings for us. That's fair enough; I just thought trying to coax some suggestions might be interesting. I should have thought that some might not have knowledge outside of Notts or the wider leagues. Jack Payne would be a great signing, a very hard-working midfielder. One year left on the deal, too, which could make it more tempting to accept a fee for his services. Another name to suggest is Jack Bridge, although more of a wide player than a central midfielder. He could play either side, maybe even higher up, as he does have goals in him. Jack Bridge - Player profile 25/...Jack Bridge - Player profile 25/26

@Robbie, @menzinho, It’s more about chatting and sharing ideas on who might be a good fit, rather than trying to tell Notts what to do. I doubt any of the names I’ve thrown in are on the club’s radar, but it’s always interesting when people throw out a name you hadn’t thought of.

I hope one day he finds success with a team where he gets the chance to push on in Europe and really prove himself as a manager. He speaks well about football, but he moves about a bit too much for my liking. It’s hard to build something when you're always on the move. I do wish him all the best with his return to AS Trenčín. Hopefully this time it’s a step forward and a proper long-term role.

Ethan Chislett could have been a good target, but he has signed for Kaizer Chiefs. Aldeershot, AFC Wimbledon and Port Vale - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethan_Chislett Here are a few players I would be tracking if I were Notts. Jökull Andrésson: Keeper. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%B6kull_Andr%C3%A9sson Sam Tickle: Keeper. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Tickle Harry Chapman: Attacking Midfielder. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Chapman_(footballer,_born_1997) Matt Daly: Attacking Midfielder. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matty_Daly Chris Long: Striker https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Long_(footballer)

If I can, I’ll try to put together a feature on how the Kasper fee got misreported and what really happened. My workplace might be keen, but I’d also be happy to run it for PON. I remember the talk of £1,000,000 and £500,000 being paid at the time, but later people began saying it was actually a free. It’d be good to clear that up with the facts. I wouldn’t want to focus just on Munto, but looking into the behind-the-scenes bits of deals like Kasper’s and Sol Campbell’s would make a cracking read.

By choosing to only have Alassana Jatta and David McGoldrick as our attacking options, and allowing Junior Morias to go out on loan, we did remarkably well not to burn out sooner. If we think of Jatta as the new guy replacing Macaulay Langstaff, we’re still pretty short in the spot that really matters on the field. The way we play, we know we can create chances, but I still think Langstaff should have been replaced with someone similar. Even Cedwyn Scott couldn't get much of a chance in his natural position because the club wanted to focus on two strikers. Jatta was always going to lose his form; maintaining it through the season would have been a miracle, but I don't blame him. I don't blame the club as such; I just think we needed to add a finisher. It's not that bad; we have to accept bids, but that reinvestment needs to be made on the pitch just as much as off it. We can't do it halfway, or gamble on signings hoping that they will come good. We have to invest in certain areas, and I think those crucial areas are up front and in goal. The Reedtz are doing well to improve the infrastructure and to look at other revenue streams. Yes, money from the players needs to be balanced out. Any fan questioning the brothers is living in a cloud, but what I think most people would agree with is that if we lose one player, make sure to sign a solid replacement. Not every time a player leaves this will happen, but we are attracting bids for our better players, and we aren't always replacing them as wisely as we could. This is the thing: it's disappointing to lose good players, and as fans we might overvalue their price or worth. I am sure the club is working hard to bring in players, and we might not always be in a position to strengthen, but the only way the club can improve the morale of the fan base is to keep focused on the need for quality additions. I don't think the club sees using money in the short term benefits us in the longer term. It would be nice to have Langstaff back even as a loan, but his wages might be the stumbling point. If Millwall were happy to loan him out and contribute to his wages, for him to do well with us and later be sold. It could work, though Millwall look like they want to get a fee now.

Just think of the glory supporters it got rid of, and how the Munto led to our current owners finding us via two poor owners who had no real clue how to put the club before their own egos and ideas. Supporting teams at our level might be a rollercoaster, with not so many ups as we have downs, but at least we are looking to be on the verge of something special with the Reedtz at the helm. Notts has never been in better hands, and at least we still manage to attract those casual, floating supporters without the money. 🤣

He could be getting some vital experience in our pre-season, with just a week before we play Alfreton Town. Will the club be able to find a suitable number one before the German tour? I am sure they have a list of keepers, and I do like seeing young prospects given a chance. Attracting interest from Palace and Forest suggests he's got character and something special; I just hope we can bring it out more.

I wished I could make it, but with work and the three games, I would have to take holidays at work, and they wouldn't grant them in time for me to confirm this. @liampie did ask very early, but even then I have to give several months notice for things like this. It's a shame because the guide makes it seem even more fun than when Notts confirmed the mini tour in Germany. One day I will get to watch Notts and drink German beer, whilst watching us outside of the United Kingdom, of course! All the best to those travelling!

Just seen @ARLukomski mention that its been mentioned the fee was around £450,000 which is still relatively low for someone who has proved himself to be a good League Two keeper. His time at AFC Wimbledon showed that we did some smart recruitment by signing Alex Bass orignally and it is a shame to see him leave so early into his spell at Meadow Lane. From his perspective, he's still of the age where he could play much higher and will be coming into his prime. I am saddened, disappointed but I hope Notts brings in a solid replacement. Bass will be very difficult to do better than, Peterborough fans should be delighted with the signing.

The club didn't replace Macualay Langstaff properly when we sold him to Millwall, a decision which cost us up front and meant we had to rely on others to come in. Had we signed someone sooner to add firepower, the season might have turned out differently. Now, we have made the same decision, but at the other end of the pitch. I know there has to be a balance with in and outgoings, but honestly, the club is kind of ruining the hype for the new season. It's like they're about to hit the panic button and totally drive the fans crazy. I hate meltdowns, but this is almost justified considering all the recent news. Hopefully, the money in does help us strengthen, but with every club doing the same, losing such a quality keeper like Alex Bass is extremely disappointing. I get that Notts can't reject big bids, but they should do more to make sure they balance the news. Harry Griffiths could easily become the target of those who just moan, and it only puts pressure and expectations on him. I doubt he will be the first-choice keeper, but you have to feel sorry for him arriving as we allow our best keeper in recent years to leave. Sacking Stuart Maynard by declaring promotion was our target could be the words that come back to haunt the board come the end of the season. Nothing so far gives the feeling that we are aiming to gain promotion.

It's great to have you here @BridgyPie, all PON needs is more members contributing as and when they can, but really we are all about the Notts community. I do hope you continue to settle in and find the site enjoyable. Welcome to PON!

I would hope that it generates more vocal support, as being at the back does have that benefit, and it's an area where most fans do stand already, so it does make more sense than some might think. There is scope that it could be expanded; we need to know more about it to speculate further on that. We need to see what the club says; I am sure something like this will make the news when it's ready.

Will Tyson Fury try to buy them again? They have a good ground, decent facilities, and there is a lot of potential with a club like Morecambe. I hope they manage to find a buyer who can save them from any financial troubles.

Three very good games there for the B team, even if they are to face the equivalent or youth teams of those sides.

He wasn't always the best, but he worked hard, and when he did show form, he looked good. Fans often overlook players like this, and I do think we can find better, but I am surprised that we didn't try to sign someone first and then allow Sam Austin to leave. A one-year deal could have given us some more options, instead of requiring more focus on the incoming requirement. Wishing Super Sammy Auston all the best in his journey at Southend!

Notts has to continue to be wise about the way it conducts itself. I would like to see a couple more key signings, but I can acknowledge that we are not jeopardising the club by spending big in the hope that it will make us good enough for promotion. We don't know who the club has spoken with in terms of recruitment, and when clubs try to build too quickly, it can have the opposite effect to the success the fans are seeking. I don't believe we are in any danger; I welcome the careful approach, but I do hope we reflect on the areas already outlined by @Chris. Matthew Dennis could very well prove himself and thrive in our squad; all we really need is a striker that works hard, makes movements, and has the ability to finish chances. Yet, someone more of the calibre of League One would make life a little easier, I would say. That, and a good attacking midfielder who can draw defenders on, create space for others, and also hold the ball up without losing it. There are many reasons why Martin Paterson could succeed with a team like Notts, whereas it's pretty obvious that Burton are in decline compared to where they have been in recent campaigns. I don't think Paterson is going to walk into a new club and start getting into fights with supporters, not when he's seeking their approval to further advance his career. The situation at Burton is typical of teams being relegated; I respect a manager who is able to give what some fans dish out, provided he doesn't tarnish the whole fan base. Kevin Nolan had a way of rubbing fans the wrong way with his criticism, yet somehow, they still have a bit of a soft spot for him despite the ups and downs. It's interesting how that works, right? We have to take the season as it comes and hope for the best, I am sure the Reedtz will make changes where needed. It's not as if they don't acknowledge where improvements are needed, But they aren't really in a hurry to rush people.

Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, @Ash. Thank you for following up with a little information about yourself; we are glad you have joined us. Be sure to reach out to any of the Pride of Nottingham team if you need help. The gaffer (@Chris) is very helpful but if you need some assistance reach out to any team member online and we will do our best.

Very good defender, I think he was always too closely compared to his father, and those footsteps would always be hard to follow. Shrewsbury have signed a good player who knows this level well.