TheSkipper

There are a lot of positives if we wish to find them. I know it’s much easier to think of the negatives. Focus on the players’ mistakes that became costly, though those are things the players and coaching team need to address. For me, I want to praise the good effort that took us 2-0 up and for the spirit to get ourselves back on level terms. Notts going to penalties is a gamble on who would come out better, and if we had managed to win on them, we wouldn’t be as fussed over conceding 3. It’s still very early days, no need to panic.

Let's take the positives. I think Mark Stallard is right about the subs influencing the game, and it makes sense when Stall explained it's to get minutes in for the players coming on. I think Stuart Maynard will learn from this, maybe bring them on gradually and not three in one go, especially when under pressure. Credit to Shrewsbury for turning the game on its head, plus I am pleased for Jatta that it was him who sent us to penalties.

Let's keep in mind they are a League One team and subs can change games, what looked like a sensible change by Stuart Maynard could be part of our undoing. Shrewsbury are coming into it more and more, they have made changes I believe, so it's all to play for. Whilst I am disappointed that we have conceded two quickly, it's a cup match and these can swing in favour of the home team very quickly. Their fans were getting on their backs, now they are very loud in positive chanting.

Triple subs, Jodi Jones coming off. Dan Crowley, Cedwyn Scott and Matt Platt on.

His and the other players defending was superb, much more controlled and calm compared to last season. I think we might make the right decision bringing in defenders as the main priority ahead of this campaign. Looking at the Tranmere Rovers game, I think, it was very promising with the way we handled the game. Tranmere being a tall, physical side, they were always going to make us work for anything. A point is a good start to the season, it gives us a solid platform to move into the weekend's game on Sunday pushing to go one better.

Notts women's team is some way off playing in the top leagues, but I am sure they will get there with all the efforts they are putting in. I hope these signings help them with their ambitions this upcoming season.

2-0 up, there is still a long way to go, but we have to be happy so far. Shrewsbury having only one close effort, Notts seem to be performing hard and working well together. It is good to see the players pulling together as a squad and showing that we can rest players in order to give others a chance. Stuart Maynard, he does deserve some of the praise for his selection. Not many fans seemed pleased by it, but it's a good game, and we need to rotate players. Good decision by our head coach, it seems!

I can’t say that anyone who watched the game should have gone home unhappy. Notts tried, and it was a task to get a glimpse at goal without a Tranmere player or two blocking the path. I thought we showed some very creative passing, which could have led to a goal. I think the squad did well, happy defensively and encouraged with the way we attacked the game. A few more efforts on goal would have been great, but it’s reasonably acceptable.

Great pictures, as always @Chris. I am glad you took some. Hope to see some more on Sunday!

I have seen footage and pictures of Jeff Astle playing. He really does deserve to be listed in the Pride of Nottingham Alumni series. Such a quality player, who could jump with such grace and height that he could find the back of the net. I believe he was very prolific with scoring goals with his head, which is a shame that it caused his illness later on. His career will always be a shining example of a true great footballer, supported by his loving family and the research they continue to do.

As draws go, Notts were solid and looked very comfortable. One thing I would like to praise is the number of times we showed hunger for winning the ball back. Sometimes it became scrappy and difficult, but we persisted as a team and overcame most of those incidents. By retaining the ball, it gave us a good platform going forward. I really hope this is a sign of more to come under Stuart Maynard. The Reedtz have given the club the focus to improve in the back line and goalkeeper positions, and I think it shows.

I thought he did well with the little time he had against Tranmere. I think the signing will help, but I'm sad to see Aaron Nemane leave. Still, I welcome Conor Grant as a new addition. His first interview came across well, and I hope he gets the chance to thrive in our squad.

Notts looked solid in defence, with very little trouble from a team full of tall and physical players. Alex Bass looked top-notch, staying calm and composed. Jodi Jones had a tough time, especially in the first half. He kept getting kicked to the ground, often without the ball, but he handled it well and put in a good effort. The subs made a difference, leading to a clean sheet and a promising performance.

It would be nice to start well and put on a good showing, but as long as we don’t lose, I will accept it. Some fans might question my ambition, but I quietly fancy our chances of winning. I am aware that it sometimes takes time for things to click. We are a new squad defensively, so this needs consideration. Tranmere are looking decent. They should be up for the challenge, and the opening day is always a tough match for both sides. I’ll leave the team selection to Stuart Maynard, though I will give my thoughts on that selection and how they perform based on how the game unfolds. I am looking forward to the game. It should provide a good insight, even though it’s early, into what we might expect over the course of the season.

Excellent in-depth look at League Two, @menzinho. To cover the basics, I agree that there have been many good signings for various teams, and it looks like the bigger prospects are gearing up for the promotion challenge. Looking at our squad, I still feel we could use one or two additions, but I am also hopeful that some of the young players may get a chance in games we are controlling well. It feels like now is the right time to play our youngsters. If we can build a good run and maintain it, then a lot of pressure would come off Stuart Maynard. I think it’s paramount that we start well, but sometimes things do take a chance. My money for automatic promotion is on Gillingham and MK Dons.

Barrow 2-1 Crewe Alexandra Gillingham 1-1 Carlisle United Harrogate Town 0-2 Bromley Salford City 3-2 Port Vale Altrincham 1-0 Woking Boston United 2-2 Rochdale Halifax Town 1-3 Barnet Southend United 2-1 York City (Joker)

The dugout is more for players. Only the manager/head coach can be in the technical area, and the assistant is usually nearby. A coach usually doesn’t have much involvement during games, so he will probably be watching from the stands. It’s not like we have first-team staff that are paid to be idle.

The Premier League is a joke and always will be. Some clubs are treated differently, and it shouldn’t be this way. Manchester City, being one of the biggest teams to bring in revenue, gets some unfair advantages. Manchester United did before them. The only big team I think has been nailed and sometimes punished worse is Chelsea.

It’s been an adventure, one where it seemed like we might spend seasons in the National League beyond the four years that we did. I would say this achievement alone is their greatest one yet, considering the limited promotion spots and the number of times we stumbled in the playoffs. It’s no easy feat! The drama around the club has mostly been fan-produced, which is a huge relief compared to the drama during the Hardy/Trew eras. Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz have meant business, invested their money, and not made any false promises. They have allowed their staff to run the club, and I praise them for their loyalty towards the managers. I do think Neal Ardley was pushed a bit unfairly, but they can spot a potential good head coach. I just hope Stuart Maynard manages to remain in his position and help bring us further success. The past five years have been like a dream, seeing how Notts has transitioned on the pitch. I hope we continue to strive for attractive football because it’s a big part of what makes our club appeal to casual and floating fans.

From a productive point of view, the results haven’t been great in pre-season, but more value will have been taken from the games. Most featured two teams, usually one weaker than the other. It showcases which players can make a difference and who has limited capability. These are vital things going into a season. Positives: Depth in terms of quality Possible game time for youngsters who get a chance Goal scorers across multiple positions Plenty of creativity Improved defence A solid young keeper Jatta in good form Matt Palmer will be a massive plus once match fit Scott Robertson/Palmer duo Curtis Edwards’ experience Negatives: Fairly small squad again Potential pressure on youngsters Matt Palmer might still need time to come back fully (match fitness wise) Some injury concerns for potential players Lack of defensive cover out wide Unsure if the squad can handle the demand of fixtures Will Stuart Maynard be able to afford to rest players?

Since finishing work, I have been finalising one of my articles for PON. I need to put a bit more effort into my blog again. Like Liam, I am looking forward to going to Tranmere.

It was a good pre-season friendly, a lot of intent and good chances by both teams. The result means little, so I would caution less worry over the 4-3 finish. I would say, it shows that we can be competitive with good teams, and it's all about form. If we learn to finish the chances we get against League Two teams, we should be fine. Now we can start building the first 11, focus on performances and form. The first few games will only be a good insight as to how we are adjusting defensively and how Stuart Maynard sees which players have what roles in the squad.

Yes, I will try my hardest not to miss around!

Tranmere Rovers have a good side on paper, just like we do. They have a great manager in Nigel Adkins, who has experienced most of it within the EFL. Stuart Maynard must be hoping that the quality we have brought in during the close and pre-season will be enough to make our defence less prone to mistakes. I don’t think either team will slip up, but quality will show by the final whistle.

This situation underscores the importance of thorough health screenings in football. It’s a dreadful thought that Colby Bishop might have only discovered his condition while playing, which could have been too late. I’m grateful that sports are adopting measures to safeguard players and not merely viewing them as replaceable. I hope Colby makes a comeback and continues to excel for Portsmouth.