- Comment on the Richard Montague interview here
- Who should be recruited in January? Read this excellent recruitment doc from member ARLukomski
- PoN member McPie asks have we progressed under Martin Paterson? Join the conversation here.
- PoN member theAnticlough poses a new set of questions about the team, click here.
- Notts confirm Belshaw signing
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Everything posted by TheSkipper
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Jodi Jones Nominated for Sky Bet League Two Player of the Month
Jodi Jones is an amazing talent. He always works very hard and tries to make the most of the time he plays. Since he came back to football, he's been very successful, and it's great to see. I think this award is the least he deserves. I hope he can add this award to his PFA Players' Player of the Season award and other achievements from his career. When he was 18 years old, he played for Coventry and was amazing. Now he's here, and he's still great.
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Notts County Stay Unbeaten as Stuart Maynard Reflects on Gritty Accrington Stanley Win
There are no signs of complacency yet and Notts are respecting the teams we are playing, none of the games we have gone into feeling like we are above them ultimately. Notts has just worked hard, and it's showing, as the performances at home have been very good. When you talk about making a ground a fortress, you need to let the results on the pitch do the talking, this is exactly what is happening currently under Stuart Maynard. I leap nothing but praise on the club for this fantastic start we have had so far. The players are really putting in the work and the training ground must be a joy to practice on leading into games when the results are coming.
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Tottenham Hotspur Loanee George Abbott Reflects on His First Start for Notts County: "Unbelievable Experience"
I am pleased to hear that he was supported by his family, being told ahead of time must have been exciting and allowed for him to prepare his family to come to Meadow Lane. That adds pressure, so the fact he was unfazed by the amount of fans in attendance and his family watching, shows the quality and calmness he brings to the middle of the park. It's nice to see his maturity, which is evident by how he speaks. It's nice to see him praising the team, but his performance was very good. It's encouraging to see how he progresses for us.
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Faces of PON 24-25: Accrington Stanley (H)
Well done, gaffer! Sharing some of the Faces of PON on Twitter with additional messages is a nice way to present the gallery. I am pleased for you, @Chris.
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Notts Alumni: Paul Devlin
Paul Devlin is a name I know from his time in the Premier League. Before I was born, he played for Notts County. I've watched clips of Paul playing and enjoyed them. I remember him playing for Birmingham City when I was young. My father told me he used to play for Notts County. Paul always looked like a reliable and determined player. I'm glad he played for Scotland.
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Match Discussion: Game 5 - The Owd Reds (H)
I think the truth of how Accrington Stanley played is somewhere in between poor, and totally outplayed. I wouldn't class them as poor myself, because that discredits the work rate Notts showed towards wanting to win the ball back. Notts have a very good defence now, but it's partnered with a very pressing and effective midfield. The work that has gone into the pre-season and training up to this point seems to be a major part of the transition on the pitch. To put on a commanding performance like that when you are easily missing two of your best players, along with another yet to make a full start sitting on the bench. You can see that we are a team, rather than reliant on individual alone. This might sound controversial, but I think the game would have turned out different if Notts wasn't at home. I think we may have struggled to be clinical on goal with fewer chances perhaps being created. That is debatable, but I think we are showing a dominance at home which is encouraged due to our support, Notts never look to sit back now. Our players want the ball, they want to win it back and when chances for the opposition opens up, our players want to defend and protect Alex Bass. Lewis Macari had a slip, where he played himself into danger, and it was almost a repeat of what we would have seen last season. He picked himself up, and defensively it was dealt with. Mistakes will happen, especially with it raining and being slippery. What I would rather point out more than mistakes, is how collectively as a group of players the ambition to not concede is much higher now.
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Match Report: David McGoldrick at the Double as Magpies Secure Confident Home Win
I thought the performance levels of the whole squad were very good, the win was a sign of the class and belief we are building amongst our camp. I can't fault a single player's performance, it was a very well managed game and Accrington Stanley had no answers on how to deal with Notts. If it wasn't for some fine saves by their keeper, they would have been thrashed by a higher goal margin. I thought they looked a bit lost and lacking creativity, defensively they should have been much better.
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Stuart Maynard Optimistic About Notts County’s Strength Ahead of Accrington Stanley Clash
I think right now, things show that we as fans need to trust the process and have more faith in standing by our owners decisions. There are more people who wanted Stuart Maynard gone. Stability in football is one of the most important factors in success, so now that the squad is more Maynard's team, I do think the signs are encouraging. If a struggling manager/head coach can show signs of improvement, I honestly believe support should be given. This is why I believe that Maynard is thriving now, the board has helped give him a more completed squad and his efforts are paying off. I am very pleased, it's a long season, but it's encouraging. We need our supporters to show more faith at times!
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Alex Bass Prepares for the Challenge Ahead: Notts County Keeper Focused on Maintaining Form
Alex Bass has easily fitted into our style of play and brings with him a complete game, we needed a keeper who is comfortable with the ball at their feet but also a good shot-stopper. His communication skills, with his calm presence, are reassuring when he goes to claim the ball. I think he's the most all rounded keeper we have had since Roy Carroll. To consider his age and the fact that he should improve more towards turning 30, I think we have a keeper on our hands who can not only keep clean sheets but be a solid option for a promotion push.
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Match Discussion: Game 5 - The Owd Reds (H)
It does seem like Notts are going into games understanding the plan and vision on how to execute Stuart Maynard's game plan, much of the improvements come very early from the training ground and coaching. It's given the new defence and current players a chance to get on the same wavelength early on. Accrington Stanley previously thrived on being underestimated, and I doubt Maynard will allow the Notts players to go into the game thinking it will be an easy 3 points. I expect Accrington to be organised at the back, strong in midfield and eager up front. I think defensively, we should have more than enough to keep their attacking players quiet. Defensively, I worry if they choose to crowd the box with bodies it might make it hard for Nott to play as per their usual way. I am not suggesting I think they will park the bus, but I do feel they will be heavily focused on being solid at the back and breaking with speed.
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Notts County to Honour Sven-Göran Eriksson with Minute's Applause
It is only right for this to be done at a home game. Sven was here for a season, but that was quite the dream for us back then. Having a chance to say our final goodbye, to a man not only was our director of football, but also parted ways mutually agreeing to waver his salary but prior to that having tried to find the club an owner. It showed his commitment, without which Notts could have seen a much darker time.
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Opposition View: Accrington Stanley Fan’s Perspective on Facing Notts County
A draw could be a very likely outcome, but I would hope both teams play and push for more than that. If Notts struggles to score because of good keeping or defending, then that is something which most fans would always accept. The main thing is to play well enough to create the chances needed. I think the answers from Michael are to the point and give a nice insight into how Stanley are doing. Both teams should be competing at the top end of the table as they come closer to the season end. I hope Notts can maintain their current dominance and continue to be sharp in front of goal.
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Match Preview: Can Notts County Continue Their Strong Start Against Swindon Town?
David McGoldrick firmly answered the question with two excellent goals, the answer being yes. It feels like the club is now on a roll, and we need to continue to dig deep. The season has the potential to really kick off now that we have two wins in two, and undefeated in five. It shows just how far Stuart Maynard has come as the Notts head coach. Some fans won't be happy still, but he's showing excellent signs and determination.
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Lewis Macari 'I'm Loving It Here at Notts County'
Someone else will come along and say this, but I credit Stuart Maynard for Lewis Macari's push and confidence. Under Maynard, he's really excelled in his place in the team, and it's hard not to see him starting when he approaches games so well and then features in them putting on an impressive display. Macari under Luke Williams seemed a bit nervous and hesitant at times. He's full of confidence now and is showing what a classy young talent he is. I am very pleased to see him doing so well.
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Match Report: McGoldrick Magic as Notts County Triumph Over Swindon Town
Diddzy has bided his time well and showed what impact he can make when he starts. I don't think every game will suit this decision, but there's no doubt he's still such a vital part of this squad. I thought Notts defended well. I would leap praise on Alex Bass, he looks such a quality keeper at this level, and it's still hard to believe he's actually ours and not here just on loan. It's a good team performance, which showed spirit and fight to pull it back and to win in the end.
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Match Discussion: Game 4 - The Robins (A)
Notts put in a solid performance against Swindon Town. After conceding an early goal, the team remained composed and continued to press forward. David McGoldrick demonstrated his value to the squad once again. While he may not be suited to every match, his persistence and ability to contribute goals are invaluable assets. Defensively, Notts performed admirably. Swindon Town presented a tough challenge, but the team's defensive efforts were commendable. Alex Bass, in particular, was outstanding in goal. His consistent performances suggest that he could be a key player in helping Forest achieve promotion to League One.
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George Abbott Excited for New Chapter at Notts County: "It's a Good Opportunity" Says Tottenham Hotspur's Young Midfielder
I'm happy he has quickly become involved. He seems very enthusiastic and eager to begin. As I mentioned in another article about George Abbott, his leadership skills will be appreciated. It shouldn't be just about his talent or attributes, but also the commitment and enthusiasm he brings to Notts County.
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Tottenham Hotspur’s U21 Captain George Abbott Joins Notts County on Loan
He sounds like the kind of player you want your club to sign on loan. He is prepared to start a new adventure and has the qualities that a very big club looks for. His leadership would be a benefit for Notts on the pitch. The more encouragement, the easier the team should handle the games and pressure. So, it's not just about ability alone. This signing shows great promise!
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Stuart Maynard discusses transfers, squad depth, and Notts County's upcoming clash with Swindon Town in League Two
If we want to compete at the top level, it's important to keep the squad we have now. Losing Macaulay Langstaff to Millwall and Aaron Nemane to MK Dons has taken two quality players away from us, but Notts are building a strong team and are showing signs of being a good League Two side. Regarding new signings, I’m sure there will be some movement, but we need to focus on preventing any more players from leaving. We should also look to take advantage of Swindon Town’s current form.
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Match Discussion: Game 4 - The Robins (A)
Playing Swindon Town while they are struggling should be an advantage, but at the same time, their fortunes could change, and we could be the unlucky ones. I agree with the calls to leave the team unchanged, allowing those players to settle and play further minutes, especially after a nine-day break. This could help them transfer any training groundwork into the game. So, I think Notts should be well-prepared for the match. It will be interesting to see how Swindon react themselves. I hope the game is open, rather than a difficult stalemate.
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Opposition View: Swindon Town Fan Lee Witts' Honest Analysis Ahead of Notts County Match
Swindon Town have three very good loan players on their books, all three of them should become vital parts in their progress for this season. They are a team that can have slow starts, but it doesn't change the fact that every game is different, and they will try to be a very organised team at home. I think the game will be quite even in the first half, as players tire and subs are made, that is when I think the game will become more lively.
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Sven-Göran Eriksson: A Legacy Remembered at Notts County
Honestly, I think his time as the England manager is overlooked because of the 'Golden Generation'. But he was not a bad manager. His time at Leicester City and Manchester City were two exciting periods of his career. It shocked the footballing world when he came to Meadow Lane. People said he was only there for the money, but he insisted he saw us as an ambitious project. He proved them wrong by leaving and not asking for his wages. He deserves a lot of respect for that. He was a very kind person.
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Notts Alumni: Tom Keetley
His football career was truly remarkable, he was a natural goal scorer. Since our record-breaking season and promotion from the National League, I’ve read quite a bit about him. His talent and contributions to football should be honoured and remembered. This is an excellent read that highlights his life. Tom Keetley is a true Notts legend, deserving of recognition. It’s a shame it took Macaulay Langstaff to bring him back into the spotlight, but at least his grave is no longer unmarked. His headstone will now ensure he is remembered.
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Alassana Jatta: In The Goals.
I've observed that Alex Bass consistently calls out for Alassana Jatta to aid in defending corners. His height and speed are two areas which give us an advantage, but his ball control and ability to hold up play is outstanding. He's a good finisher too. No doubt the best striker we have at the club, but I do agree with comments about playing Cedwyn Scott as a striker too. Jatta will get goals, because he's well above the level of League Two, and he fits our system incredibly well.
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The Magpie’s Eye: Notts County - A Season of Promise and Progress
Your point about us being committed to supporting Stuart Maynard I agree, we should chant his name a lot more. I think more fans are coming round, and I would agree that some use Maynard's former job as an invalid way to discredit him. That's football fans for you! It's not like most of these types would be able to do a better job themselves. I enjoyed reading your thoughts and blog, @Joshua.