TheSkipper

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.

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.

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.

York shouldn’t pose as much of a challenge, no disrespect intended, but this would be a pre-season friendly that I would hope Notts could control more easily. We are getting closer to the start of the season, and while the result isn’t important to me, the performances are increasingly so. We need to see our starting eleven at their best, match-fit, and ready to kick off the campaign. I hope we can display a bit of flair and creativity against York. I know it’s a pre-season friendly and these matches are meant to be relaxed training games, but I honestly would like to see some form starting to develop, along with standards in the players’ individual performances.

I’ve been planning to buy Ian’s book. It’s a must-have for every Notts fan as it recounts the story of our club’s triumphant return to the Football League after a period of despair. Football, when compared to life, holds less significance. Some may not show it, but deep down, they know it’s true. The tale of how his family has come together and shown unity in the face of a severe diagnosis, such as a brain tumour, is truly inspiring. Making the most of such a situation must be challenging, but from what I’ve seen on Twitter, the Marsden family has plenty of support. I extend my best wishes to Wendy and Ian.

Pre-season friendlies are essentially a warm-up. People often don’t realise that players are given specific instructions, such as being told to sit deeper to strengthen the defence. This allows the club to assess their defensive capabilities. I’m aware that under other regimes, fans and the board were thrilled when we dominated non-league teams and won every friendly. However, this only leads to unrealistic expectations among those who are easily impressed and the same individuals who complain when things don’t go as planned. The match against Wycombe will provide valuable insights for the club and Stuart Maynard. I anticipate a closely contested game.

I wasn’t able to attend the game, but I followed the updates on the official Notts Twitter account. It seemed like an exciting match. I’m sure there are lessons to be learned from this game, which Stuart Maynard can address. However, a draw in a pre-season friendly isn’t a serious concern. @Robbie, there’s no harm in trying to bring in a young player who can contribute when needed. If his skills are unique, it gives us an extra option, especially with Macca leaving. This would provide someone else in our current squad the opportunity to step up. These friendlies will be crucial for that. If we perform well, the club won’t need to worry about spending money to bring in a striker. The funds could be used elsewhere. Does anyone have any news on why Alassana Jatta didn’t play? Was he even there? I don’t think he’ll be the next to leave, I’m just curious.

For those who attend, I’ll be counting on your feedback about the new players. I understand we can’t make judgments yet, but early impressions are useful for comparison once they’ve settled in. It’s nice to see how far they’ve come, and it will be refreshing to hear some positive thoughts from fans after the first game in a while.

Notts might have included a sell-on clause in this deal, which could result in a better outcome for us. If I were in Notts’ position, I would have aimed for a 10% share of any future profits. I doubt we could have secured much more, and there’s a possibility that Lucien Mahovo might be let go before he reaches the standard of Norwich. I hope he does improve, as it would demonstrate that Notts just needs to give their young players more time to develop.

Well said, Gaffer. Your words echo my sentiments exactly. It’s true that all good things must eventually come to an end. It’s a bit sad that Macaulay Langstaff’s journey with us is ending so soon, especially when he had just begun to carve out his legacy. While it would have been wonderful to have him for another season, we must respect his decision to embrace a new challenge. This new chapter at Millwall won’t be easy, as the team is expected to face some tough times. However, they now have a striker who has proven his ability to adapt and score goals. Just as he did for us, I hope he continues to make his mark in the football world. It was a privilege to watch such a fantastic striker don the famous black and white of Notts. His story is far from over, and I look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for him.

The club certainly knows how to let us down. I don’t think we’ve received a fair deal, but we won’t know the specifics. If it’s £700,000, we’ve been short-changed. I don’t want to dwell on the negatives, I just wish Macaulay Langstaff all the best. He’s provided us with some wonderful memories, and after seeing us demoted to the National League, he definitely helped propel us back to League Two. Thank you, Macca.

The move suggests that Norwich City is planning for the future. It’s less of a risk and a big step up for a young player. Lucien Mahovo will be eager to prove himself at a higher level. If Notts had held onto him, we might not have seen his full potential. It makes sense for us to accept the transfer, but I hope the fee is fair. I’m not expecting a large sum, but a fair price would be nice.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to you, Connell Rawlinson. Your service to Notts has been commendable and has given us numerous moments to treasure. Despite your departure, your time as a player here will be remembered for your courage and relentless effort in your performances. We hope that you find a club where the fans will embrace you just as we have. You are deserving of regular play and we wish you the best of luck in achieving that. Your journey with us may be ending, but your legacy will continue to inspire.

Rawlo, a good player and passionate, was everything we desired in a defender. Even though we’ve moved on, his departure still saddens me. For him, it’s the start of an exciting new chapter. I hope he finds a suitable club to conclude his career. Best of luck, Connell Rawlinson.

Macaulay Langstaff is a crucial part of the team, and any bid should reflect his importance. The club needs to consider whether the fee is adequate. Just because an offer has been made doesn’t mean he’s leaving. We shouldn’t fret, but rather wait and see how things unfold. I have faith in the club and am confident they will make a sensible decision. If the bid is deemed acceptable, we should be prepared to accept it.

My money’s on @super_ram! Apologies, @Fan of Big Tone. I know you’re fond of your jogging and exercise, but I’ve heard from an unnamed source that Super has strength and a bit of a mean streak. To tell the truth, I find great pleasure in contributing to PON. Being a writer can sometimes be exhausting, but this is my outlet. I genuinely feel at home here.

Without a doubt, his signing is crucial given his experience. It seems he was likely to join an EFL club, and I am glad it’s us. He brings a wealth of experience from playing overseas. It’s encouraging to know that we are building a squad with individuals who can take control of the ball, put pressure on the opposition, and get things moving. He should be a fantastic signing for us.

If it were up to me, he’d be my pick for captain, as he’s the first name I’d put on the team sheet. He carries out his midfield duties without any bother, gets involved and takes pride in always giving his all. He’s a natural footballer who plays like a true champ on the pitch. We’ve certainly noticed his absence after his injury, but coming through that, he’ll no doubt be stronger. I reckon teams will have a tough time handling him on the pitch.