- 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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TheSkipper
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Everything posted by TheSkipper
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Quality Signing: Nick Tsaroulla’s arrival at Meadow Lane is a quality signing. His abundant talent suggests that he could become one of the standout acquisitions of the summer. While his presence surprises me, it’s evident that Notts County is actively constructing a formidable team. This approach appeals to players seeking both improvement and valuable experience. Overall, a great signing!
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Settling in Nottingham: It’s heartening to learn that Tsaroulla intends to settle in Nottingham. This commitment bodes well for the club, especially considering his age. Having him around for several more years would be beneficial. His signing not only promises personal growth but also has the potential to spur players like Tiernan Brooks to elevate their abilities further.
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TheSkipper commented on TheSkipper's blog entry in Black and White Memories: Nostalgia for Notts County Fans with TheSkipperThank you for all the reads and remarks. I hope you thought about sharing it as I didn’t post or share links to it elsewhere, mainly because I wanted members to spread the word. The goal was to provide insight into our current form and situation. I’m happy with how most fans behaved in our recent home match against AFC Wimbledon. That loss was beyond our control, even though the own goal didn’t help, but that’s football. Notts played well and if they maintain that standard, we should be back to winning soon.
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Some fans criticised our play, saying we weren’t bold enough and our defence was weak. I don’t agree. Wimbledon let us play, which meant we had to be more inventive. With their defence crowded, it was hard to find space unless we shot from afar. Dan Crowley should’ve taken some shots himself, rather than passing to Macaulay Langstaff who couldn’t reach the ball. We made some poor choices, but that happens. Defensively, I think Notts did alright, and Sam Slocombe was good except for his distribution. Jim O’Brien was impressive, and we missed him when he went off. I reckon we did better without John Bostock and David McGoldrick, though we needed more support for Langstaff. Alessandra Jatta could’ve added something extra upfront.
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There is no doubt that Stuart Maynard's fortunes are destined to change for the better. AFC Wimbledon are strong, but if we aim to turn Meadow Lane into a stronghold this season, they’re just the kind of team we should excel against. We need to capitalise on our ball possession and keep our defence alert.
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Sam Austin had his ups and downs early in the season, and it seemed Luke Williams had trouble fitting him into the team. Even in his preferred position, he seemed a bit out of place and needed time to get used to League Two. I’m really glad to hear he’s constantly improving his game and prioritises the team. That’s a great trait because when he’s comfortable and playing well, Austin can really make a difference.
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Come on, lads, we can choose to see how things might improve and how Notts can go about winning matches, even if it might end in disappointment. AFC Wimbledon needs to be stifled and pressed. If we can regain the ball and be bolder with our creativity, we have every opportunity to get the result we need. We have many options in attack, it’s in defence where we might fall short, but we should do better at home than we did at their ground. The game was close for the most part, we just need to avoid silly mistakes.
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I penned a brief blog post about the booing, trying to shed some light on the situation. Like some of the remarks, I hope it’s a one-time thing, but with the growing pressure on Stuart Maynard, I wouldn’t wager on it.
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From what I’ve gathered from Rochdale supporters, they’re fond of Tiernan Brooks and believe he’s ready for first-team football at both their level and ours. A few folks I know from work have mentioned that his saves have kept them in matches, and they’ve even joked about wanting to sign him permanently. The real test for him would be next season with us, but we need to bolster our defence if that’s our plan. I don’t see Sam Slocombe sticking around much longer, he’s served the club well and might end up as our third choice until his contract expires.
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TheSkipper posted a blog entry in Black and White Memories: Nostalgia for Notts County Fans with TheSkipperFootball, affectionately dubbed 'the beautiful game', transcends mere matches and scores. It's woven into the fabric of the fans' passions, their jubilation, their despair, and notably, their vocal frustrations. A notable expression of this frustration is booing, a phenomenon often engulfed in controversy. This piece delves into booing's ripple effects across the club, spotlighting Notts County to unpack the intricate dance between fans' emotions and the club's pulse. Booing in football isn't a nouveau spectacle. While it's crucial to acknowledge Stuart Maynard’s inherited challenges post-Luke Williams’ departure to Swansea City, the club's strategic missteps, especially the lacklustre transfer window focusing on loan signings and a £150,000 striker, didn’t help matters. These decisions set the stage for a sobering reality check, reminiscent of the club’s tumultuous 2016 under Jamie Fullarton, where Meadow Lane’s atmosphere teetered on the edge of toxicity, climaxing in a demoralising 4-1 defeat to Exeter City. From the player's viewpoint, booing acts like a double-edged sword, slicing through morale and performance. Although frustration can organically manifest as booing, this often exacerbates the already tense air, sowing seeds of division between the club, its players, and the lifeblood - the fans. It distances us from the collective spirit savoured during last year's triumphs. The gaffer’s role in navigating through the storm of boos is pivotal. Stuart Maynard, for example, exhibited commendable resilience and adaptability amidst adversity, hinting at an evolving defensive strategy. His ability to bear the brunt of responsibility, amidst fluctuating fortunes, speaks volumes of his dedication, even when the finger of blame doesn’t squarely point at him. The longer-term repercussions of booing can infect a club’s soul, dampening joy and enthusiasm for all - from players to supporters. Such a pall of gloom could tarnish the club’s allure and even strain financial stability. Yet, it's imperative to remember that the heart of the fanbase beats positively; their reactions mirror the team’s synergy. Excellence on the pitch often erases past grievances, breeding a more supportive environment. Booing, more often than not, is an impulsive response to disappointment. But when it escalates to offensive barrages and personal affronts, perpetrated by a tiny fraction, it morphs into something egregiously harmful. Acknowledging players like Kyle Cameron, who strive to steer the narrative towards unity, is paramount. Football, after all, is a team sport, extending beyond the pitch to encapsulate everyone involved. Counteracting the scourge of booing necessitates a unified front from stakeholders at all levels. Encouraging fans to champion their club, the management, and players, in a constructive manner, is critical. Drawing parallels with the Fullarton era, it's evident the club has evolved, buoyed by a cohesive unit of players, a competent manager, and invested owners. The essence is to view negative feedback in the context of transient frustration, not as a definitive marker of the club's ethos. In essence, while booing may spring from a place of legitimate frustration, its tendrils stretch far and wide, impacting not just individual facets but the collective spirit of the club. It underscores the principle that in football, as in life, unity, and positive support can be transformative forces. Let’s harness our collective voices to navigate through storms, to not just weather them, but to emerge stronger, together. Here's to moulding a challenging period into a beacon of hope and camaraderie. After all, we're all in this together.
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Defensively, it wasn't great; the keeper didn't perform well. I'd say Aiden Stone and Sam Slocombe are better. The young lad struggled and made poor decisions and clearances. Stuart Maynard is unlucky; this issue predates his arrival, and he has limited impact beyond training and squad selection. Those who booed have a right, but some are fickle fans who only support Notts when we're winning. Criticising the players is embarrassing; they're trying, and morale is low. Jim O'Brien was great and made a massive difference; without him, it could have been a repeat of the opening day against Sutton. Poor defensively, but the attacking side wasn't the problem.
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The mindset of not taking any prisoners is present in Notts, especially when confidence is high. I don't anticipate it, but it would be nice to witness Notts beginning the game energetically and launching continuous attacks against Crewe. When Notts holds onto the ball well, it's the only aspect where we truly fall short. Against Wrexham, we displayed much more determination. Tomorrow's match against Crewe is crucial for our season. Managing the game and creating good chances will likely lead to a favorable result in the end.
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There are already many insightful comments, and I agree with @Chris’s breakdown of yesterday’s game and the PON gaffer’s viewpoint. Gillingham wasn’t shy about bypassing midfield build-up, either by sending the ball wide or forward. Their first two goals involved some audacious touches that our squad wouldn’t dare to attempt. Notts would have overthought it and not taken the risk. We need to show more courage, not just in defence but also when shooting. Dan Crowley is the only player who will take a long-range shot when the opportunity arises. Perhaps David McGoldrick too, but in my view, he wastes many chances by focusing on shooting at the wrong times. Scott Robertson shouldn’t have been substituted yesterday. Despite some poor passes, he was the midfield link that drove us forward. David McGoldrick and Aaron Nemane should have been replaced, preferably with Sam Austin and Junior Morias. John Bostock didn’t perform well, but I don’t think there’s a suitable replacement. Jim O’Brien plays too far up, and while it was good to see him trying to give instructions, we lacked speed and urgency, which he doesn’t bring. He brings passion and effort. Our bench is weak, even after the January transfer window.
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At present, every match Notts participates in is crucial to win. There’s no problem if we drop further in the league, provided we know we’ve given our all. However, our poor form could have been avoided. This is where Gillingham offers us an opportunity. They provide a chance to transform Meadow Lane back into an impregnable stronghold. If we persist as we have been, I believe it will be an opportunity for us to seize. That being said, Gillingham shouldn’t be underestimated. But if we create opportunities that hit the target, a favourable outcome should follow. I reckon Stuart Maynard is inching closer to his inaugural victory. Just two games in, he has the defence appearing entirely different. Friday is a significant match for us. Let’s seize the moment and support our team.
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Notts seemed to do fine in most parts of the match. We didn’t appear to be on the verge of conceding an easy goal and most of our play was upbeat. I believe our main downfall was how crucial decisions went against us, but that’s football. Robertson seemed very impressive against Mansfield, Jodi couldn’t do much as he was constantly being fouled. I believe if Notts had scored or if it had been allowed, it would be a completely different story. I don’t engage much on social media because there’s too much negativity from fans. We lost, but the team represented themselves well and Maynard has made us look more defensively solid in two games. The next step is to secure that first victory and hopefully, morale and confidence will increase, our season isn’t finished.
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It was a good game, with both teams having chances. Barrow seemed vulnerable in the second half. We needed to be more courageous. I agree with many comments made earlier, so I won’t repeat them. We should have won. Jodi Jones tried hard to assist, but it was difficult with Barrow defending in numbers.
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Notts County has made an exciting decision by bringing Stuart Maynard on board as their new head coach. At 43 years old, Maynard is joining us from Wealdstone, where he made a name for himself with his accomplishments and unique style of play in the National League. As a fellow fan, I couldn't be happier with this appointment, and here's why. Firstly, Maynard has proven that he can do extraordinary things with limited resources. He took the reins at Wealdstone in March 2021 and guided them to their highest league position in 36 years, finishing 13th in the National League. He managed to repeat this achievement in the subsequent season, despite losing some key players and navigating the challenges of the Covid pandemic. He kept Wealdstone competitive and entertaining, fostering a style of football that was both attractive and true to their identity. In his own words, Maynard said, "I think they're a really humble group... they're just genuinely good guys that want to do the best for the football club." This humility and dedication are precisely what Notts County needs at this moment. The club is working with a tight budget in League Two, having been promoted from the National League last season. They're aiming for another promotion, but they're up against larger and wealthier clubs. They need a head coach who can maximise what he has, motivate and develop the players, and instil a winning culture. Maynard is the perfect fit. He has a clear vision and philosophy, which he successfully implemented at Wealdstone. He prefers a 5-4-1 formation, with a high-pressing and high-intensity approach. He likes his team to be solid and organised in defence, but also creative and dynamic in attack. He likes to utilise pace and width, exploiting the spaces behind the opposition defence. He enjoys scoring goals and entertaining the fans. Maynard believes that his style of play at Wealdstone fits perfectly with Notts County. He said, "Yeah, I feel that the way that we played at Wealdstone fits kind of straight away into Notts... I think it's a perfect fit." This is a testament to his confidence and adaptability, which are crucial for a head coach. These are all qualities that we, as Notts County fans, can appreciate. The club has a proud history and tradition, and it deserves a head coach who can restore its glory. Maynard has demonstrated that he respects and understands the club's ethos and values, and that he's ready to take on the challenge. His three-and-a-half-year deal shows his commitment and ambition. Furthermore, Maynard has shown that he's willing to make sacrifices and take risks for his career. He left his job as a BT technician to focus full time on his new role at Notts County. He left a club where he was admired and respected, where he had built strong relationships with the players and fans, and where he had achieved remarkable results. He took a leap of faith and a step-up, knowing that he would face more pressure and scrutiny at Notts County. This speaks volumes about his passion for the game and his confidence in his abilities. He's not here just to make up the numbers or to settle for mediocrity. He's here to make a difference, to take Notts County to the next level. He's here to fulfil his potential and to help the club fulfil theirs. He's here to make history and to make us proud. I fully support Stuart Maynard and his coaching team. I believe he's the right man for the job, and I'm excited to see what he can do with our club. I think he will bring success and joy to Meadow Lane, and I can't wait to see him in action. I wish him all the best, and I hope he will make us all happy. As Maynard himself said, "Look, there's no guarantees in it... But look, it's always the aim. When you're a club like Notts, first and foremost, you want success... and that's what hopefully we can bring. Pride of Nottingham member, Robbie, has asked our community 'What's the point of VAR?' - join in the discussion and share your thoughts on how it can be improved. Share your post-match thoughts on the Barrow game, read what other Pride of Nottingham members have had to say and join in the discussion.
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Matt Palmer and Cedwyn Scott are indeed greatly missed in the squad, although all the injuries have had an impact. Geraldo Bajrami has been a valuable team player, but he may not have fully established himself yet. His injury was unfortunate, and while he might strengthen our defence, I feel we could give him more time. I’m also curious about what’s keeping Adam Chicksen and Will Randall sidelined, as they seem to have been injured frequently this season.
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Jaden Warner quickly caught the attention of us fans after his debut. I didn’t expect the club to pursue him, but it seems the recruitment team listened to fans who were impressed by his first appearance. He should be immediately integrated into the team and given the responsibility of neutralising threats.
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I’m also delighted for James Sanderson. He appears to be an exceptional talent, and the next goal should be to get him more playing time in our team. He’s performed well so far, and I really appreciate his humble attitude towards his journey, indicating that he doesn’t take anything for granted.
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His management approach is akin, albeit not identical. He chose to play in a manner that maximised Wealdstone’s goal-scoring opportunities while maintaining balance in defence. Under Stuart Maynard, we should see more organisation in our defence. The key for us is having a midfield that can transition smoothly between attack and defence.
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It’s wonderful to see a young player sign their first contract. As his contract nears its end, I hope he’s more involved with the first team and extends his stay by signing a second professional deal with the club. Our academy is making significant progress; we just need to give them playing time.
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It’s a wise decision to appoint him as he’s had success in the past. Now that he’s at Notts, his record is just beginning, but I’m confident that he possesses all the necessary skills to progress and help us achieve promotion. League Two isn’t too different from the National League, it’s just more concentrated and has a higher calibre of players. These two factors should enable Maynard to excel at Notts. I’m thrilled to welcome him to Meadow Lane.
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TheSkipper commented on TheSkipper's blog entry in Black and White Memories: Nostalgia for Notts County Fans with TheSkipperThank you. I value every comment and appreciate those who took the time to read my blog post. I have many unfinished drafts that I plan to complete and share soon.
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The gaffer (@Chris) is brilliant at Photoshop. I wish I could do even half of what he can, but it’s beyond my skills. I thought there would be more Notts fans capable of creating things, so hopefully, if they’re on PON, this will reach them.
