TheSkipper

The win has to be the objective, I am sure Morecambe will be in the vicinity of the playoffs, but if we are to overcome the disappointment of the opening game against Sutton United, securing a victory is imperative. We must play in a manner that demonstrates we have recovered from the setbacks and are determined not only to make comebacks against teams at home, but also to secure vital points on the road. I am eagerly anticipating the game and its outcome. Whatever transpires, I will accept it and move forward.

For me, there are two things: belief and confidence. I think the first win is always the most difficult, and after Sutton United, we needed this win just to focus on what we do have. We need to understand that in these early stages, anyone can beat anyone, and until form takes hold, things may be a bit hit-and-miss. Yet it is my hope that this will give our squad a boost of confidence and make them believe that we can dig deep to get a more positive outcome. I thought in the second half, Notts played some superb stuff, and the rotation of the players helped to inject life. It was a very pleasing result and a decent performance.

Richard Brindley in the centre of the CBs is a revolution; he looked extremely comfortable and solid. He offered energy going forward and steady cover, alongside Kyle Cameron and Connell Rawlinson, who I felt were below average today. Brindley played outstandingly, giving strong cover. I thought we were guilty of overplaying it at times. Grimsby is a good side and deserved their leads because, until the second half, they were the better of the two teams. Whatever Luke Williams said at half-time, it got a response. I have to say, I would still prefer Sam Slocombe to start, but Aidan Stone is making good strides. The thing for me is that he never looks likely to save shots, even ones which the opposition blast wide. He’s excellent in distribution and in the air. I’m pleased for John Bostock; he deserved to get on the scoresheet.

How annoying would it be if Notts won convincingly after losing to Sutton? It would be nice to have a good League Cup run, but at the same time, the league is far more important, and doing well would just be frustrating considering how poor the Sutton game was. I do want Notts to do well, but if they went out and played like world-beaters, I would be hacked off.

The first game of the season is always one of the most important, as getting off to a good start and securing early points can provide a huge boost. Sutton is known to have had issues with their pitch, which is said to be one of the worst to play on. It is unclear if this has changed since they joined the Football League, but Notts County will need to persist regardless. Based on previous encounters, a draw seems like a likely outcome. However, having Macaulay Langstaff and David McGoldrick in the squad could provide some strong attacking options. McGoldrick, in particular, would likely relish the opportunity to score. My prediction for the game is a 2-2 draw, but I hope that Notts County can secure a 0-2 or 1-2 victory.

The squad appears to have been rigorously trained, with a high level of intensity and focus. These factors are likely to benefit the team, given the quality of the players and their potential to perform well in games. While the outcome of certain matches may be unpredictable, the team’s preparation can go a long way in ensuring success. It is important for the club to continue striving for improvement, and it seems that Luke Williams and his staff are actively pursuing this goal. By maintaining their focus and intensity, the squad can continue to develop and achieve success on the field.

It’s a great message to send out. I hope fans will understand if things don’t quite go to plan because what the club is building is special, and it doesn’t reflect on the work the club has put in if we fail to reach the playoffs. I think most will agree that we are just glad to be back within the Football League. Yet, the chance of back-to-back promotions would be incredible. I like the message and confidence of the skipper. Kyle Cameron is clearly optimistic about the season, and there’s nothing wrong with setting high standards at the start of a new season. However, we have to balance those dreams and expectations so that it doesn’t derail the season if things aren’t so rosy in terms of results. I personally believe we are good enough for the playoffs. I think the top 3 is doable but quite ambitious. I’m not saying we can’t; I’m just acknowledging the challenge.

I agree that all the pre-season friendlies gave the club and Luke Williams an insight. I think this is a very fair and detailed article, one that I wholeheartedly agree with. I believe the club will have decided the friendlies based on giving the players a real test. One thing I hope we do next season is play the two home games nearer the end. Obviously, this will be down to Stoke and Forest availability, but ending the pre-season away from home after having a solid test against two strong teams would lead to consistency going into the season, in my opinion.

I can appreciate that he hasn’t coached in League Two, but he must be aware of what other teams have and will have had reports of the clubs in League Two, along with doing his own research ahead of the season. Pre-season has given him some insights about how the squad can perform against various levels. I think we have a good squad on paper and I believe Luke Williams will see this. By 10 games, he will have more of an understanding, but it’s good that he isn’t getting carried away. He’s very smart with the way he speaks, as some fans will take on board what he says and therefore understand that expectations are different for everyone.

I think it’s a bit harsh to single out just Connell Rawlinson; we attack as a team and should defend as one too. I think the way we don’t cover is the bigger issue, but it’s a friendly. I don’t want to be harsh on Aidan Stone, but the Sam Slocombe haters might admit he probably would have saved it. It’s one of those shots that creeps in; we just need to protect the goal better as a group.

Come next Saturday, it’s time to stand up and be accounted for. It will be a good opening game against Sutton, which I am feeling very optimistic about. It’s good to know the club is prepared, having seen how hard they have worked since last season and during the pre-season. It makes me feel all the more fired up for the season ahead. We are in a good position, and the only thing that will hold us back is if we worry about defensive relapses without working on them. I think we’ll be strong in control, so it’s just a case of creating chances and being tight at the back. I am curious if Sam Slocombe will start, as Aidan Stone did look decent, but I do think Luke Williams will choose Slocombe ahead of Stone just because of his experience.

David McGoldrick has been class since he returned. He’s shown that he’s here to help the team and to work his socks off. He puts every effort he can into games, and he’s reaping the rewards now. Not just from the praise of us fans and Luke Williams, but also by finding the net. He looks like a constant threat and fits in very well with the team. Pre-season is never straightforward, nor is the league, but we all know that once the squad settles into a routine and the season begins, it’s all about form more than performances. Those will improve with every game, as Williams can tinker with tactics and give further instructions to the players. It’s that advice which is invaluable to us moving forward.

It’s a good signing. I think we have become so used to avoiding loans after all the lacklustre ones we have had in this market, so I understand that some fans might not be as excited as they would be if it was a permanent signing like Jesse Debrah. However, what I see is a talented youngster wanting to carve out the start of his football journey. While he might not be a Jack Grealish or Callum McGregor, he could very well be a top defender one day. I am excited by the signing of Ollie Tipton. I think he has a lot of potential and will be here to work hard. Luke Williams wouldn’t have it any other way!

I was thoroughly impressed with his level of fitness, which was clearly evident even during the match against Forest. His quality shone through. I am convinced that David McGoldrick and Jim O’Brien will be two of the key players this season. Their experience and leadership will be invaluable to the team. The way the squad is coming together and working hard as a unit is truly remarkable. McGoldrick, in particular, is a class act. I must admit, I had my doubts, but he has proven me wrong.

I’m all for this, @CliftonMagpie. We need to get Super to be a mascot for a game too. We can get him and @Fan of Big Tone to show off their skills against each other. It’ll be like Godzilla vs. King Kong, but with less destruction and more laughs. ????

That’s some foreshadowing that @super_ram’s first game was at Meadow Lane, plus that he witnessed a Notts team beat his beloved Derby County. We are a little way off from that being repeated in these times, but this is a very good article. I wish to watch Notts play in the top flight and Europe one day. If I am as lucky as Super, I will be delighted. All the best to Derby this season, Barry!

He doesn’t skip much of the action and has a good amount of energy to see out games. I was a little sceptical at first about the signing, but I quickly realised that he brings with him a wealth of experience. I have seen it in the pre-season games I have watched. With the talk of Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, it’s easy to forget what a good footballing brain brings to the team. With David McGoldrick’s experience, the squad has a mentor who can pass on useful encouragement. His goal was a very nice effort. I don’t think many would have saved it, and I am pleased that he’s got his first goal in Notts colours, albeit blue. ????

As the title says, what are you currently listening to, both album and single wise?

It is good man management to take players out of training and playing in a pre-season friendly. They will catch up, and it is more important to avoid serious or nagging injuries that persist. Luke Williams addressed these concerns while looking out for the players themselves, saying that we are preparing very nicely. There are still three games for players to catch up, and even with the start of the season looming, they will easily get up to speed.

Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, @BeestonPie. It's good to see you have joined us.

He looked superb, very comfortable on the ball and aware. His decision-making seemed promising too, as he seemed to back that up with his ability. I hope he continues to play, so we can see if it’s worth offering him a deal or not. So far, I would say it is worth it.

The nearest games for me will be Stockport County and Salford City. I can easily get to them from Manchester. They will be on the list for me to attend due to this reason. Bradford City and Tranmere Rovers are two grounds I want to visit, just to tick them off my list of grounds I have been to. It’s a good insight, much to chew on and consider in terms of other games I might go to. I would enjoy going to more games with @liampie and @CliftonMagpie, even catching up with @Chris, if we bump into each other.

It felt like the city was excited about the friendly. I noticed plenty of mixed fans watching as I passed bars in the city centre. I didn’t see any trouble, and the minute’s silence was respected by both clubs, which I am pleased wasn’t disturbed by anyone. The match itself showed us a lot about how we can adapt, and I think Luke Williams appreciated the time that Steve Cooper took to connect with him over things. While I still don’t like Forest, I can appreciate this and enjoy the banter with their more sensible fans.

It took a bit of getting used to Charlie after all the years we had with Uncle Colin. I thought Charlie continued that torch and connected well with the fans. It was nice to hear how he would speak about things ahead of games, mentioning things within the community. It broadened that connection, and with his bond with Mark Stallard, they have made it enjoyable to listen to the commentary, especially when looking back at their celebrations. GET IN! It won’t be the same without Charlie Slater.

At first, I thought Kyle Cameron had simply given the ball away, but now it makes sense. It’s important to understand that it’s best to give instructions when out of play or relay them to a player who isn’t involved. Rather than when a player has the ball, credit to Williams for taking responsibility and offering protection to his captain. Cameron was decent enough, but I did feel he was prone to losing the ball or dropping down in front of it needlessly to win free kicks. This sometimes works, but when it doesn’t, we lose the ball in a dangerous area.