ARLukomski

Thanks for the heads up about this @BromPie. I was in the middle of replying to this yesterday before my phone went walkies and me to never see it again.

I do think improvements are needed to the squad and strong additions as well. The statement a few days ago indicated the look for 2 new goalkeepers, with one being Alex Bass' replacement.

Goalkeeper starter - Ellery Balcombe (Brentford), Tommy Setford (Arsenal), Luke Southwood (Bolton), Viljami Sinisalo (Celtic), Vicente Reyes (Norwich) or Stephen McMullan (Fleetwood)

Goalkeeper back-up - Killian Barrett (Sheffield Wednesday), Jake Eastwood (recently released by Grimsby), Joel Coleman (recently released by Bolton), Luke Hutchinson (Bolton) or Toby Steward (Portsmouth)

At this moment in time, I still think we are short in a number of areas. As well as the keeper situation, I still think we need a right-footed centre-back to add a bit more depth.

Centre-back - Timothy Eyoma (recently released by Northampton). Eyoma played 24 times for Northampton despite only signing in November, having had a previous spell at Lincoln. A very capable stand in, if anything happens to Platt, Bedeau or Ness. He won 43 of his 71 ground duels last season with a pass accuracy of just over 71%. Also made 115 clearances.

With Jodi Jones deployed on the right and Will Jarvis on the left, with Kellan Gordon on the right and Nick Tsaroulla on the left, plus the addition of Maz Kouyhar (who I think will go out on loan anyway), I believe we are in need of a left sided option defensively.

Wing-Back option - I had suggested two here before my phone disappeared. Harry Boyes has since joined Southend, so that leaves George Cox (recently released by Swindon). 4 assists in 26 appearances for Swindon last season, creating 23 chances and playing 119 passes into the final third. Defensively he made 42 recoveries and won 55.2% of his ground duels. I would also consider Ben Jackson from Barrow after a superb season in 24/25, however he may want to be a starter, which may be difficult in our formation set-up, if we stick with a 3-4-2-1.

Further forward, I think we need an attack minded centre-mid who can unlock defences, especially low blocks. Whilst we have many options in the centre at the minute (including new arrivals Tom Iorpenda and Ollie Norburn) I believe we are lacking in the department. Scott Robertson is injury prone and Curtis Edwards isn't the player we need in a promotion fight from League 2, for want of a better explanation. Jack Hinchy may go out on loan as well.

Centre-midfield - Charlie McCann (Forest Green Rovers) - Someone I have wanted us to sign for a while now. 11 goals (FGR's top scorer last season) and 5 assists. Has excellent work rate and a good passing range. Only has 1 year left on his deal so we should move in now, before he gets more interest.

What is 100% certain is the need for attacking midfielder who can make late runs into the box and bring the ball forward. We cannot go into the season with Conor Grant because, with all due respect, he isn't good enough. Mai Traore may slot into this role sometimes, but we'll see about that come pre-season and the first games. I still believe we need a striker with pace in the Langstaff mould up top.

Attacking midfield - Joe White (Newcastle United), Boris van Schuppen (FC Eindhoven), Conan Noonan (Shamrock Rovers) or Cameron Congreve (Swansea). White scored 6 goals and assisted twice, creating 137 chances and making 163 passes into the final third. It's unlikely he'll get game time at Newcastle with their endless riches. van Schuppen scored 11 goals and got 12 assists in 33 appearances in the Eerste Divisie (the same league we signed Ruben from), creating 47 chances. Noonan has excelled on loan at Waterford with 3 goals and 4 assists in 19 appearances. He's also made first team appearances for Shamrock. Another player to look at before interest in him grows. Congreve we know about from his time at Bromley, scoring 5 and assisting 6 times, creating 43 chances.

Striker - Jack Stevens (Solihull Moors) or Jake Young (Stevenage). With most of the options from the recruitment doc nearly gone, I'd take one of these two. Stevens contributed 12 goals and 4 assists in 24/25 and 17 goals in all competitions the season prior. He presses high and works extremely hard and has good positional awareness. Young had a great loan spell with Swindon a few years ago with 16 goals in 25 appearances. He only started 11 games last season and despite his tall frame, is best when he plays on the shoulder of the last defender.

If the reported fee of 450k is true, then that's a good piece of business, however we haven't had a safer pair of hands in net since Anthony Patterson, so it could be a risk.

Again though, it comes back to the personnel. Do I trust Gagliardi to replace him, as well as bring in a quality attacking midfielder, wing-back option, quick striker and forward thinking centre-mid? Nope.

We still haven't replaced Ruben. No, don't say Crowley either. Ruben was miles clear of Dr Ego. Ruben could win games by himself and make runs into the box, and STAY in the number 10 role.

I would like to start by saying I think the club is the best it's has been run in my lifetime (and in a long time in Notts fans' case). They have done wonderful things for this club and there's still more to come. However I need to get things off of my chest about recent decisions.

Firstly is the appointment of Martin Paterson. He's here now, here's our gaffer, there's nothing we can do. However it is understandable why I, and many many others are underwhelmed, disappointed, annoyed and apprehensive about his appointment.

The first thing is his time at Burton where the first thing that stands out is his win percentage. 5 wins from 20. A 25% win ratio. Not just that, but he was noted for arguing with supporters and for being slightly confrontational.

As said before, this isn't anything like Luke Williams. Williams had a low win percentage at Swindon, but Tim Sherwood was pulling the strings from up above and had his fingers in a lot of pies. Williams also had assistant spells at MK and Swansea, being influential in developing their style. Paterson was assistant at Inter Miami to Phil Neville, who failed, assistant to Michael Duff at Huddersfield who failed as they finished 10th with a squad that should've finished in the top 6.

I haven't got the confidence in him to coach us in a possession based style at a high tempo which is "The Notts way" and bring a top mentality like Luke did. Of course I, and many others would love to be proven wrong and it turn out similar to how Gary Caldwell has done at Exeter. He wasn't entirely welcomed as their new gaffer, after 2 poor spells at Partick and Chesterfield, but he seems to have learnt his lessons (like Paterson mentioned about himself in his interview) and has kept them quite stable and competing well in League 1.

Having listened to interviews and taken time to reflect, I think the technical board can work with the right personnel in it, as long as Paterson has the same authority as Maynard, Williams and Burchnall did before him as head coach (which was mentioned in the statement about him having control over the tactics and game plan). However, the two people I have the least faith in to execute this structure to success are occupying the two most important positions within the structure: Paterson (who I've gone over) and Roberto Gagliardi.

Gagliardi was doing fine with recruitment. Dennis is an ok signing, not a starter, but has pace. Iorpenda offers a physical presence in midfield and Norburn brings leadership and experience. All things we were lacking. However, the signing of Maz Kouyhar was when I started to question things and the subsequent appointment (even if that is lead by the Reedtz bros) gives me some apprehension. The signing of Kouyhar is bizarre because whilst he performed well on loan in the National League North, he's 27 and couldn't get in to York's team. If he was 22 or 23, I would understand, but he's 27. It's not a signing that anyone at this level makes and especially one a team chasing promotion from League 2.

This brings me onto the wider scope of recruitment, particularly players that should've been looked at to bolster the squad and improve the quality, but instead them opportunities have been squandered. Macauley Southam-Hales, Ryan Rydel, Vincent Harper, Kian Spence, Robbie Gotts, Dean Campbell, Tyrese Fornah, Reece Smith, Dominic Ball, Adam Senior, Conor McCarthy, Harrison Burke, Tom Bradbury, Nathan Smith, Sean Grehan, Jordan Shipley, Andy Smith and Denver Hume. Players that should be looked at, but instead we sometimes try and be too clever when we really don't need to be. This is another thing I brought up on socials. We don't go for the "obvious standout talents" like Burke, Senior, Reece Smith, Jack Stevens, Charlie McCann, Debrah, Tolaj, Beckwith and Sbarra.

The club is the best it's been in ages and I think the extra annoyance comes from the fact that we have good people at the club, but bizarre decisions on certain matters are stopping us taking that next step.

Not us unless we have a sharp upturn in form under a new gaffer from October onwards. I'll wait on my prediction until more transfer business is done

For me, it's a very poor appointment. For a club that revolves itself around data and stats, the glaringly obvious thing is his 25% win rate at Burton.

Yes, you could delve deeper into it, like potential problems within the club he was at, but their wasn't. Burton fans despised him and he was noted for his arrogance and celebrating a 3-0 loss (which confirmed their safety despite defeat because Cheltenham lost) on the final day at already relegated Fleetwood.

This isn't anything like Luke Williams. Williams had a low win percentage at Swindon, but Tim Sherwood was pulling the strings from up above and had his fingers in a lot of pies. Williams also had assistant spells at MK and Swansea, being influential in developing their style. Paterson was assistant at Inter Miami to Phil Neville, who failed, assistant to Michael Duff at Huddersfield who failed as they finished 10th with a squad that should've finished in the top 6.

The creation of the technical board leaves me utterly bewildered. It should be Paterson, Edwards, Slocombe, Rhodes and any additional staff like Alves or Collis. Gagliardi, Chris and Alex should NOT be involved with it. It does say "Ahead of each match, relevant people of the technical board will share views relating to tactical approach and team selection." I imagine this is everyone bar Gagliardi and the Bros.

The red flags are waving rapidly with Gagliardi at the moment. The quote "his success at Burton." WHAT SUCCESS? He won 5 in 20 and was hated by their fans.

Once again it feels like we're trying to be too clever yet again. With our structure, our recruitment of players and recruitment of head coaches. We're not going for the standout or obvious candidates or targets. We're trying to overcomplicate things when we don't need to. We had the chance of Des Buckingham, Luke Williams, Paddy McCarthy, Andy Crofts, Aaron Danks, Jack Wilshere, Michael Collins from Sheff Utd under 21's, Travis Binnion.

We had the chance to go and get the obvious targets, show ambition, throw our weight around as the biggest club in the league. However, instead we're trying to be too clever and at this point, stupid, because every season we do something that is overcomplicated or doesn't need doing, whether it's a structure thing, head coach appointment or player recruitment.

If the right offer comes in, I would accept. He didn't seem the same player as he was at the start of the campaign. That offer would have to be between north of 400k.

I think, like quite a few of the players currently at the club, he will improve under a new gaffer and playing in a better system, where he is allowed to run in behind and where our build-up play is played at an intensity quicker than glacial erosion.

Dennis won't be a starter and so, even though I think we still need another striker, if Jatta did leave, it would give us the chance to bring in a more physical option (e.g. Michael Mellon or Freddie Draper) to play alongside a striker in the Langstaff mould.

Still got no clue

I wouldn't trust it. One of the "ITK" accounts that comes around every summer spouting you know what.

The only people who know who it is are Chris, Alex, Joe and Roberto

A leader, tough tackler and a bit of grit. Someone who's played at a higher level and has the knowhow to get us up. Exactly the sort of signing we've needed in the middle since we got promoted.

As for the rehab, we've got a doctor now. Doctor David

Still trying to work this one out. I'm quite confused.

Released by York after having a loan spell in the National League North. If he was 22 or something and had the goal contributions he had last season, then I'd understand, but he's 27.

We have one of these questionable signings in us every window. Will Randall, Charlie Colkett, Curtis Edwards and now Maziar Kouyhar.

People will say give him a chance and no I'm not writing him off, but it's not a signing that a team pushing for League 2 automatics makes.

I don't know what the data has said but I'm not convinced by this one. The other 3 signings have been fine. Really confused about this one.

Wouldn't mind taking Livramento to the World Cup next summer. Him and Lewis Hall as left-backs

The bookies know nothing when it comes to the Notts managerial situation under the Bros.

However, we've now got an open goal. Brian Barry-Murphy is going Cardiff and Tom Cleverley is going to Plymouth. We've got an open goal to Des Buckingham.

People say he won't drop or he's out of our reach. He didn't succeed in the Championship, so the limit is League 1 or he could drop to League 2 if given the infrastructure and philosophy to work with and he's presented with the chance and sold the "project" if you like. Plus, it has to be the right size club, which we are.

You've got to sell him the project

Think we can do better to be honest. Recruit someone younger in this position

I wouldn't think he'd be a goalscorer if he's a defensive midfielder who loves a tackle. Leadership qualities that we didn't have last season

Now this would be a statement of intent

Some players are still out of contract, and have not signed new deals as of yet. If I was Notts, I'd be all over Kian Spence from Barrow. I'd also be looking at Dean Campbell as well, although I think he has League 1 interest from Northampton and Stevenage. I'd also be looking at Charlie McCann (FGR) and Ben Stevenson (recently released by Cambridge).

I do think we need another striker with pace. Jack Stevens or Callum Osmand. If we want a more physical option, there's Michael Mellon or Freddie Draper.

The attacking midfield is very important. We have money to play with so there is the chance of getting someone in on a permanent. Joe White (Newcastle), Conan Noonan (Shamrock), Luca Barrington (Brighton) or Boris van Schuppen (FC Eindhoven) would fit the bill.

Definitely can improve at wing-back. On the left, Ben Jackson (Barrow), Vincent Harper (recently released by Exeter) and George Cox (recently released by Swindon) and on the right Macauley Southam-Hales (leaving Stockport) or Archie Davies from Carlisle.

I wouldn't mind us buying a player to develop at centre-back, like Conor Reynolds from Sligo.

Maybe a back-up keeper as well. Maybe Ben Winterbottom who recently left Fylde. More than good enough to be 2nd keeper.

Chesterfield are in for Ryan Stirk from Walsall

Harrogate want to sign Tom Lees from Huddersfield

Josh Hawkes has reportedly turned down a new deal at Tranmere and has followed Kci on Twitter. One we've been rumoured with

Enjoy everyone! Recruitment doc written by myself with contributions from Rich, Colin, Tom and Will. 

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGojdSf7ik/AdtIz0vwGzzmcBp3CxuLOQ/view?utm_content=DAGojdSf7ik&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h243a235d14#1

Keep

Alex Bass, Jacob Bedeau, Matty Platt, Lucas Ness, Lewis Macari, Rod McDonald, Matty Palmer, Jack Hinchy, Scott Robertson, Jodi Jones, Will Jarvis, Nick Tsaroulla, Mai Traore

Release

Sam Slocombe, Tyler Miller, Robbie Cundy, Kyle Cameron, Adam Chicksen

Transfer list

Conor Grant, Curtis Edwards, Junior Morias, Kellan Gordon

Offer 1 year

David McGoldrick, Sam Austin

Undecided 

Charlie Whitaker

Sell

Alassana Jatta

Loan out

Ryley Reynolds, Madou Cisse

Take the armband off Matty Palmer as I think it's made him play worse. He's not a captain and I think taking off of him will relieve some pressure and he actually won't mind.

I'll have a recruitment doc out soon

Unconvincing for a lot of the season, missed chances to capitalise on other teams' slip ups, a lack of ruthlessness and mentality over the course of the season. However, we have another chance to give it our all and to leave it all out on the pitch. Into battle we go. COYP 🖤🤍

Yes, I have got behind the team all season before that arises. If going to every game home and away in League and Cup isn't getting behind the team, then I don't know what is. 

There has been points of very valid criticism this season, as well as some that has gone OTT as well. If we had created and taken the clear cut chances against Wimbledon, but in other games (Cheltenham, Barrow, Chezzy, Crewe, Newport, Salford, Colchester) then we wouldn't be needing the play-offs. Yes other teams have had similar results in dropping points, but it's made extra frustrating that we haven't taken advantage.

All we can do is go for it. Take the safety off, loosen the strings and attack. Let Jarvis and Jodi run at them, get Traore playing on the last defender, bring more energy in midfield than in previous games this season and if you have to, play the dark arts. 

I would love it if we could get over the line, even if I did lose hope a few weeks ago and mentally checked out a few weeks ago as well. Yo-yoing between positives in our performances in different games, as well as constructively criticising the points where we needed to improve and pointing out when we played well and when we played poor, and doubting that we have it in us to get over the line. All we have is hope.

Give him another year

Thankfully I mentally checked out of this season weeks ago

I'll start this with the the topic in question. Jatta's shirt does indeed get pulled off and it should be a free-kick to us. However, it isn't given and then goes into the tackle against Smith. His studs are up on his left foot but he goes into the tackle with his right foot and wins the ball with his right foot (of which the studs are not up). The reaction from their player gets him sent off as it's hardly a horror tackle and it barely makes contact with him. Glad he gave him a bit of slap when he was down on the floor.

The penalty decisions then. The first one for handball is difficult. Their player has barely any time to react to it and his hand is closer to his chest. It would have been harsh to have given it. 

The second one, Didzy just falls over and the third one, Reeves wins the ball before Grant goes down. 

My feelings