McPie

I thought there was some encouraging signs for Martin's post match comments today. Firstly, he emphasised that there is a lot to work on (which is fine as it's only the first pre-season friendly) but more importantly, he clearly knows how to fix it. He also mentioned that there will be changes of personnel, which possibly indicates transfers in and out. He didn't gloss over the fact that we didn't play particularly well however we still won. So hopefully he is instilling a winning mentality, which will be needed to get promotion. Did anyone pick up any other positives?

You would think that the way the owners work they would already have a replacement lined up. Selling your senior goalkeeper with no back up and with pre-season games and a tour in Germany coming up soon, just wouldn't make sense.

The announcement on the website seemed to suggest only relevant members of the technical board will meet before games to discuss tactics and selection and that the head coach will have the final say. “relevant members” would seem to imply that doesn’t include the owners. I would think they will only be involved in the periodic meetings, probably reviewing the progress etc.

I think listening to his interview on our website, it's seems Martin's problems at Burton Albion were due to having the pressure to almost do everything himself. With this technical board, he will have all the support he needs so can focus more on the team and improving individual players. That could be the difference this season. We have some good young players that just need help to improve and then promotion could be a real possibility.

Martin Paterson just might bring the fight, determination wining mentality we've been lacking. This video when he was at Tampa Bay Rowdies as a player seems to indicate this might be the case.

I think with the long wait, speculation and anticipation, this appointment in the first instance seems somewhat underwhelming. However, he might turn out to be a big success. My only concern is that he seems to have previously worked with Roberto Gagliardi at Leyton Orient and is possibly his recommendation. Looking at some of the early signings, I’m not yet convinced about his judgement.

Denmark 1-0 up and looking good

The longer we await an announcement of the new head coach the more it seems likely they know who it is but can't yet announce it. Add to the fact that the statement released when Stuart Maynard was sacked said "our work is well underway to identify the correct coaching team" could possibly indicate it's Steffen Højer. If not him someone else whose contract will end in the near future. Whoever it is, lets hope we are pleasantly surprised!

I like the idea, but not sure Neil Warnock is on the the brothers radar (no pun intended). However an experienced director of football (head of recruitment being a separate role) could work. You get the feeling something similar is taking shape. If the coach can improve the likes of Jarvis, Grant, Hinchy etc and help them reach the next level, then I think we could be in business.

Elsker det, lad os komme i gang med at øve os

Could the restructuring of our footballing department mean that the new head coach will focus on developing young players and improving them technically and less about picking the team and tactics. Allowing for an assistant to help with team selection and tactics. Steffen Højer would certainly fit the bill.

I think the way the brothers work would suggest if the right offer came in they would sell. They sold Langstaff and Crowley. The risk is if you don’t get a good replacement the team will suffer. The question would be will Dennis, Traore and Kouhyar get the goals we need to challenge for promotion or will we need a big signing.

While the two new signings today might seem a little underwhelming (especially Maziar Kouhyar,) they have only initially been given a one year deal each. So would suggest that they aren’t the main signings of the summer and there is more of what we need to come. Although I do like the look of Ollie Norburn, might add a bit of steel in midfield. I liked his comment about the importance of winning the second balls, something we struggled with last season.

That’s always the problem with a long wait for news. The anticipation builds, but sometimes the announcement can be underwhelming. Hope not this time though.

Knowing how the brothers operate, no doubt there will be good reason whatever it is.

What could be behind the delay to appoint a new head coach? I suspect it could be one of many reasons. One might be due to the restructuring of our footballing department as highlighted in the announcement made regarding the appointment of Dr Rhodes shown below. “The news of Dr Rhodes’ appointment precedes an important update we look forward to sharing with supporters in the near future. “As well as introducing our new coaching team, we’ll be announcing a restructuring of our football department – and explaining how it will help us achieve our ambitious plans for the club.” Any thoughts?

In the Pavis adjacent to the goal at the Family stand end. At least you get a good view of the goals going in at that end!

Interesting interview with David Rhodes

Watching England last night was like watching Notts. Slow build up and moving side to side. Senegal looked like most of the teams we played last season direct fast playing through the lines. I think in terms of who we bring in next, will depend on the system we play going forward. This could hinge on the new head coach. Certainly we need players who are fast and strong and can run with the ball. I appreciate this is league two, not the premier league, so we might need to unearth some young talent from somewhere.

I think with all the injuries we had last season, we had to do something. It also seems they are thinking differently about recruitment. Need less injury prone players and more who are physically robust.

Is this the start of some exciting news? https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/2025/june/09/appointment--dr-david-rhodes/

Looking at his Wiki page, doesn't look like he has a lot of experience at head coach level. In fact looks like in 2024 he was demoted from head coach at Degerfors IF and given the youth coach role.

It might help with having players like Matthew Dennis. From what I have seen, it looks like he has the ability to make direct runs with the ball from deeper positions and that can also create space for others.

Yes agree. The new head coach has a big job to do. Let's hope the brothers are willing to tweak their approach and select a head coach who sees the need to move the ball quicker and forwards more. I'm not suggesting long hopeful balls to no one, but playing through the lines. I think one of the problems last season when they tried to do it, Jatta's poor first touch meant we easily conceded possession.

While I like the principle of keeping possession of the ball, have we become too predictable? Is the over use of wing backs the problem? We pass the ball along the back and then look to feed the wing backs. When the opposition doubles up on the press, the ball comes backwards. Do we need to play more centrally and pass the the ball through the lines. It seems over using the wing backs is easy to defend against. We need more players who can accept the ball in tight areas on the half-turn higher up the pitch and then there may be opportunities to feed the wing backs higher up.