Jump to content

Lozzle1

Members
  • Current Mood

    No Mood Set
  • Posts

    84
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    2

Everything posted by Lozzle1

  1. Jimmy always had time for people and treated every fan with the upmost of respect and humility. Whilst he certainly appeared not to 'suffer fools gladly' in those days, he left few doubts in anyone's mind, that he always did what he thought was best for the club. I don't recall, either, that fans disputed his choice of team, players or subs with the veracity they feel able to do and voice, today: because none of us were in any doubt, of exactly who was 'The Gaffer'! Masson, Needham, Stubbs, Bradd, Worthington, Nixon et all, seemed - every game - to take great pride in wearing that historic shirt for him and many's the time, across a fog-strewn Meadow Lane evening match, a Stubbs tackle would be accompanied by a fan's lonely shout of 'break his legs!' (and I don't honestly recall Jimmy screaming in disagreement with that sentiment, either!) I don't know how, in a World of social-media, Jimmy's tenure would fair today? But I do know that this family-orientated, clearly Notts-in-his-blood-man, would want (no, demand) that every Notts player 'put a proper shift in' when he walked through that tunnel; and for every fan, to leave our hallowed ground, feeling - if only for 90-odd minutes of the week - that they'd been cherished, considered and entertained. R.I.P. Jimmy...we miss ya!
  2. It was interesting to read what AH said about the whole Dongda He situation. I hope I'm not 'misquoting' here but, according to AH, the transfer came about like this:- a) He had been with the Academy for four years. b) The 17 year old was not, legally, able to sign a Contract with us as he was still a 'minor'. It was the club's intention to get him to sign with us at aged 18 and KN was previously quoted as saying they did everything possible to get him to sign. c) When WWFC (and two others clubs) came calling, He wrote to the club and made a formal request to be allowed to leave to join them. d) Under FFP 'rules': once this happens, two things kick in to play:- i.) either the club 'negotiates' a deal for his leaving to a new club or ii.) the whole thing goes before a Tribunal who are asked to make an independent decision iii.) For this, the Tribunal looks at:- 1) did He play for the 1st team? (and therefore, his 'loss' to it) 2) How many years have Notts 'supported' him with an Academy place (valued at £40k per year cost to the club)? Under these 'Rules', "No, He wasn't a (valued) 1st Team member" and he'd "had 4 years of Academy Training". So, a Tribunal would have valued him - total - at £160.000 for WWFC 'purchasing' purposes. Of course, no one knows what 'deal' was eventually done for He to move on but it's felt that it has to be considerably more than the £160k a Tribunal would have offered us. In any Contract, there are, of course, 'add-on clauses', so in addition to an unknown fee, it could be that there are additional moneys coming to the club for, say, He going in WWFC 1st Team; scoring goals; being sold on, etc., etc., It's interesting that Huddersfield Town now have NO Academy for the reasons stated above; and that with any young prospect offered huge 'carrots' to move on to larger clubs, not at all surprising that a money-losing club like Notts might be interested in picking talent simply for the purposes of selling them on for the £££. Bring back the "Reserves", I say. COYP!
  3. What? No picture showing him running all the way to the bank? Enzio! Kewell! Feeney! Bloody heck, they must have Championship aspirations, now!
  4. As a 49-year supporter of Notts County Football Club, you’ll appreciate that over the years, I’ve seen managers come in to this club; and I’ve seen managers go! Truth is, with our past record, if you’ve been a Notts supporter for more than five minutes, you’ll probably have seen your fair share, too! However, having thoroughly enjoyed the ‘stability’ brought to the club over the past 18 months, and all that’s come with it, I openly admit to being more-than slightly phased that anyone’s thinking (or believing) we should start again on the “Gaffer-Merry-Go-Round”! After all, it’s ‘worked’ so well for us, in the past, hasn’t it?! So, I’ll admit here and now, that the cries of “Nolan Out!” - from some of our supporters in this “results-today-results-tomorrow-results-results-results” World of football - just fills me with dread! Seeing quotes too, of “eight wins in eight months” - which of course, takes in the summer recess and no account of incoming new players – and “#OutByChristmas” another, almost gleeful, mantra from a fan, slightly throw me! As well, there are those fans – many of them – who give absolutely no credit whatever for all that was achieved by Nolan taking on a ‘team’ losing ten-on-the-trot to playoffs, with their #lookhowfarwevecome chides. I can fully understand, as a supporter, being ‘concerned’ that the summer spend hasn’t yet seen our players, with anything ‘real’ to come out ‘fighting’ like other teams have. I can understand too, that the dreadful debacle of last Friday night, despite seeing some FANTASTIC initial play in the first 20 minutes, has left folk ‘worried’. I also ‘get’ too, that everyone wants to see good results and be part of a winning club! WHAT I DON’T UNDERSTAND is that with so many new players in the side, so many new options of play and the understanding, time and practice necessary for everything to ‘gel’ – even though some people forget KN’s NOT yet had a fully fit side since pre-season – why there would be any calls for him to go? With KN’s commitment to the club of moving his family here to a newly-bought home locally, I doubt he’d have done that if he’d hadn’t seen a long-term career with Notts. Additionally, it’s clear that he, AH, DF and the Board have an excellent, professional relationship that, to me, sees a clear, shared vision for our club over the next five years. And whilst it’s been made plain by AH that he wants promotion this season, is and can that now be an option, when there are such huge, gaping holes in our defence that need to be plugged? Forty-nine years has taught me to be patient. Very patient. And I certainly don’t want ‘promotion this year, only to come down next’ simply because, I believe there are solid foundations here to be built, first. And, we’re far from there, just Y-E-T! What was clear from Friday, is that when these players do gel and get it together, we’re going to experience edge-of-the-seat football, that’s long-missing at Meadow Lane… and I’m excited for it. In conclusion then, I’m a huge “Nolan IN” fan. Truthfully, I’m not even wanting to just ‘give it ten games’ either because I’m mindful of the fact that it took a Sir Alex Ferguson, to go from 11th/11th/facing the sack-F.A. Cup Winner over three seasons, before he even started to look like the Super-Manager, he became. And I believe KN CAN DO IT for us, so like all good things, I’m prepared to wait. COYP! Share your thoughts about this feature article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
  5. Wow... the media has spring forth a rumour that Michael O'Connor won't be renewing his contract with Notts County, and all hell breaks loose on social media! There's a few 'camps' on this, from the "he's an ungrateful, disloyal, past-it, broken player, so let him go!" to the (I think, much more sensible), "he's a family man who is entitled to look after the best interests of his family!" I truly can't understand the former point of view; particularly since any player, under contract, (as he was) is fully entitled to receive treatment from his club (free-of-charge) and recuperation - however long it takes - is 'paid for', too! So, scarily, 'fans' saying he's being 'disloyal' by taking the money/moving on after his injury, are under a (legal) delusion, I'm afraid. I don't (and wouldn't) 'blame' anyone for a) looking for more wages being unhappy at offer of a pay-cut Contract or c) missing out on opportunity to work closer to my family home. I personally can wish him nothing but the best and a speedy "Bon Voyage", if nothing more than to stop all of the comments; fair or otherwise! Share your thoughts about this feature article on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.
  6. Big Sam’s a “ coulda/woulda/shoulda” type of bloke, isn’t he? im sure he’s LOTS of regrets about the way he’s conducted himself. Sadly, I’m not going to be waving any flags for him to be bought back, anytime soon. Besides, doesn’t he have a proper job to be looking for?
  7. Had family members in the Brentford end who “couldn’t believe the vile language and disgusting instructions” the team received from Duffy in the area at that game! Season ticket holders elsewhere AND NCFC, these footy fans are NOT prudish (by any means) but thought he ‘talked down’ to his players rather than cajole them into doing as he wanted. I fear this may cause some upcoming derision with newer/older/more experienced players this season if he keeps the Captaincy. (What am I saying “if” - of course he will!)
  8. Agreed! Saw that TH says he 'wants to be part of a promotion-chasing team next season and WON'T be moving back to Lincoln" so look forward to seeing the 'non-signers' putting pen to paper. Whatever happens, I think 'big-tings-a-comin' back to Meadow Lane'! BRING IT OONNNNNNNNNNN!
  9. Wow! Spot on! Your words are truly indicative of our "coulda/woulda/shoulda" Season, with MOST things that went 'against' us, down to incompetent officials that have left us - and (now) wide-TV-audiences - absolutely astounded and shouting that we've been 'robbed'! HOWEVER, would the FA or EFL actually LISTEN to any one of us? HOW can we make them DO SOMETHING about this dire state of affairs? WHAT will make them TAKE NOTICE and ACT? WHAT will affect their POCKETS, the most? (For I feel, this is the ONLY way to MAKE them to DO something?) Ideas, anyone?
  10. Ready to leave at half-time with Notts looking like they just didn't care. Lots of hoof-ball; a goalie that kicked straight to the opposition - every single time; Noble (apparently) 'forgetting' which side he was on and a 'defence' that...well, didn't exist. Don't know what 'wise words' KN had to say at half-time but it did the trick. Phenomenal difference, second-half, with our pre-Christmas FIGHTERS back on the field. Virtue, hardworking, unrelenting and unlucky not to get three; Duffy, playing like I've rarely seen this year and getting a superb goal; Toots, a total Warrior, who WANTED the win; Shola (PLEASE D-O-N-O-T-R-E-T-I-R-E UNTIL THE OPPOSITION STOP FEARING YOU!) doggedly got stuck in; Forte, (we'd-be-in-Top-3-if-he'd-started-all-season) worked hard for his goal, with a determination that'll see him move in the Summer with a fantastic track record for us (just a shame he's not been 'allowed' to start more games...and well, EVERYONE, showing what they CAN do, when it matters. Even Collins (I think I'm, perhaps, his biggest critic!) made some great saves and ended-up looking like a proper goalie- with a mind of his own! Just wish Grant could find the form that earned him early season goals...the lad still has some magic touches but looks 'lost' a lot of the time, now. Exciting times these are...Statins at the ready for a (please, God) truly magical finish to a bumpy Season.
  11. Sometimes, I believe social media is a total blight! It 'allows' folk to say things they wouldn't normally do (if they first engaged their brain before speaking) and the "absolutely no filters" comments I've seen this Season aimed directly at players, the Gaffer and the Chairman, leave me cold! It's clear that many of these moaners have never been in any positions of authority; you know, the one where you rally your troops to do well for you with a pat on the back, rather than a smack in the teeth or by calling them out and causing them embarrassment! I don't think anyone needs reminding of "where we were last year" but I DO think they need reminding we have a new-to-Management-Gaffer who's inherited this team - and done WELL; and that the 'learning curve/s' he and the Chairman have gone through in their first year, can only make them stronger in the coming months - not to make the same mistakes, twice. WE REALLY DON'T NEED A CHANGE OF MANAGER: what we truly need is a 'change of attitude/manners/support' in some folk who purport to be 'fans' of this historic club but who just harangue, moan, criticise and seek to bring down, the heart of the club they claim to love!
  12. I actually watched KN 'clap' him many times last Saturday for hanging on to the ball, so I believe you're correct that he's 'following management directions'. When the Pavis crowd got annoyed at his delay, KN turned and held his arms aloft as if to say 'what's wrong with that', before turning his back on them, so one can assume AC is merely doing his bidding to slow things down. On the 'cocky' side: a fan on Twitter (Neil?) criticized him on his 'clean sheet' stuff this week, and AC effed and jeffed at him (lots of times) in a truly vile way! Unfortunately, I don't think he's yet 'mature' enough to have learned that a little humility goes a very very long way, particularly when you've let in so many, fumbled a lot, appear to have a huge problem holding on to the ball and your kick looks like youre sporting a broken ankle! On Fitzsimons... He's 23 years old, worked as a Builder a year ago and has gained confidence taking over and (imho) making a difference, when it mattered. He made a (23 year old's) mistake. (One I might have made too, had opposition players grabbed my nuts/elbowed me, at every single opportunity!) And, I for one, believe he's learned from his mistake and it'll never happen again. However, I'm concerned that there seems to be a 'churlish' management attitude towards anyone seen as a 'wrongdoer', i.e. JF not "knocking on his door wanting to play" so teaching a 31 year old professional footballer 'a lesson', by continually benching him when he's often the fastest player we have against opposition and RF, sitting on the bench, watching AC make mistake after mistake, but still not being given another chance, etc., etc., I also don't know how, as a Manager, you show your 'displeasure' at mistakes some make, but blatently ignore the stupidness of others, i.e. Stead having to travel half-way up the pitch to remove Duffy from the face of the Referee a few weeks ago, but still didn't get benched...or the constant dives that most opposition and officials have come to expect whenever he's on the pitch?!* Suppose it's a bit like a parent who has lots of kids? Not wanting to favour one, when there's twenty-odd others in the family. I know I try to be fair with my foslings, and I think I'm doing alright. But I DO think that sometimes, just sometimes, there's a definite and palpable 'favouritism' in team selection and if I can sense it, I doubt it's being missed in the Dressing Room...and therein might lay all the talk of late, of 'back chat' and dissatisfaction, there? Who knows, eh? I just hope it's not too late to get us where we all thought we might be at Christmas. Let's hope so, eh? COYP!
  13. 4 - 2 Notts; and I don't think it'll be a particularly 'clean' game! COYP!
  14. I think it's true to say that we might have been a little 'lost' without him this Season...and when he (chooses to) turn it on, he can be magic. I'd like to see the Gaffer say nice stuff about Forte too, one time this season! The guy - as far as I'm concerned - 'dogs' for us every time he gets on the pitch but rarely/never gets a good word said about him. He must feel VERY 'unappreciated' at the club and I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't ship out in January...for opportunity of the full-time football place, I think he's worth!
  15. The changes at ML this Season are absolutely palpable under this Chairman...and long may he reign! From his clearly chosen words, it's clear that he's thought about his commitment to the Club and it's future. I have not a doubt in the World that he's already working on plans for the future. I LOVE that we're, yet again, (and for me) experiencing times like "The Sirrel Years" - both on and off the pitch; with a degree of 'honesty' from everyone concerned - that makes it feel like we're a part of 'something special'. I think there are 'lost' revenue opportunities too, at the Club. For example, I've looked for a night out for my family/friends close to Christmas: at least 10 of us. We're all 'young at heart', like good Dance music; probably a meal and (obvs) drinks. We'd have paid up to £50 a ticket for it but I'm afraid a 'Michael Buble' tribute night just didn't cut it for us; yet there are no alternatives offered at ML. (I'm ignoring the Casino night too, cos it ain't our thing either!) Also wondering where Santa is for the kids... Tickets sold and shop 'present' could see more revenue in; and how about a Christmas Disco (ticket only) for the kids too, with maybe a few players attending? How about more 'variety' in available food, too? (Although Bovril to be left alone...and always available!) Read too about 'flats' being built/sold opposite. Having lived a lot of years close to Twickenham Stadium and watched the humongous changes that happened there over the years, I can tell you that they've now made an absolute killing by making everything around it, being 'Rugby-led'. That derelict ground needs some investment in it that will ENHANCE what's trying to be achieved at Meadow Lane. A Hotel would be excellent - especially if we're looking at playing host to sides with a good following. But I'm a little ahead of myself here...maybe?
  16. They played their hearts out...and he couldn't have asked for 'more' from them than they gave. Needs to concentrate on getting them out of their current situation now, though, as it appears they're not showing the same spirit in their league. I said Jorge's new boots had goals (I predicted two) in them on Saturday... and for the sixth week running, correctly predicted a 3 - 2 win for us. Need to work out how to have a little bet on my iphone now! Lol!
  17. Would the 'out-battling' he speaks of, be Mandron punching Ameobi full-on in the face as he lay on the ground (that the Ref 'didn't see'); which caused Shola to retaliate (that the Ref DID see) and then book him? Mandron was (eventually) booked but should have been sent off! I'm sorry I didn't report what I saw to police - as an assault - and have him nicked! Maybe that's the way we need to go with these 'dirty' sides; working on the theory that what ref's don't/refuse to see, spectators won't stand for?!*
  18. Can't remember where I've seen it, but understand Warburton "has no plans" for Grant in his squad. They'd both obvs be better off staying where they can get first team play, experience and goals because once back over the River, I don't see opportunity for much of any of that. We'd have been stuffed without them this Season, tbf. Wonder if AH has any plans to bring them here, full-time? Would they 'want' it?
  19. KN's on 'a learning curve' as a Manager and he'd be foolish to think of taking a job with a 'top flight' club before he's even actually achieved anything. Even when we get promoted, (see what I did there?), he'd be better off staying-put for a while to ensure any legacy is preserved by keeping us there! Bit of a no-brainer for me, this, I'm afraid!
  20. Couldn't have happened to a nicer person! Seems like NCFC is returning (at last) to the proper 'family' club I remember from eons ago: fingers crossed!
  21. Forte is quick, rarely beaten on the wing. makes considered moves/play, yet remains 'fighting' for his place in the team. Anyone know why?
  22. Perhaps the Notts fans should demonstrate their discontent by refusing to buy tickets for this annual debauchery and mistreatment then? Mansfield might just 'notice' when their ticket sales are down; and let's face it, the reports from many Notts fans (some with children) of the disgusting behaviour metered out to them by both police and Stewards alike, make it a totally unsafe place for us to travel to.
  23. I'm a little late to this discussion, but... 1. 'Fans', rightly or wrongly, will ALWAYS have an opinion when they watch matches that their hard-earned money has paid for. 2. It's actually very naive of anyone to think it will, or should be, any other way when the 'entertainment' one is paying for, isn't up to scratch. 3. Whilst the atmosphere at Meadow Lane this season has been absolute magic, it cannot have gone unnoticed by anyone that there have been some below-par matches where hoof balls were a) constantly played and b) constantly missed; c) where opposing team players beat us (fairly and squarely) on the run; d) where some of us have wondered - against cracking opposition - how the heck we remain top three in the league and e) moreover, just how long this phenomenon can be maintained when the fella 'in charge' openly admits his players 'didn't turn up' for the games we've lost or drawn. 4. The 'big deal' about pics posted of Nolan training with his team is beyond me! As a former PI, it's not rocket science to expect anything needing to be 'kept under wraps' should never have been conducted in a public place...so more naivety with that comment, I'm afraid. 5. I don't know if these comments by the Manager are an effort to a) stop his decisions being undermined online or b) if he genuinely believes that ticket-paying fans (some of us for going on nearly 50 years - with all of the changes, mismanagement, disappointments, downs, ups and total shiz - THAT has brought upon us as NCFC supporters), then he needs to rethink. Not only that, but he needs to be a lot more respectful of the fact that for a lot of us, success (as supporters) has been little, irrelevant of how much money and years of time, WE have 'invested' in this club. 6. Whilst I fully respect and appreciate what he's currently doing for NCFC, I'm afraid it'll be quite a while before I 'forget' this article.

About PON

Pride of Nottingham

Pride of Nottingham is an independent fansite devoted to Notts County, the world’s oldest professional football club. Created in 2013, it has served as a source of Magpie news, features, match previews, reports, analysis and interviews for more than three years.

Support PON

Enjoy our content? Want to help us grow? Your donation will go a long way towards improving the site!

donate-pon.png

Meet the Team

Chris Chris Administrators
super_ram super_ram Global Moderators
DangerousSausage DangerousSausage Global Moderators
CliftonMagpie CliftonMagpie Global Moderators

Social Media

×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Pride of Nottingham uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To approve, simply continue using the site or click 'I accept' Terms of Use.