I love the 1990s style journalism. Great write up!

@Dripsey3 yes sounds like if we'd had a bit more quality up front or off the bench we could have nicked it. Got to be pleased though, credit to MP for finding a way to be competitive.

There were lots of positives to take from that game, Notts performed very well and could have won if Khouyar’s shot right at the end had been on target. Roberts’ goal was superb that will give him lots of confidence. It’s been well documented that we need more bodies particularly upfront and I expect there to be more coming in between now and the close of the transfer window.

In his interview Paterson was asked if any new faces would coming in before Leicester, his one word answer was “yes”.

I guessed all the words (24 out of 24) in today's Combinations puzzle.
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I guessed all the words (21 out of 21) in today's Combinations puzzle.
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I guessed all the words (27 out of 27) in today's Combinations puzzle.
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A strong signing in my opinion. 5 assists last season in a team who only won 9 games. A player, once valued at £5M, who has been a professional for 10 years but who is still only 26. Our midfield is starting to look competitive.

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100 up I’m catching you up @Piethagoram 😂😂

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Good subject @Alex

For me it’s got to be good old English Ale, from a traditional brewery like for example Adnams in Suffolk or Sam Smiths in Yorkshire. There’s nothing better than drinking a pint of real ale in a good old fashioned English pub.

Continental beers aren’t beers in my opinion, I’d call them Lagers, having said that when I’m on holiday abroad and it’s hot I don’t mind a drink of cold San Miguel or similar.

Now this is a thread. Thanks for posting this @Alex, despite your slander of German beer!

I'm very partial to an English real ale from a local brewery like Magpie, and they generally don't travel. You never quite know what you're going to get, and that's part of the fun. I'm lucky enough to live near a beer supermarket so I can stay stocked up with Sam Smith's Nut Brown Ale and oatmeal stout, and I'm partial to an Old Speckled Hen or nearly anything from St Peter's too.

German beer is excellent (but I'd love to know where you're finding this cheap beer! Although it might appear cheap if you went to France and the Netherlands first...). It's generally less full-bodied than English beer so is easier to drink despite being a bit stronger. A Pils or helles is nice in the summer, but if you find that a bit meh you can try a cloudy beer (turn the bottle before pouring), a Landbier, a Bock or a Märzen. Special mention for Schlenkerla smoky Märzen, which you can sometimes find in the UK.

If you were in Cologne you probably had Kölsch. That's something for the lager drinkers but is nice enough when fresh and served in small glasses. Kölsch in a pint glass is nope.

In my limited experience, beer in France comes in small glasses and is crazy expensive. It's cheaper to drink wine. And the Netherlands is dominated by Belgian beer to the extent that it's difficult to find one of their own.

I experienced Hungarian beer this year and much of it was vile. There's a reason they sell Czech beer everywhere.

I must admit that I'm quite partial to an IPA called Neck Oil.

Neck Oil is brewed by Beavertown Brewery, which was founded in 2011 by Logan Plant—the son of Robert Plant. Logan started brewing in the kitchen of his barbecue restaurant in North London before the brewery grew into one of the UK's best-known craft beer brands.

A nice bit of trivia: the name "Neck Oil" came from Logan Plant remembering his grandfather saying he was "off down the pub to oil his neck"—an old expression for going for a pint.

Neck Oil is generally considered a very good session IPA, especially if you're looking for something easy-drinking rather than intensely hoppy.

I have also tried several other IPA's and found them rather tasty and satisfying.

My other favourite is Guinness which I agree is a Marmite thing, you either like it or you don't, no middle ground. 🤠

16 hours ago, Robbie said:

His performance in the Playoff final was top three championship class at the very least. If he is allowed to go serious questions need to be asked about the reasoning for letting him go.

Good? Yes, but top 3 championship class? No.

That would mean he would get into the teams promoted to the Premiership.

The reasons he may leave have been well explained by @YoopEyes @StarkMallard @Fan of Big Tone and others on this thread.

It's a strange one with Jodi, because what I can find, and I don't trawl the depths of social media, I've not seen even a kind of half-credible journalist suggest that there are clubs that have bid for Jones. That's not to say things aren't going on behind the scenes but some journalist eventually picks up on these things.

If nothing is going on and he is injured, as per Martin Paterson, then there is absolutely no reason for the club to put out a statement and that’s kind of where I’m at with it. He has had a very disrupted pre-season so I've no reason to doubt he is injured, but if it turned out he's been training all this time and the club used an injury as smokescreen for his departure, I’d be pretty disappointed.

I think with Jodi there is no doubting his quality as a player. The question seems to be his fitness. We don't actually have all the facts to be certain of what is going on. If he is looking to move to another club, the question is why is it taking so long? Ability not in question. Is it his fitness that is being questioned by other clubs? Is that the reason the brothers have not extended his contract? To be honest we don't really know. He may end up seeing out his contract with us. We will just have to wait and see.

I'm very encouraged by this signing. If he can stay fit and get a good run of games I believe we might be in for a treat.

Sounds like a good signing. Many of his Championship appearances were from the bench, so he'll be hoping for more minutes with us. Is this someone who can play in the number 10 position?

He's an attacking midfielder and he's also pretty good off the ball in terms of pressing effectively too from what I've heard, so he sounds like a good fit. Clearly you don't play that many Championship matches if you've not got something about you. It does sound like he could be perfect for us, and from the Swansea end they said the loan is with an option to buy.

Great that he's had a pre-season and is ready to go he'll probably be in the starting 11 for Saturday, assuming he has managed to avoid stepping on all the cursed relics seemingly buried under our training ground!

Shame 🫠

https://yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/york-city-snap-up-wing-back-harry-boyes/

But then...🙃.. we have a championship player

https://www.swanseacity.com/news/ollie-cooper-makes-notts-county-loan-move

I think that we'll be a first choice for loans for many clubs (maybe bar Man Utd with Aljofree last season), but given that Luker looks to be given a shot in the first team, Iorpenda potentially on the move to Derby and Hall's been mentioned on being loaned to a championship club, we are showing that we're a club that can really educate and bring a player up levels. I look forward to seeing some young uns back up what we've got.

Thanks @Fan of Big Tone That sounds like a sensible strategy. I'm sure the negativity directed at the club decision makers and recruiters is worse in the summer break when we haven't got refs' decisions, or opposition players to rant about. 🤔

I try not to let it get to me but I feel a little bit sad that there are Notts fans who are so critical and pounce on any bad news or even rumours, and can't even receive good news in the right spirit. I agree it's unhelpful and disrespectful. I had a bit of a rant on the other site recently which I'm embarrassed about but couldn't stop myself! I need to just accept that some people are not happy unless they're unhappy. Anyone working in a media role will be well aware of that side of human nature.

There are fans on social media that go too far when they berate the club on social media, but I do believe that constructive criticism is acceptable when it is warranted.

When a Football Club's board sits down to discuss planning & strategy, are we led to believe that everyone agrees about every aspect as one? Of course not but they will air their opinions in a constructive & respectful manner.

Everyone as an opinion including the fan base & as long as opinions are kept civil, & respectful, I don't see a problem. After all, this is a discussion forum. It thrives on opinion & all opinions should be welcomed even when we disagree with that opinion

15 hours ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

There seems to be a lot of negativity around at the moment which is a real shame, we should be confident and relishing a new season in a higher league, instead some folk are questioning the direction the club are taking.

The question was, not about the direction of the Club should be questioned. It was about whether the owners were ready for League 1 or not.

League 1 is a big step up for a club getting promoted from League 2.

That includes things like having enough money in the kitty to recruit quality players. Whether the club can offer competitive wages that could attract the quality players required. Whether the club can afford to have a strong squad.

And I reiterate. No way that I am criticising the owners who have done great things for Notts since they bought the Club.

A competitive ball hasn’t been kicked yet so let’s wait and see, we’ll eventually find out if the owners were ready or not. I personally think that they were prepared for every scenario but perhaps things haven’t gone quite as well as planned with regards to their first choice signings.

There’s no doubt it will be a tough league the first few games will be particularly hard the fans need to stick with the team, the manager and the owners.

2 hours ago, 4everapie said:

5th Bottom seems to be a safe bet

I’d take that, no one should expect us to be flying high at the end of the season. Consolidation is the key.

I think that the vast majority of fans will stick with the team, Head Coach and the Owners. I am sure they are all working hard to make the team competitive for the new season.

Head Coach Martin Paterson has already made it known that the squad is "light" at the moment. I believe he gave a strong hint that more quality players are needed to make up the numbers.

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He is extremely well thought of by Southend fans with a number saying he is the best player they’ve had over the last few years. One even said that he can see him playing in the Championship before too long. He’s at a good age too.

He's definitely heading somewhere, this is from the Southend manager after their match this weekend; "We’ve had a trialist in and we’ll hopefully do business once Harry leaves, which will probably be on Monday".

I know York could pay him stupid wages, but maybe the lure of playing a League higher has tipped it in our favour. I guess we'll find out pretty soon.

Gone to York. Could have been for personal reasons or money, who knows. Disappointed but I wouldn't expect our owners to get into an irresponsible bidding war.

For me it's not the best nor the worst we've ever had. Trying to come up with a different design every year and pleasing everyone is just about impossible. So on balance I think it's ok.

I like the new kit. I think that it will be very popular with the fan base.

On 17/07/2026 at 10:07, Graham said:

Next season, let's go back to good old fashioned black and white stripes.

Agree
I would like to see more classic

I didn’t think he was anything special, but my memory of him is unclear. He might have done better if we’d had a more determined squad at the time.

I felt sorry for Noor Husin during his time here, he was thrown into the team but I did think he improved. It's just that the squad wasn't good enough, and his career seems to have stagnated in the National League.

Good luck to him though.

I think he might also be the same son that did a wonderful documentary/interview with his father on YouTube. It explained how he lost his favourite drumkit, and his son managed to track it down. If I recall correctly, it got lost in shipment and it was customised to how Phil Collins prefers his setup. I believe this was when he was part of genesis.

It's nice to learn that his son plays football, I do seem to think it was mentioned in the video.

0-0 at full-time, not exactly a classic. I've seen the full-match replay on the site but I think I'll give it a miss. I did watch the post-match interview with Martin Paterson after, and it hasn't filled me with the reassuring comments I was hoping for!

Obviously the injury situation is not good, 1 fit proper wingback and 1 fit central midfielder is worrying. But I totally agree we are light on players and to be in this scenario 1 week before the first competitive match starts is not good. He made it pretty clear the goal-scorers in the team aren’t there and the way he was speaking about the players who have come in from the NL was a kind way of saying they aren’t ready.

He made it pretty clear he he doesn't control who comes in and out, felt like he was making it known to the fans that the lack of players isn't down to him.

I thought Jack Evans was the standout player for us today. Also Lipsiuc and Kouhyar did ok when they came on. But we don't look anywhere near league one ready. Lets hope we can get some quality players in and soon.

Totally agree with @McPie Jack Evans stood out as well for me, and i thought Belshaw was once again gave a solid performance. Martin Patterson made it clear in his post match interview that we are light in areas that matter and coupled with the injury list doesn't bode well for the beginning of the season never mind Burnley in the Carabou Cup. Looks to me like something needs to be done asap or suffer the consequences.

If we lost Jodi to Bromley I would be seriously concerned, I can’t see it happening. Also Jodi Jones in an Andy Woodman team, I don’t see how that works.

I’m giving this rumour a 1/10 for probability. ^{(Cue news of Jones departure to Bromley by the next week)}

Considering they are likely to end up with a points penalty for their misbehaviour, and rampant signings breaking EFL rules I highly doubt this. However, I personally think we could cope provided we reinvested in strength. Jodi Jones is a good player, but last season he blew hot and cold. I know some fans who thought he only turned up the final at Wembley last season, which is harsh, but he was lagrely inconsistent.

I would rather have him, but at the same time I don't think he's always someone valid to start every game based on performances. I love Jodi, he's very loyal and his leaving I think would be more Notts moving on than him.

He didn't want to leave Coventry, and lives in the area so moving might prove to be a dealbreaker.

He's got a year left on his contract and I don't see that Notts should be rushing to break the bank at this stage. He's had a lot of injury problems and we've worked really well with him to look after him physically.

There were a number of underwhelming games last season and the standard of opposition will be better this year.

More performance like Wembley, and I'm sure he'll be getting offers which match what he feels he deserves, whether from Notts or someone else.

A lot of the Notts XI seem to be new academy players making their rans through our youth system, as I can only recall a handful of the names and I think the game will be important for them to re-start their focus on pushing for more development time. Certainly they shouldn't feel down about losing a pre-season friendly; it's all a part of learning.

It was a little disappointing not to see Emmanuel having more first team time pre season, he's been a stand out for a year in the B team for me.

West Brom played a half-decent team from looking at that, quite a few first teamers, probably a bit weak in an attacking sense although they did just pay £1.3M for Barney Stewart and he scored.

I don’t know why we haven’t released our team, the cynic in me is saying it’s because Jatta (and maybe Jones) weren’t involved so then everything gets totally overshadowed by that.

I’m never really one who thinks pre-season is that important in terms of performances, but it is good to see Acquah scoring goals, after the back of his last season I think it’ll help his confidence and relax some fans (me included) a little.

I hate the entitlement and negativity of some of our fans, especially those who demanded to see the team sheets or starting XI of both teams. It's a pre-season friendly, take the praise that our players got and turn it into excitement for the start of our League One campaign.

West Brom Albion started a decent squad from what I have read, and even if they fielded youngsters some of them will be about our level or near.

It's a good run out for the lads.

Pre-season results are always worth taking with a pinch of salt, but it's encouraging to hear we played well. For me, the biggest positives are fitness, building partnerships, and seeing how the manager wants us to play. If we're becoming flexible enough to change formations depending on the opposition, that's a good sign—it shows we're not going to be one-dimensional this season. I'm not a huge fan of behind-closed-doors friendlies either, as they're a missed opportunity for supporters to see the team, but if they help the club assess trialists and prepare properly, I understand why they're used. A 2–1 away win at West Brom is still a confidence boost, even if the real test starts when the league season kicks off.

Hey @Michael D Pie. take care of yourself my friend, urine infections are nasty as my dear wife will testify. I hope you are better soon.

I agree with @Chris thanks for your supportive messages, it means a lot.

My blood tests came back today, no diabetes, no high cholesterol and my blood pressure is fine. So the bleed on the eye isn’t caused by any of those, I’ve got an appointment in September to see an eye specialist.

Good morning to one and all, what a lovely day so far.

Thank you @Fan of Big Tone i think the antibiotics are starting to kick in and things are improving slightly. From experience i know success is not immediate, so I'm being a patient patient. Good results on the blood front, just the eyes to sort now eh?

21 hours ago, Chris said:

I hope you are okay, and that it clears up soon.

Thank you also @Chris it makes it such a pleasure to hear positive talk, weather it is banter, football or just a chat, it seems everything is always from the heart.

A few words for Mr Infantino and Mr Trump :-

We live in a time where intelligent people are being silenced so that stupid people won't be offended. 🤑

Just now, Michael D Pie. said:

Good morning to one and all, what a lovely day so far.

Thank you @Fan of Big Tone i think the antibiotics are starting to kick in and things are improving slightly. From experience i know success is not immediate, so I'm being a patient patient. Good results on the blood front, just the eyes to sort now eh?

Thank you also @Chris it makes it such a pleasure to hear positive talk, weather it is banter, football or just a chat, it seems everything is always from the heart.

A few words for Mr Infantino and Mr Trump :-

We live in a time where intelligent people are being silenced so that stupid people won't be offended. 🤑

Anyone seen these two Magpie rascals, last spotted running down Meadow Lane. 🤣🤫