Key points from the Paterson interview.

Paterson thinks there will be more player incomings, but it has to be the right player for the Notts model.

Martin has set individual improvement targets for every player.

Paterson " It's a tough league"

Update on Jodi Jones "No News". He remains a Notts County player.

Service StatusOn 19/08/2026 at 20:32, StarkMallard said:

Time to dig out your crystal balls for a second time - it's still early enough for anyone to go top of the table on Saturday night, so why not have a go? Good luck!

• Round: 2

• Kick-off: 22 August, 3pm

• Don't forget your joker!

  ---

Derby County 2v Cardiff City1

Southampton 3v Stoke City1

Bromley 1v Cambridge United2

Peterborough United2 v Mansfield Town1

Stevenage 1v Oxford United0

Crewe Alexandra 2v Northampton Town0

Rotherham United 2v York City1...joker

Swindon Town3 v Cheltenham Town1

Derby County 1 v 1 Cardiff City

Southampton 2 v 1 Stoke City

Bromley 1 v 0 Cambridge United - Joker

Peterborough United 2 v 2 Mansfield Town

Stevenage 1 v 2 Oxford United

Crewe Alexandra 2 v 0 Northampton Town

Rotherham United 2 v 1 York City

Swindon Town 1 v 1 Cheltenham Town

Derby County v Cardiff City 2-1

Southampton v Stoke City 2-0

Bromley v Cambridge United 1-1

Peterborough United v Mansfield Town 2-1 JOKER

Stevenage v Oxford United 2-2

Crewe Alexandra v Northampton Town 3-1

Rotherham United v York City 1-1

Swindon Town v Cheltenham Town 3-0

2 minutes ago, theAnticlough said:

I agree @Robbie - with the analysis.

Actually I think your post goes a long way in explaining to us why we might be about to lose Jodi Jones

I don't want Jodi to go. I agree that we need flair players to give us something extra. Cal Roberts is that type of player.

We've only seen two competitive games but it's enough to see there has been a sea change in the style. Against the weaker League 1 teams we may see a little more flair from the team. But generally we are not going to dominate teams possession wise as we did in League 2. Jodi may not want to be an impact player off the bench, but if he stayed that could be his role.

Montague, with the Bros' blessing, has given us Cal Roberts, Ruben, Sam, Didzy, Crowley, JJ, Bostock, Nemane...add Baldwin, Tsaroulla, Tangan and others

Evidently, there's no issue with bringing in flair players (although all left for different reasons). It fits their pledge to serve up entertaining, attacking football

Agree @Robbie that for our first season back in L1 there will be times when we're overmatched and won't get hold of the ball much...but at least the opposition will still have something to worry about, and us something to hope for, if we have a player or two that can do something special. It'd be grim viewing otherwise.

Pre-match interview with MP just now - he's happy that Jones is still our player (nothing about 'reporting' injury or anything like that this time)

I'll have to take back the innuendo of the last couple of posts :)

All the doubt and speculation has dragged on too long though - it could drive any supporter nuts. At least the window closes in just 10 more days.

Luton will win the League IMO. They were 3-1 down at Reading and won 4-3. They beat Gillingham 3-0 in the League Cup. This is one of the best attacks going up against one of the best defences. Keep an eye out for Gideon Kodua. He might not start but he'll come on at some point and he'll make an impact.

A point would be an excellent result. A win and we'll be dreaming of promotion! My head says 2-0 to Luton.

This might be the most difficult game of the season - a real test, and we have to remember how new these players are to each other.

Let's see...only 2.5 months ago we outclassed a very strong L2 side ....that side, on that day, were good enough to do themselves justice in any L1 game

But now, with all the changes, it's something of an unknown. As MP says, it's always about performances - but that's quality, not only effort/fitness.

It’ll be another stern test for Paterson and his team, Luton will definitely be among the promotion contenders at the end of the season but as we saw against Leicester Notts can defend resolutely and the midfield can get into the opposition to create chances for the forwards.

I feel it might be a narrow defeat but I’m hoping for a draw, let’s see.

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#waffle1673 0/5

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An expensive day, clutch pressure gone on the car. 2 slave/master cylinders needed, a £400 unexpected bill

12 hours ago, Michael D Pie. said:

Today is preparation day for our trip to Mablethorpe tomorrow with the dogs and Mrs P's father in tow for a week 😀 happy days.

Marvellous I have very happy memories of Mablethorpe when I was a boy we went every year, with mam, dad and two brothers.

5 hours ago, Piethagoram said:

An expensive day, clutch pressure gone on the car. 2 slave/master cylinders needed, a £400 unexpected bill

Oh dear. Cars can be costly at times can’t they? 😞

Morning everyone, a sunny and warm start to our Mablethorpe trip, and we're all ready to go 🥳👍🐶🐶

We are very fortunate that our son's girlfriends dad own the lodge and generously charges us, not a bean, so kind. So bags packed, dogs not fed (they get travel sick) and just waiting for the old man (Mrs P's dad) and we are once again off on another adventure. Bearing in mind the kick off time at Luton. COYP.

Have a great weekend one and all. 🎠🎡⛺️🛟🛶

I like Dion Kelly-Evans, but he doesn’t work hard enough to maintain his place in a team, and I feel he wastes what potential he has by falling out with clubs. I do hope that he is able to give this move a real go, because I know he's a good player but just has to push himself.

Good move for both parties; I wish Kelly-Evans well.

Good luck Dion I always enjoyed seeing him play.

I think Grant was a part exchange for Nemane.

Dan Crowley went for profit; he left his club and joined us on a free transfer.

Kyle Wootton did leave on a free; he refused to re-sign and ended up joining Stockport County because he wanted to play in the EFL. Jodi Jones came to us for free, if I recall correctly, as Ruben Rodrigues was out of contract and Oxford United signed him when Jodi was released.

I think we have done okay with spending money, but some of the higher fees have been a huge flop, such as Mai Traore.

2 hours ago, Chris said:

Dan Crowley went for profit; he left his club and joined us on a free transfer.

Kyle Wootton did leave on a free; he refused to re-sign and ended up joining Stockport County because he wanted to play in the EFL. Jodi Jones came to us for free, if I recall correctly, as Ruben Rodrigues was out of contract and Oxford United signed him when Jodi was released.

I think we have done okay with spending money, but some of the higher fees have been a huge flop, such as Mai Traore.

Yes I've not included ones we didn't pay a fee for but sold on - notably Crowley as you say, also Nemane and Dennis, plus small amounts for Kellan Gordon and a few others. Record looks even more impressive with them added.

On 11/06/2024 at 17:08, Piethagoram said:

http://carousel.royalwebhosting.net/utm/maggies00.html

My go to website for data, by season though

I'm so sorry, I've only just seen your reply!! Thank you, that's a great help.

On 11/06/2024 at 17:08, Piethagoram said:

http://carousel.royalwebhosting.net/utm/maggies00.html

My go to website for data, by season though

when did the site start working again? it had been on the nottinghamshire football site instead. i dont know the fan who created it but its well researched. its good to see it back.

Does anyone know if the web site has moved for the #Notts stats?

Testing comment.

1 minute ago, Robbie said:

Testing comment.

Testing Quote

@Robbie 

Testing mention.

Testing edit

Checking out the script speed. It seems to be up to speed on this thread.

I guessed all the words (21 out of 21) in today's Combinations puzzle.
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Can you guess this puzzle?
https://combinations.org/

I guessed all the words (22 out of 22) in today's Combinations puzzle.
✅✅✅
✅✅✅
✅✅✅
✅✅✅

Can you guess this puzzle?
https://combinations.org/

I guessed all the words (26 out of 26) in today's Combinations puzzle.
✅✅✅
✅✅✅
✅✅✅
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Can you guess this puzzle?
https://combinations.org/

Thanks all. Exciting season in front of us.

Little intro.

Head of Science in a secondary school in Mansfield. Have been a Notts fan for 35 years. Season ticket holder for 10 years and sit in Pavis stand behind home dugout. Massive golf fan and recently played on Notts golf day. Brilliant day out. Bit of a happy clapper, players know when they play bad.

Love a pint if Alpacalypse

Welcome to the club @scottdench-smith! Hope you enjoy the forum and find your way about - if you have any questions, give us a shout. (A virtual shout. Actually shouting won't help.)

I know what you mean about happy clapping, I've never seen the point in getting on players' backs when things are going badly. Although I can't resist a bit of a whinge from time to time.

I was very pleased my prediction of a narrow defeat didn’t materialise, I’ll try to be more positive next time.

Highlights of the match against Leicester.

I think that the Notts players should be very proud of their performance against Leicester. I think that it is the type of performance that could prove very successful for Notts in League One if they can repeat this style every game.

I agree Alves was Leicesters best player, he looks a great player at this level,I can’t help thinking we played Leicester t a good time, they have yet to settle in this league, I think they will be promotion contenders at the end of the season.

On 16/08/2026 at 14:56, Chris said:

followed by Nick Tsaroulla who was brilliant going forward, but struggled to defend IMO.

Yes agree, he couldn't get close enough to Alves (who was class) but in the overall battle between the two I think Tsaroulla won it, which really say something. He constatntly made himslef available to receive and he's that rare thing in the modern game - a brilliant ball carrier. I think that really excites fans and makes a change from the usual safe passing.

Another point is that it seems the club really does improve players. When he first arrived at Notts, he very rarely went on the outside down the right and was much more predictable. Now he can go both ways and goes down the line far more frequently and effectively. I always remember Chris Waddle talking about the importance of being able to go both ways and it can transform a player's level. I don't think he could have had that (near) assist with his cross for Acquah two years ago so credit to him and the club for the clear improvement. I'm really looking forward to watching NT this season

4 hours ago, theAnticlough said:

Yes agree, he couldn't get close enough to Alves (who was class) but in the overall battle between the two I think Tsaroulla won it, which really say something. He constatntly made himslef available to receive and he's that rare thing in the modern game - a brilliant ball carrier. I think that really excites fans and makes a change from the usual safe passing.

I am not sure, Will Alves constantly beat him and very few crosses from Nick Tsaroulla's side were blocked or prevented from reaching dangerous areas. I honestly feel Tsaroulla struggled in this regard, but I felt it was due to James Gibbons not offering support rather than Tsaroulla being poor.

Our whole team played well, and Tsaroulla does deserve the praise but I feel Leicester realised we were open from the right side (their left).

I think Jacob Bedeau had one of his best games and was well protected in support on the left side. Many dangerous attacks were prevented from reaching any trouble to James Belshaw in comparison to the other side. However, I don’t blame Nick. I just feel he had a difficult time dealing with Will Alves’ pace and the other players on that side. Not enough to hurt his performance, but enough to bother him clearly. Hence, why I have two other players ahead of him, one of whom I thought was superb at defending and attacking, who seems to be rather overlooked.

But doesn’t this show, ultimately, how well the squad played?

The poll has now closed. Thanks to all who voted. I'm pleased to announce that Nick Tsaroulla has won the first Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match for this season.

As well as injuries, suspensions come into it. Bedeau has a habit of picking up cards for dissent. Gibbons will get cards for his aggressive style.

McDonald will be the backup for those three for a few months at least given long term injuries, which is a great option to have. Baker will have to really shine in EFL Trophy games to get a look in.

It's incredible how Ness has come on - he just needs to keep doing it. He got a big chunk of the blame (though it was well spread around) when we lost 0-4 at Cambridge, and he gave the penalty away early on at Chesterfield. Since that moment he's been a revelation but that's just five competitive games, albeit very high profile ones.

Browne is an intriguing one, he has been thrown into midfield a few times but there's so much competition there now - could we afford to loan him out?

You never know with long-term injuries how much of an impact they can have, especially with ACL injuries, I think it'll be hard for Platt and Macari because they'll be coming back in middle to back end of the season when there's no friendlies (EFL Trophy) to build up match fitness. They'll basically go from training to being thrown straight back in having not played for months.

I have been impressed with Ness and I think he is more suited to playing in the middle of the back three, if he stays fit he's got the potential to really make that spot his own. A bit like with Bedeau at left centre-back, which feels like the one issue for me, who is Bedeau's main competition? Is it McDonald by default as he is the only other left-footed defender? I still see him more as being the central centre-back.

To me it feels to me we’ve got Browne, Macari, Gibbons and Baker all competing for the RCB spot. Ness, McDonald and Platt for the CB spot and Bedeau is just chilling!

Agreed about Bedeau @menzinho .

We were in the Sirrel on Saturday and so saw a lot of him in the first half. In my view he was a little bit ponderous at times and his first pass was not accurate which put Lipsuic and the other midfielders under pressure straight away. Love the clever passing around the press which does create space, but you have to be both really quick and accurate to achieve it.

So sometimes aerial down the wing for a striker to chase is not a bad option?

Strands #894
“Discovered by accident”
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Strands #898
“Fool me once ...”
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Strands #899
“For better or wurst”
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22 minutes ago, StarkMallard said:

The number of fires started would indicate otherwise... never underestimate human stupidity!

I can vouch for this, I went to a wedding the weekend before last and there were arguments because the bride was adamant about having a fire-work display at the end of the night... I didn't go ahead, thankfully!

I do think the siren-alert was a bit OTT, but I do think the message needed to be shared.

1 hour ago, StarkMallard said:

The number of fires started would indicate otherwise... never underestimate human stupidity!

I think there should be a public information function as well as an emergency alert. That way you can send out information without sending out full WW3-style alerts. If they wanted to just test it, that can be done at specific times with the public made aware beforehand.

In the past few days I've received alerts about the intense burning smell - it came from the wildfires in Belgium, hundreds of miles away, but more than 100 people locally had panicked and called the emergency services because of them. The content was basically "we know it smells of burning; only call us if you actually see smoke or a fire". Maybe not a full-scale emergency in itself but it kept the emergency services free for genuine cases.

Water companies ask people to avoid wasting it, so idiots go and use jet washers and fill the paddling pools. I see the fire as no different, and whilst I agree that human stupidity shouldn't be underestimated. The alert was as if aliens had taken over the planet, quite alarming for some who really defeated the point in raising awareness.

I might be more against it because one of my devices went off three separate times, even though it's supposedly disabled, but I do think that level of warning must come for more serious issues.

If there was smoke in the air that was dangerous, such as the time Clifton's Bridge was on fire, then fair enough, but most people probably won't care about the fire warnings, and I am not saying they would ignore them. I just think most would go, “Oh, that's strange,” and go back to their regular activity.

1 hour ago, menzinho said:

I do think the siren-alert was a bit OTT, but I do think the message needed to be shared.

Very over the top.

I do think that alert was a bit OTT they should have found other ways to get the message about starting fires across the siren alert should be used for messages about imminent danger to life or property.

When Martin Paterson took over last season he said judge me after 10 games. In fact it's an often used rule of thumb in football at the beginning of a new season. Based on that criteria we have a lot to look forward to after an excellent performance against Leicester. Despite all the new signings (only four of the starters played against Salford at Wembley) the team is already starting to gel. We have several players to come back from injury (Max Sanders will be like a new signing when he's fit) Players not yet in the first eleven like Baker, Mustapha and Samuels-Smith ready to make an impact, not to mention the potential to sign a new striker before the window closes. In that context, yesterday was most definitely a good start, a very good start. COYP

It was a very encouraging performance by the lads. The performance had Martin Paterson's hand all over it. The team showed all the traits that the Head Coach wanted to see,

I do believe that we can now say for certain that this squad of players are Martin Patersons squad. Whatever Martin asks of his players they will do.

I think another important point is the experience that Martin can bring to bear after saving Burton in League 1 a few seasons ago.

We've only seen two competitive games but the signs are very good. The players are going to battle in every game. It might not always be pretty but it could be very effective.

I wouldn’t have been happy if I supported Leicester City, no bias, but they were quite poor. Easily dispossessed, it took a while to get comfortable, and their keeper in the early 10–15 minutes reminded me of Kelle Roos. Ironically, I told a couple of steward friends that Leicester fans had been complaining about not signing more players for fees, and claimed that their youngsters are not ready. By all accounts, their young players were the only part that impressed me about how they played.

Referees need to be less lenient about shirt-pulling, because it is the worst level I have seen in recent years.

Notts started very brightly and produced the best 90-minute performance for some time at Meadow Lane. Leicester were always going to have a bit more quality about them, but I felt we matched them and, for the longer spells, outplayed a team that should have done much better.

Luka Smyth doesn’t look match-fit, and he has had a lot of poor service. I am not making excuses, because it is clear he needs time, but I don’t think he should be starting. The count of passes that were not completed. Where it was whacked to him was somewhat frustrating because it killed momentum at times.

Defensively we look much better; I would like James Gibbons to support his side more effectively, but this will come with time. I do think organisation against Leicester could have been more mindful, and a more settled squad could have exploited parts, but it was a very good team performance. We will get better, and that is the most promising part, but we do need to make sure we don't drop this as a baseline standard for our expected performance. At least where possible, because no doubt we will play badly, but we need to see Martin Paterson setting expectations and choosing the squad based on delivering.

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.

He's not someone I am all that aware of, and I don't remember his name from games I have watched or players that I have been trying to keep tabs on. Surprising that he signed for York City, considering the mess they are in with the departure of Stuart Maynard and if Notts had a big accepted, the snub to sign for a League One team would be even more baffling.

I am not that bothered we lost out on this, but I wish him well at York.

Bagged twice at the weekend in a win of Brizzle Rovers

He did well for a short time at Rochdale but was terrible for us. I never thought he was good enough for Notts, though I know some people did and that's okay. However, wanting a player back who doesn't score goals, just because he had good form elsewhere, especially when he hasn't maintained that form or goal-scoring prowess, always confused me.

hes not a bad player, just not really good enough for us or for most teams. rochdale managed to get the best out of him, so i hope shrewsbury can be considering where they are it seems a bit of a strange signing.