There might have been the odd returning or fringe player who needs minutes for fitness, though who knows.
- Comment on the Richard Montague interview here
- Who should be recruited in January? Read this excellent recruitment doc from member ARLukomski
- PoN member McPie asks have we progressed under Martin Paterson? Join the conversation here.
- PoN member theAnticlough poses a new set of questions about the team, click here.
- Notts confirm Belshaw signing
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Our B team is playing at Retford United in the Notts Senior Cup right now. Since we played Burton yesterday, I doubt we'll have any first team players there except maybe Griffiths, but I'll try to find out. Personally I think this competition should be left to local non-league teams, but it'll be handy experience for the youngsters regardless.
Interesting side note: Matt Tootle plays for the home side and is hanging up his boots after today's game.
It finished 2-2 with United going through on penalties. It was also pretty foggy, but nothing like Saturday!
Here's the very youthful Notts team nicked off Facebook. I recognise some of the names from Burton on Tuesday night, not sure who scored though.
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He even dug out his slug celebration a few weeks back!
It's his second season there now. He could probably play higher, but presumably he's got a proper job now.
@super_ram @Piethagoram @Ohh Tommy Johnson and anyone else.
Here’s another word game to tax your brain box. Swap the letters round to form words but you’ve only go so many tries.
I’ve been doing this for some time so I’ve built up a streak.
#waffle685 3/5
????????????????????
????⭐????⬜????
????????⭐????????
????⬜????⭐????
????????????????????
???? streak: 7
wafflegame.net
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#waffle1755 3/5
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟩⭐🟩⬜🟩
🟩🟩⭐🟩🟩
🟩⬜🟩⭐🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
🔥 streak: 197
🏆 #wafflemaster
wafflegame.net
#waffle1756 1/5
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟩⬜🟩⬜🟩
🟩🟩⭐🟩🟩
🟩⬜🟩⬜🟩
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🔥 streak: 4
⭐ #wafflerookie
wafflegame.net
#waffle1756 5/5
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟩⭐🟩⭐🟩
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🔥 streak: 927
🦾 #waffletitan
wafflegame.net
Does anyone else do the word game called wordle, I started doing it in lockdown now it’s part of my morning routine, I can’t get dressed until I’ve solved it. ????
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Wordle 1,971 5/6
🟨⬜⬜⬜🟨
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Wordle 1,971 4/6
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Wordle 1,972 4/6
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This is a nice quick word game.
Five attempts to find the hidden word on a grid.
Rettel Search #239 🔍
🟦🟦✅
rettelgame.com
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I solved Combinations Large #41 today with the full 280 points!
★★★★★
Phrazle #1193: 3/6
🟪⬜🟪🟩 ⬜⬜ 🟩🟨🟪🟩🟨
⬜🟩⬜🟩 🟨⬜ 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
https://phrazle.gg
Phrazle #1194: 3/6
🟩 🟨🟪🟪 🟩🟩 🟩 🟨🟪⬜⬜🟪 ⬜⬜⬜🟨🟩
🟩 🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩 🟩 🟪🟩⬜🟨🟩 🟩⬜🟩⬜🟩
🟩 🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩 🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
https://phrazle.gg
Similar to the discussion about us being a quarter of the way through the season, as stated by @Sheffield Pie. I thought I would share some of my own points, rather than focusing on where we are now. I aim to reflect on areas of our game that I feel Notts must overcome.
I might be wrong with my perspective, but I feel at times Notts have been "nervous" to play some of the teams we have, and naturally we do have many new signings who, early on, required time to settle. By nervousness, I don't necessarily mean that the players are intimidated by the opposition. It's more that I feel we sometimes hesitate when we should be playing our natural game. There have been moments where we seem less assured in possession, and I do wonder whether the pressure of adapting to League One has played a part.
I thought against Leicester City back in August Notts should have won, but the draw was a very credible point. I think there were only some elements of nervousness being shown in the game, which at the time I felt I overlooked. It was a good time for us to play them, as their start wasn't the brightest, but they seem to have picked up since the opening game, which is to be expected.
Against Luton Town, I felt Notts were the better side and that it could have been another three points. The home win against Burton Albion gave me further confidence that Notts would establish themselves at League One level.
Doncaster, for me, either team could have won, but I think for the first time a draw was about right. I still think the mood after Jodi Jones's departure had dampened the mood around our camp, but the lads showed signs that we were fully capable without his brilliance.
Optimistic in a positive sense is how I would sum up going to Huddersfield, but despite the game being slow in spells. I wasn't among the fans who felt Notts should have done better or that it was a glimpse of doom to come. I thought the goal we conceded was very sloppy, but this is where I feel signs of nervousness starting to show.
I felt we were perhaps showing the opposition too much respect at times, rather than having the confidence to impose ourselves. That's not to take anything away from Huddersfield, because they were a very good side, but I wondered whether we were starting to become more conscious of avoiding mistakes than playing our usual football.
Huddersfield were very good, especially in attack and on the counter. They pressed and caused us a nightmare, but defensively after their opening goal I don't feel we put a foot wrong and left happy with the point. It was at this stage that, if we wanted to stay up, we would need to start winning and turn these games into wins.
That seemed fair to say, but at the same time I am of the mindset that being new to a league sometimes results in uncertainty and difficulty in winning.
Bradford City: I felt disappointed by the defeat; I don't think Notts gave their best account, and although a draw was possible, there was a turn to win. Bradford were decent, and again I noticed some signs of nerves.
I didn't see the Reading game, but I felt Notts responded brilliantly with the win against Grimsby. In the following game against Oxford, we had spells, but they showed their class and we sort of stumbled to create good chances. I felt we struggled against sides that play direct passing and persist with constant pressure. I do wonder whether some of what I see as nervousness is actually a result of the opposition forcing us into mistakes. When teams press us and don't allow us the time to settle, we can look uncomfortable. Perhaps it's something we are still learning to deal with at this level.
This is an approach where I was away, so the games beyond aren't something I can really comment on.
I didn't watch the Wycombe game as I was away with my family; I kept tabs on the scores and avoided scrolling through social media due to reading comments about Notts being back to being poor (polite terms).
Fans always seem quite capable of falling out with each other when the results don't quite build confidence; I wasn't worried. I do think the squad has been hampered by injuries, a lack of playing to strengths, but it's nothing of major concern. Martin Paterson seems capable of change, learning, and lifting the spirits. Seeing some usual suspects declare at this stage that he should be sacked made me laugh. For me, the important thing is whether Paterson recognises what isn't working and looks to address it. I don't expect him to get everything right, especially when we're still finding our feet, but I do want to see signs that we're learning from difficult games rather than repeating the same mistakes.
I felt the Sheffield Wednesday game gave our lads some confidence and was an unexpected win. I didn't see the game. I might dig up the matches on the official site and give a full watch of which complete games exist, but I do feel that at this level performances might be less than perfect. I will seek stability and establish ourselves as a League One team.
At this stage, I would happily accept being an average team at this level.
I think sometimes it's easy to forget how much work went into getting us out of the National League. We didn't become a promotion-winning side overnight, and I don't think we should expect to immediately become one of the strongest teams in League One either. Establishing ourselves, learning how to compete consistently and gradually improving the squad would be progress in my eyes.
The ambition to play in the Championship, some perspective and patience would go a long way. We had a spell at the other end of the table, and some time nearer the footer. The prospect of the new signings is very promising; Notts look more than capable of playing good football. The question is to find consistency and slog out those draws and wins that come from those harder matches.
I feel a level of match-day nerves has played a factor in some of the poorer form, but despite all this I feel we are in the right position to improve.
As I write this, I have the Burton game on, and I feel we have played quite well.
I might write off this competition; to me it means little, but the performance can build belief. The brilliant opening goal could have been followed up with a nice looping cross that met a header. The only final point I have is that, with a single striker, we need to play to their strengths, and I don't think this has always been the case for Daniel Kanu.
I believe we had two against Mansfield, with one dropping into midfield at times, and if this is right. It does show Paterson's understanding of how to get those crucial wins.
Ultimately, I think Notts are in a good position to improve, and I don't feel there's any reason to be overly concerned. We have shown that we can compete at this level, but finding consistency and learning how to approach different opponents will be important. I still feel confidence has played a part in some of our performances, although it could just be part of adjusting to League One. Do others feel we've looked nervous at times, or is it more a case of finding the right approach against stronger opposition?
Join in and read the comments in the discussion below.
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When we put things into perspective, that is promotion isn't the objective this season, I think we are doing ok. Considering the injuries we have had, a new group of players and finding our feet in league 1, then I would say we are on course for a mid-table finish. Maybe an addition in the striking positions in January and we should be fine. Defensively we have been solid, not conceded more that two goals in any game. I would say the best is yet to come!
@McPie It's a fair point; I would hope the majority of our fan base understands this too. We need to establish ourselves, and the jump is much better than most will ever be able to fathom. We are much better defensively, and for the most part have played well beyond a single half of 45 minutes. I think I cursed it when I said we could perform for 70 minutes, mind, but I think the progress is good.
Agree with these assessments and definitely the goal to firstly establish ourselves and find our feet in this new league. It seems each league requires something different in style and approach.
It's been a very encouraging and enjoyable first dozen games.
I'm also weirdly encouraged by the 4 game losing streak! We were always liable to go on a run like that and Bradford, Reading, Oxford and Wycombe are a better than solid quartet of established L1 clubs. We were terrible in those games, but I think the encouraging point is that we didn't have to be. Injuries played their part, but the way I read it was that MP (boosted by his new contract and our good start) came out of the long international break thinking he could do things in a different way. We hadn't seen selections with all defenders and holding mids, and hardly any capacity in attack, since the days of Curle and Derry. The club's way over the last 7 years of the Bros and Montague has been positive and entertaining, and squads have been built accordingly. Three at the back means that your sole wide players have to be able to contribute going forwards and if there's 1 up front, he has to be supported by attacking Mids in the No 10 positions.
I think what we did in the Wycombe game in particular was so against the grain that the whole club got a jolt by the manner of the loss. All those travelling fans had absolutely nothing to cheer for that day. We can't be like Burton, the DNA of our club has been set under the Bros and we always have to be forward thinking.
The Chesterfield games were fine. They're a good team and we made sure we were solid, but we still got at them whenever we could and we came out as winners over the two legs. But we can't double down on that and make it the blueprint. The Sheff Weds and Mansfield games were much better examples of what we should be aiming for in terms of approach and I think the fans loved those games. The Stockport game should give us a target to aspire to as we grow into L1. It was great that we were solid but IMO we have to get closer to them because I think that's what success at L1 level looks like.
In spite of all the international call-ups, we still have something resembling a league programme this weekend. So it's time to dust down the crystal balls once again!
Round: 15
Kick-off: Saturday 14 November, 3pm
Don't forget your joker!
AFC Wimbledon v Blackpool
Sheffield Wednesday v Plymouth Argyle
Wigan Athletic v Barnsley
Port Vale v Accrington Stanley
Shrewsbury Town v Oldham Athletic
Swindon Town v Grimsby Town
Harrogate Town v Altrincham
Hartlepool United v Wealdstone
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AFC Wimbledon 0 v 2 Blackpool
Sheffield Wednesday 1 v 2 Plymouth Argyle
Wigan Athletic 1 v 0 Barnsley joker
Port Vale 0 v 1 Accrington Stanley
Shrewsbury Town 2 v 1 Oldham Athletic
Swindon Town 0 v 2 Grimsby Town
Harrogate Town 2 v 1 Altrincham
Hartlepool United 1 v 1 Wealdstone
AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Blackpool
Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Plymouth Argyle joker
Wigan Athletic 1-1 Barnsley
Port Vale 2-1 Accrington Stanley
Shrewsbury Town 1-0 Oldham Athletic
Swindon Town 2-2 Grimsby Town
Harrogate Town 1-2 Altrincham
Hartlepool United 1-0 Wealdstone
AFC Wimbledon 0-2 Blackpool Joker
Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Plymouth Argyle
Wigan Athletic 1-1 Barnsley
Port Vale 0-1 Accrington Stanley
Shrewsbury Town 2-0 Oldham Athletic
Swindon Town 0-1 Grimsby Town
Harrogate Town 0-0 Altrincham
Hartlepool United 2-0 Wealdstone
You have to adapt with the times; Shane Meadows is brilliant, but he's captured eras meaningful to him and what he knows. Nottingham isn't as gritty as it used to be, and if something is good it will be aired. I once spoke to William Ivory and asked him about Truckers. He said it was something different and that the BBC liked it.
How many similar things can you write about? Does it have to be gritty? Most dramas are based on 'working class'.
It's hardly like every TV drama, sitcom, film, etc, is like The Crown.
Or Downton Abbey for that matter, but that is most likely the slant that the journalist took from it.
Good afternoon, I’m a little late starting the weekly chat, I hope everyone is well, it’s been a foggy morning but it’s lifted now and we have a bit of watery sunshine.
We’ve just been a walk through our park there’s lots of leaves to kick our way through it reminded me of this song.
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Coding day, I forgot about Notts playing because I still don't acknowledge the competition. It was Super who reminded me, though he wasn't 100% sure, and, due to that, I started watching the game. I have one eye on my TV, and the other on my laptop coding. I still feel as though I am overcoming that illness I mentioned, and I think the cold is going to impact my disability as I seem to be getting tired again. Mum would say she'd put me in a bag and shake it up if she were here still.
Eight years ago today, she was in hospital, and it reminded me of how I felt it could be serious about losing her then. We made every effort to encourage Granny. A very fond memory, even though she was in hospital.

She did her usual and befriended everyone, looking after them from her bed and keeping their spirits up. Mum actually forced me to sit with one patient who was a lovely lady, and another had a go at me because she thought I was her son. 🫥
Oh, I forgot, this is what I look like when coding and watching football.

Nice likeness @Chris what do you look like when you are cooking and coding, if that's at all possible 😀
What a hectic day again today as we have one of our granddaughters staying with us (she has been here for the last six days) her older sister only went home cos she's at school. Her ladyship decided that half two in the morning was a good time to wake Mammar and Grandad, so she could join us in our bed and create havoc for the rest of the night. 🥱 Then up at 07:00 for breakfast, off to the horses, then shopping, then back home and a visit from father in law (Cafe Open) tea and toast, then horses to bed and back home for the evening entertainment, looking at Crocodiles 🐊 and Dinosaurs 🦕 for her ladyship. In between times she has managed to sleep for 90 minutes 😴 a full football match time. But no rest for the wicked, we do it all again tomorrow. 🥱😫
Sounds like Her Ladyship likes to keep you and Mrs D Pie on your toes. 😁
5 hours ago, Michael D Pie. said: Nice likeness @Chris what do you look like when you are cooking and coding, if that's at all possible 😀
I'm not that good at multitasking, but I can imagine utensils are useful for reaching the keyboard. 😂

The State of the Game report highlighted that a significant number of clubs would struggle to survive for even a few months without owner funding, so I understand why the regulator wants clubs to build up cash reserves. It's an attempt to make clubs more resilient rather than simply limit spending.
However, I do have some sympathy for smaller clubs. While wealthier clubs may be able to build these reserves fairly comfortably, others may find it difficult to set aside that level of money without affecting their normal operations. It will be interesting to see whether the three-year transition period gives those clubs enough time to adapt.
It sounds sensible to me and I'm glad they're starting to tighten things a little. It's also quite modest. In Germany (I know), clubs have to prove they have the funds to complete the season through sponsorship contracts etc. Benefactors can also give a binding guarantee of funding.
PONdle #53 is now open
2026-10-24 · Today’s surname has 11 letters.
Finish the Daily game, then share your result in this topic without revealing the answer.
This discussion stays open across Daily rounds until it reaches the configured rollover target. It is only rotated when a new Daily round opens, so a live round is never split between topics.
- Show previous comments 51 more
PONdle #71 is now open
2026-11-11 · Today’s surname has 5 letters.
Finish the Daily game, then share your result in this topic without revealing the answer.
PONdle #71 — 3/6 — 5 letters
🟨🟨⬛🟨⬛
🟨⬛🟨🟨⬛
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
PONdle #71 — 4/6 — 5 letters
⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛
🟨⬛🟨🟨⬛
🟨🟨⬛🟨⬛
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EFL Trophy: The Brewers (A).
Venue: Pirelli Stadium.
Date: Tuesday 10th November 2026
Kick off: 19:00 pm.
Notts travel to the Pirelli Stadium on Tuesday in the knowledge that they have already qualified for the group stages of the EFL Trophy by winning their first two group matches against Grimsby & Nottingham Forest's U 21s. They lead the table on six points.
Burton know that they have to win the game to ensure they qualify too. Burton have three points from their 2 games so far. They drew with Forest U 21s, but lost on penalties, then drew with Grimsby but earned the extra point by winning the penalty shootout.
Burton's current form is mixed In the league, however they did beat non league Rushden & Diamonds 4:0 in the FA Cup on Saturday. As far as their League form is concerned, their last 5 League matches have seen them win 2, draw 2, & lose 2. In their 14 matches played in League 1 so far, their record is won 4, drawn 5 & lost 5. They have scored 18 goals & conceded 21. They are two places above Notts in the League 1 table.
Goal scoring for Burton has been shared by several players this season, players like Defenders, Jack Armer, Finn Delap, & midfielder Charlie Webster who all have 3 goals apiece, with Midfielders Kegs Chauke & Will Collar 2 goals each, being the leading goal getters. Midfielders Caylan Vickers and Kyran Lofthouse have 4 & 3 assists each. We shouldn't leave out Notts old boy Matthew Dennis who will want to prove a point or two. So Burton have shown that they have multiple threats upfront that Notts need to be weary of.
Notts Head Coach Martin Paterson will probably field another strong side to keep the positive momentum going. He will want to remain unbeaten in the EFL Trophy group stage, but he may put some youngsters on the bench to give them experience. Notts don't have a League match on Saturday due to international call ups. Thoughts?
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A home tie in the next round is a big advantage. Wembley here we come!
I'm never going to interested in a competition where the fixture list has U21s scattered across it, but it was nice to see different scorers and two to get their first goals in the highlights.
My verdict: This was exactly the sort of professional away performance I want to see from Notts County. Three goals, a clean sheet and complete control for long periods.
What particularly pleases me is that three different players scored. That's a sign of contributions coming from across the team rather than relying on one individual.
I also think results like this can build confidence and momentum.
One question, though: I'd like to see this same level of intensity and attacking ambition carried into the league games. That's where it really matters. COYP 🤠
Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, @BHAGuiseley. It's great to have you on board, as we do like to see the thoughts and opinions of opposition fans, and we hope you stay around beyond the game. Take a little time to familiarise yourself with the site; I hope you enjoy being part of our Notts County community, and I look forward to reading your views.
I probably know him by name or face. It’s very sad to learn about his passing. May he rest in peace.
Just for you @Robbie and anyone else who wants to play here is a dedicated topic for Strands.
Click this link to play https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands?smtyp=cur&smid=bsky-nytimes
Strands #447
“Flights of fancy”
🔵🔵🟡🔵
🔵🔵
- Show previous comments 1,127 more
Strands #983
“Work it out”
💡🔵💡🔵
💡🔵🔵🟡
🔵🔵
Strands #983
“Work it out”
🟡🔵🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵
Strands #983
“Work it out”
🔵🟡🔵🔵
🔵🔵🔵
You may (or may not) like this game, the idea is to connect words in a certain number of guesses. It can be frustrating because sometimes they throw in American things we don’t necessarily know.
Here’s the link https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections
Today was fairly easy I got them all with no mistakes.
Connections
Puzzle #217
????????????????
????????????????
????????????????
????????????????
- Show previous comments 2,094 more
Connections
Puzzle #1249
🟨🟩🟨🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
Connections
Puzzle #1249
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟨🟨🟨
Connections
Puzzle #1249
🟦🟦🟦🟦
🟨🟩🟨🟨
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟪🟪🟪🟪
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Notts have been drawn away to 7th Tier Club Guisley AFC who are members of the Northern Premier League, Premier Division.
The full draw is here👇
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The excitement of reaching the third round could help propel us, or it could be part of the factor that makes it such a banana-skin of a game on paper.
It's a great chance for us to make a good cup run. I know there will be people wanting us to focus on the league, but we have a big enough squad, if injuries are avoided, to use the game as a means to encourage competition for the starting XI. I actually think it's a great draw, and I am not bothered about it being another away game. It will help Guiseley AFC quite a lot and even more so if it's picked up on TV.
It's also not a boring draw against a team we have faced off against many times before, so it will be a nice trip for some who might not have been to Nethermoor Park. I hope they allow as many Notts fans to go, even though we should easily outnumber their fans, it's quite a small typical non-league ground but a good coffers day for them.
If 4 TV ties are chosen, we will probably be the 4th out of that list. I could foresee it being a Friday night / Sunday fixture though.
BBC loves a good League Club vs Non-League Team, and they have previously picked up other teams from the first round onwards. So, I do think there's a good chance we will. It helps that we have been drawn to Guiseley AFC who beat Sutton United. A Northern Premier League team vs League One Notts County.
Fingers crossed; it does, because it would appeal, IMHO. 🤞🏻
Lots of info on Notts County Women on the Women's National League website, which includes Squad, fixtures, results & Table. You can download the App too.
FA Women's National League Fixtures, Results & Tables
Notts County Team News, Fixtures and Results 2026/2027 |...
Someone needs to write up about 'The Tale of the Fog and Penalty Shootout' now. 😁

He should be miffed as well after winning two promotions with them, but even in League Two they were very one dimensional and were punching above their weight.
Replacing him with serial failure Karl Robinson was an interesting move. Jodi Jones won't be happy with that at all as Robinson was the manager who sidelined him at Oxford, the pair don't get on.