This is a good signing. It looks like the recruitment team are realising we need more than just young potential talented players. This looks like an "Ollie Norburn" type signing. Natural leader,character not to mention the long throw!

Could he be backup at right wing back?

15 minutes ago, Robbie said:

Excellent signing. A very physical player. A Martin Paterson type player. He has a long throw too. He's played in a back four for Cambridge. Wonder if Notts will go to predominantly a back four in L1?

@piedestrian's quote says he's been RCB for the last few months, so a shape similar to ours in that case

Impressive signing - L2 team of the year, a direct rival's player of the season...

Now we're up, I might be able to stomach watching the Cambridge match on Pies Player

I think VAR has a place in football, and I wasn't against it being used in the final to be honest. The idea of not getting promoted because of a missed/wrong call would've been hard to accept.

I agree I do think the VAR would've made certain players think twice about grabbing and pulling, it's easier to hide when it's just the 3 (and 4th) officials. But having camera's covering all angles means you are less likely to get away with the s'housery element that is over prevalent in League 2. I agree it was definitely more of an aid to us than Salford.

That said, would I want to see it for every match played? If it was seemingly used (sparingly) like it was in the PO Final I'd be more swayed to it. But the current Premier League use would be a big no. The way every goal or action is now checked to the n^th degree, it’s like they are trying to find faults when in theory if there’s a clear mistake it will be easy to spot! If you have to draw a line to see if someone is offside, it’s not clear and obvious. If you have to watch a potential penalty for minutes with several different angles, it’s not clear and obvious.

Let the officials officiate, if the VAR spots something they think is an obvious mistake only then should it get involved. This was how it felt VAR was used in our final and it worked well.

VAR should be scrapped & only goal line technology should be used with it. VAR is killing the game. It's killing the spontaneity of Football.

At least you're getting rain @Fan of Big Tone. It hasn't rained in ages here, but I think the thunderstorms will arrive here just in time for the weekend...

I bought a football magazine for €8.90 yesterday, a World Cup special. Sounds a lot, but there are nearly 200 pages plus a packet of Panini stickers including Dan Burn. But I've realised I'm currently not interested in the World Cup at all, I'm still fully in club mode and will probably spend the entire summer enthusiastically lapping up every bit of news that comes out of Meadow Lane.

My back is still a bit uncomfortable at times but quite a bit better. Can still feel it when travelling but other than that I'm fine. How much longer can I get out of doing housework?

@StarkMallard said: “I'm still fully in club mode and will probably spend the entire summer enthusiastically lapping up every bit of news that comes out of Meadow Lane.”

Same her mate, I guess a lot of Notts fans will say the same. We’ll all be refreshing the clubs social media channels, it’s an exciting time.

“My back is still a bit uncomfortable at times but quite a bit better. Can still feel it when travelling but other than that I'm fine. How much longer can I get out of doing housework?”

Glad to hear your back is getting better but best not milk it, try a bit of gentle dusting to start.

Have to agree with @StarkMallard and @Fan of Big Tone even now we are back home and reality has settled in. The euphoria of not only winning, but knowing that some or even most of our adversaries will be opponents next season is giving me tingles and the hair on the back of my neck is standing to attention.

Glad to hear your back is improving @StarkMallard keep looking after it, you only have one.

Thanks for the welcome home @Fan of Big Tone we had a lovely time, and would recommend the hotel and Morocco to everyone. 😎 🇲🇦 🫶

Would you take this guy back?

43 minutes ago, Robbie said:

Would you take this guy back?

It's definitely the player profile of what we need in CM.

His loan at Mansfield ends the day after tomorrow. You'd imagine at 21, Spurs would want him to try the Championship, especially now that they're not in it :)

btw Spurs had a whopping 18 players out on loan last season

Abbott is still 20 as well and won't count to the registration numbers. If they're willing to give him another shot at League 1, we'll be front of the queue.

Spurs have a couple who we could continue our great lineage of loans. Akhamrich who bagged 6 in 19 for Brizzle Rovers is a similar player to Luker, Olusesi looks to be a very good creative midfielder, Matthew Craig who got some decent Notts lineage (grandad is Ron Still) and is a Scotland under 21 and lastly Melia who's got a ROI cap and experience at St Patricks.

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Yeah, slightly surprising, maybe in a good way.

Norburn definitely proved his worth. We needed his fearlessness and aggression for this succesful run in. But I'm happy in a way. It's not the type of midfielder I want to see and there was a problem stylistically as he didn't really want to show for the ball or try to dictate play. I disagree @Sheffield Pie Palmer + Robbo should be better. Palmer is 2 years younger. But at 31, he should enter a new phase of his career - embrace being the midfield general, but think like an old man now and get pissed off with all these youngsters he's playing against. Hopefully, he'll leave the captaincy to others and concentrate on becoming a less tentative and more assertive CM than he has been at times this year. Can we have the attitude of Norburn but the game of Palmer, please?

I hope Norburn doesn't end up at Oldham, where he got sent off. If it's the NW, maybe it's Fleetwood or even Salford...

The right one of Kouhyar and Bennetts is staying. Maz has been consistently good off the bench this season and that's where he'll be next season. But can a sports psychologist solve the problem of his game falling off a cliff when he starts?

Hope we can reach an agreement with Concrete Rod. Won't blame him for bartering on terms after his fantastic season. I think Macarri will sign.

Sad that we have to say goodbye so soon after our Play-Off victory 🙁 But the players going can be proud of the part they've played getting us into League 1, they'll all be fondly remembered.

Even after the Play-Offs I was still 50/50 on Norburn, had we not been promoted I would've kept him but we are stepping up a league and it would've left just the 1 spot for a CM addition. Whereas now we've got 2 spots in a really important part of the pitch. It does put a bit of pressure on the recruitment, but there are a lot of good midfielders out there.

I think given the injury, we are in strong position to re-sign Macari, I'm sure he'd have interest but having to wait for him will be off-putting. No idea on Rod, I think that could come down the length of the contract, some clubs in League 2 would probably be more willing to give him an extra year than us.

Kouhyar is the only surprise for me, he's ok filling in at wingback, but the fact we've played a left-footer in Tsaroulla on the right ahead of him is not a good sign. I think League 1 will be stretch too far for him.

Where I think Notts need to strengthen

A dominant central midfielder (priority #1)

With Ollie Norburn leaving, there’s a hole in midfield. League One is quicker and more physical. Notts need someone who can break play up and pass forward.

Another centre-back

Even if Macari or McDonald stay, League One strikers are a step up. One athletic, commanding defender feels important.

Belshaw has been brilliant for the club, but League One can be unforgiving. Paterson may want more competition.

A striker for depth

Jatta is a huge asset, but if he gets injured or clubs come sniffing around, Notts need cover with pace.

I thought this was about the Shane Meadows film for a minute!

The criticism Southgate got was way over the top. In the future, people will be perplexed that the first ever coach to take England to two major finals got abuse, like when Notts fans were calling for Warnock to be sacked. He inherited a group of players that looked disjointed and frankly terrified whenever they played in a major tournament, took off the pressure and moulded them into a team. He could have handled the final better, but without him we wouldn't have been there in the first place.

12 hours ago, StarkMallard said:

I thought this was about the Shane Meadows film for a minute!

Apologies, I got the title wrong it’s Dear England NOT This England, I’ve changed the title of the topic.

I caught about 20 minutes of it the other night, and I was amazed how much the actor looked like Gareth Southgate. I found it interesting that England stats suggested we took penalties the quickiest and Germany the slowest. All those years felt like a curse when a little more time might have helped.

It was also interesting to see the team bonding drils that they would do, which must have helped prepare them to perform more as a team on the pitch.

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Listened to the Magpie Circle tonight with Paul and Stall, & Paul reckons via reliable sauces that it's a done deal. We are just waiting for official confirmation.

'A club I'm familiar with' is a bit of a give away.

Patto will make him run 🏃‍♀️

Is this also confirmation we'll only see Iorpenda and Luker in opposition colours at The Lane next season 🤔

From right side attack in a 4-3-3 to Inside-Right for us won't be a difficult transition

His return appeals the more you think about it - entertainment with the skill level (a left foot to rival Jodi's) + loads of goals & assists

Jones and the back 3 collectively a close second

Hard to single anybody out - outstanding team performance. It is the case that Jones stood out, great display, 2 assists and a goal. It is stating the blooming obvious to say, he doesn’t do that if the defence are wobbly and hacking it anywhere, Robbo & Norburn aren’t dictating the tempo and spreading the ball around and Grant isn’t aware, sharp and putting the ball into his path, intentionally or otherwise.

They couldn’t cope with Jones, but they couldn’t cope with the others either. I’m not his biggest fan but that was a truly remarkable performance from him - so, if I had to pick someone, I’d go for him, marginally above McDonald, Robertson & Ness - the rest are less than a 1/4 of a point behind!

The final Pride of Nottingham Man of the Match poll has closed.

I'm delighted to announce that Jodi Jones has unanimously won the Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match award against Salford in the playoff final.

Thanks to all who have voted throughout the season.

Looking at the last three seasons in League 1 the fourth from bottom club relegated got 44 points in 23/24, 46 points in 24/25 & 49 points in 25/26 which was outlier compared to the first two. 50 points is widely regarded as the classic safety benchmark. 56 + points should be comfortable.

I think that if Notts treat every game one at a time & prepare for that game & focus on that game entirely like they have under Martin Paterson this season, & aim to win every game that they play, I think Notts will be able to compete with any team in League 1 & shouldn't have to worry who's below them.

4 hours ago, Robbie said:

Wow, not a confidence boosting thread here. I think we need to be more optimistic than thinking of finishing in 20th and just missing relegation.

Sorry @Robbie but I’m trying to be realistic here, it’s not going to be a walk in the park it’s going to be a tough league, points will be hard to come by, if Notts finish 5th from bottom I’ll be happy with that obviously I hope and want them to finish higher but as I said we need AT LEAST 4 teams to be worse. It’s not a negative thread just a discussion to see what others think.

3 hours ago, Sheffield Pie said:

It's a fair question.

Thank you.

56 minutes ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

Sorry @Robbie but I’m trying to be realistic here, it’s not going to be a walk in the park it’s going to be a tough league, points will be hard to come by, if Notts finish 5th from bottom I’ll be happy with that obviously I hope and want them to finish higher but as I said we need AT LEAST 4 teams to be worse. It’s not a negative thread just a discussion to see what others think.

Thank you.

Of course it won't be a walk in the park. It is a big step up for the Club, & there will be some very difficult matches against some top sides. The Club will have to recruit well in the summer to try to ensure that the squad, all of the squad can play to the level required. If players become injured or suspended the players that replace them will need to be very able deputies.

But it's not just that the squad should be stronger, it's the way that the Head Coach and players treat every single game that they will play.

When Martin prepares for a match his focus is entirely on the club that his team will play. He will prepare his players one match at a time, & he will aim to win that match. He won't look at the matches ahead. He will play one match at a time. He won't look at the league table, his focus will be on one match, & when that match is over he'll prepare his players for the next match, then the next.

And this is the reason why I have confidence that Notts will compete well in League One.

And one more thing. Martin has experience of winning promotion, but he also has experience of saving a club from relegation in League One. Burton Albion. Another reason to be confident.

Yes it's true @Fan of Big Tone Ifs, buts and maybes don't count for much. In the end it didn't matter we achieved promotion anyway. I think from the three playoff games we already are seeing the value of being difficult to beat, but still playing positively without going gung ho! I think this will be key for a good season in league 1.

Good post! Conversely, you could say that we won games we would have drawn with a more cautious approach - ultimately, you get more points by winning one and losing one than by drawing both. It's swings and roundabouts.

All the same, next season we'll be in a different situation where we can't really expect 80+ points, so I expect us to settle for the odd point more. A draw isn't such a bad result when you're not shooting for automatic promotion. But we need to carry on where we left off in the playoffs and be harder to beat, the losses column was a bit too high for my liking.

I think it is self evident that Martin Paterson learned from past mistakes by getting 3 clean sheets in the playoffs & beating two teams that did the double over Notts earlier in the season.

There could be an argument that Martin should have learned lessons a little earlier, but I do believe he & the team were handicapped by key players getting injured then the sendings off.

It's to Martin's great credit that he changed the way that the team play to deal with two teams that like to bully and physically intimidate ball playing teams like Notts & his tactics worked perfectly.

I didn’t go (far too hot) but I saw the coverage on the local news, plus on Twitter and Facebook, it looked fantastic and a great turn out from Notts fans I even saw some Forest shirts too.

Incidentally have our neighbours congratulated Notts on winning promotion? If they have I haven’t seen anything, it seems a bit churlish. I’d have thought a brief congratulatory note on social media wouldn’t have hurt.

What a phenomenal turnout @Fan of Big Tone we have just watched on Mrs P's Facebook, apparently over 8000 on a work day at that. Just think if it had been at the weekend, I suppose Martin is working to a deadline for holidays etc, must remember the whole team hasn't had a break since before the season start in August. 😇🤔⚽️

Looking at the size of the crowd in the Old Market Square and the large number of Notts fans that attended the Playoff Final, the interest in the Club is only going to grow, & I'm sure that season ticket sales will grow too. It's a fantastic time to be a Notts supporter.

Thanks @Fan of Big Tone it's much appreciated, had a great day on the 24th and an even better day on the 25th when we blew away Salford. 🥳😎

I am very sorry that I am wishing you a belated birthday, @Michael D Pie.. I hope you had a great birthday, and enjoyed/ing your vacation. I have seen some of the pictures you shared and they look amazing. I hope you managed to get to watch Notts too. There’s a good present for you.

@Chris your slogan is now true 🤠👍

A field where dreams become reality

Wembley Stadium was that field and the reality is that we are now a big part of division ONE.......... COYP 👏

There's almost a feeling of relief for me that for the first time in long time we are going to be in a division where we aren't expected to be at the top of the table. But equally the 4 relegation spots mean it's very easy to slip straight back down. The upward the curve that we are on with the Reedtz brothers does give me hope that it won't just be the one season in League 1 but I would absolutely be fine with a 20th position finish!

I agree I think this season is massive in terms of recruitment, we can't really afford to just sign squad filling players, but being in League 1 in theory it should open up a new range of players to explore. Exciting times for us fans!

It's looking like one of the most competitive League Ones in years and that's saying something. I think we'll need 50 points+ to stay up. I'd be happy to avoid relegation. Anything else would be a bonus.

I'm so looking forward to it.

10 years ago, Leicester were Premier League champions, now we'll play them in the league.

I think the bro's will be excited about the prospect as they did when we went up to League 2 and they really went all out.

Top half finish for me Clive.

I think I was still happy that our previous had departed to be disappointed! But yeah, 'underwhelmed'

What an appointment though. I know this is in the afterglow of a Wembley masterclass but he really does have all the hallmarks of a succesful team manager with a long career ahead of him

relentless focus

astute man manager - seems to know player psychology

tactically sound

makes good team changes, only when necessary

plays a positive and entertaining brand of football

incredible work ethic that has to rub off on others

and the list goes on, kudos to the brothers for this great pick

(and some credit to Gagliardi too, who at least gave us Luker, in the beginning Dennis, and in the end Norburn)

What a finish to the season. We just looked so strong and full of belief, full of 'failure not an option' mentality. The club needed this, momentum restored after a few frustrating seasons. Absolutely loved it at Wembley, I've said it before but our fan base is transformed.

Yes an almost unbelievable result, I too was in "I'm not sure we'll do it camp" but having watched us play so well I can't believe I ever doubted us! What a time to finally break our Salford streak. The players were incredible, to perform like they did in such a pressurised match in extraordinary hot weather, words can not explain the feeling of joy at that final whistle!

Guys, I think we've just got accept the Reedtz Brothers (and their super-computer) just have the knack when it comes to appointing head coaches. But yes a massive congrats to Martin Paterson and all his coaching staff because that play-off campaign was simply faultless.

It was an incredible day for everyone, one that will live long in the memory.

The omission of Cole Palmer, Morgan Gibbs-White, Harry Maguire and one or two others has seriously depleted the team in key positions. Maguire is a genuine go to defender who gives everything for England and always has done, Mr dependable who will be sorely missed. The inclusion of Jordan Henderson is an insult to English football and a kick in the teeth for Palmer and Gibbs- White. How has Ivan Toney managed to get infront of Calvert lewin or even Danny Welbeck, who has had a cracking end to the domestic season. There is not enough depth and class to the team from what i can see, so unfortunately we'll be lucky in my opinion to go much further than the group stages. I hope I'm wrong. ⚽️ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

John Stones getting picked having barely played any matches this season is very disappointing for me. No idea why Lewis Hall isn’t in the squad either, seems Tuchel would rather have a right-footer in Djed Spence playing at left-back. 🤷‍♂️

Not super keen on Henderson and Mainoo, I would’ve picked Adam Wharton and Alex Scott at Bournemouth. 

The attacking positions were always going to be the trickiest part, I’m not that surprised both Foden and Palmer missed out because we are stacked with lots of good players here. I agree MGW can count himself a tad unlucky here.

Toney is a strange one too, the only reasoning I can think of is that he’s spent a whole season playing football in an extremely hot climate, so the conditions will suit him. But yeah, he wouldn’t have been my choice.

Harry Maquire shouldn't be in the national team, there's better unpicked defenders. Cole Palmer should 100% be going, I think Jack Grealish did excellent with Everton and can feel unlucky not to have been selected. There's always going to be players dropped or overlooked, what is refreshing is the fact that players don't see to be getting chosen due to the club a player represents or because the player has a reputiable name.

The only concern I have is Jordan Henderson, I have never rated him and we don't need a player just because they have experience. His lack of playing time is a concern. I'd much rather we take someone injury prone that is a capable player because it's less of a risk that the position won't be just a bench warmer. If he captains England, even in a vice captaincy role I would be further disappointed. That said, I am happy because I would hope it makes those who have not been named peform even better. Palmer can't do much more; he's a bright spark in an average Chelsea and a real joy to watch.

I would say it seems more "team focused" than individual stars to be relyed on if performances are not good.

This is a great set of stats for Jodi Jones.

Notts County has Kept 15 clean sheets in their 48 matches overall this season across all competitions. That's 31% of the 48 matches played.

Hello one and all from a misty Morocco. Does anyone remember the Time Tunnel?

We have one in our Hotel 🤔

@Michael D Pie. can you travel into the future and see if we are in league one next season? 🤣

28 degrees and wall to wall sunshine here. 🥵

@Fan of Big Tone i have booked it for tomorrow at 13:00 hours, unfortunately the only time available. You have to read and understand the operation of said Time Tunnel before using. Don't know what time i will return, but you will be the first to get an answer to your question. So please be patient with me. 🤔😇

Martin talked to BBC Nottingham Sport regarding Monday's playoff final.

Another good read from BBC Sport. The build up to Monday's match continues.

BBC Sport

Interesting stuff @Robbie 

The results and votes are what they are. But something's awry if Aljofree can get 10 more votes than macari on 27 fewer appearances!! Macari should be far far higher on that list than he is. MP wouldn't have picked him 36 times until his injury, if he wasn't doing well.

I think MP described him as 'underrated' in one of his interviews. PON votes definitely point towards that.

Well, I guess you are likely to get more votes for having 2 outstanding games than 36 “steady” ones - and I vaguely recall Aljofree having a “stormer” early season but genuinely can’t remember the game itself. I agree that Macari has been a stalwart and has frequently been a contender but he’s been eclipsed because one of Iorpenda, Mc Donald, Platt, Jatta and Tsaroulla have usually attracted the bulk of the votes. Same applies to Palmer, tho’, quite frankly, that is astonishing. I voted fir him once only.

The number of votes for Palmer does actually surprise me greatly, given that there are generally only between c 7 - 15 votes for MOTM on here. He just hasn’t been all that good for most of the season, indeed he’s missed c 35% of it.

I think that it was great to see so many players (19) getting a Man of the Match award.

It's maybe surprising to some that Macari & Hall didn't get an award, but some players can perform steadily all season without standing out in a particular match. The fact that Martin kept picking them shows that he values their contribution.

Players like Grant & Bedeau with two awards & Bennetts with one were three other players that are valuable to the squad & played a large number of games.

Matt Palmer is a fans favourite so it's no surprise that he received a large number of votes, especially earlier on in the season when there were lots of members voting. As for Aljofree he started reasonably well in the first few games, but other defenders were deemed more solid & he lost his place.

I do believe that the players that stood out over the season finished near the top of the list, however if McDonald, Platt, Jatta, Robertson & Belshaw could have played many more games, I think we may have seen a close race for the most Gongs awarded.

I have reason to shout for Hull today, but I'll go the other way after their pathetic reaction to Southampton's expulsion.

They spin a positive like playing a team that didn't know they were even still in it, into a negative - whingeing and bleating about a really unfortunate but necessary set of actions. What an awful message to send to their players and fans

Hull have scored in the 94th minute

Hull have won. I'm really pleased about that. They deserve it after all the shenanigans.

This will be a better game. I'd say Kyle Wootton playing at centre-back might not be looking forward to facing some of Ruben's through balls. You have to fancy Bolton?

Just listened to the Radio Nottingham Sport Podcast, and according to them, Notts have sold just short of 20K tickets.

The window to buy tickets for the final is getting smaller.

I see the club/Wembley/EFL (whoever was responsible) have recognised what's gone wrong and are releasing some cheaper seats and keeping them on sale longer. Spread the word!

I thought we’d sold over 21,000 up to yesterday. Add another c 1,000 in the various hospitality areas……

It may have been anecdotal and not official but U’d be surprised if we don’t match 3 years ago tbh.