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.

The playoffs reduced the time available to rebuild the squad. The Jatta and Jodi sagas will have caused uncertainty. Competition for signings is strong (looks like York might have beat us to Boyes). Season ticket sales, although up, aren't spectacular.

I think they were as ready as they could be. They did make three good signings very quickly suggesting they had some plans in place. But it would be great to have some announcements asap!

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.

If I remember right it was the same at the beginning of last season and after a poor start look how that turned out.

I for one trust the brothers and their team to get it right and help the club to consolidate in league one.

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

Of course the Brothers were prepared!

2 promotions in 4 years!

From total disarray to planned progress in 7.

And yes, August will be a nightmare start but it will all end well.

Now being linked with Dean Campbell at Northampton. Is he any good?

That's quite a few we seem to be chasing, if we get some of those targets e.g. O'Reilly, Mellon, Boyes we'll be OK.

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

Look a good signing https://youtu.be/EFIAeYxjxuc?si=7st5MFT6KJteG1B4

He’s certainly experienced he’s played 100 Championship games, fingers crossed he’s another gem.

Strands #868
“Big talk”
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Strands #883
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#waffle1647 3/5

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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.

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 (27 out of 27) in today's Combinations puzzle.
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Can you guess this puzzle?
https://combinations.org/

I guessed all the words (23 out of 23) in today's Combinations puzzle.
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Can you guess this puzzle?
https://combinations.org/

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.

@Graham totally spot on analysis 👏

Me too! I have genuine concerns that he won’t cut it in L1 anyway. He isn’t robust enough, will be a target and he’s lost a yard of pace……

I’d hope Roberts has the agility and direct, attacking instincts to do well for us tbh. He is a highly talented footballer and he’ll grow into L1. I’d probably back him over Jones for the next couple of years tbh.

You might be right there @Graham, Jones' absence is odd and it's starting to feel like another Jatta situation. We're rumoured to be in for Harry Boyes, who plays in his position. Is he intended to be competition or a replacement?

He's blown hot and cold over the last couple of seasons, but we know he can unlock a defence for us. He deserves a stab at League One and I'm in no doubt that he's good enough for it.

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. 🤣🤫

Very good fans, I would love to see Notts fans in the KOP do more but I don't think we are organised enough. At the Forest Friendly, there were multiple chants at times, and we really should be on the same page so the atmosphere is spot on. I mean, I did feel impressed but hearing 2 to 3 chants at the same time, with them equally dying off, just made me wish we could be more vocal in the right direction.

They may be in the third division, but Hansa make a fantastic atmosphere even by German standards and this was their big day out. They'd never been to England before, and London is pretty simple to get to - next season, their closest away trip will be over 200 miles away!

A few years back they brought 3000 to Mannheim, a 1000-mile, 24-hour round trip. Of course there are some idiots among them, but they're far from being the worst offenders.

The t shirts look a bit familiar too!

It’s bad for the fans, but it’s good that they are being looked into for breaking the rules.

But when some clubs can get away with charges or put them off, you can’t help but wonder how fair the rules are. They are supposed to keep football on a level playing field and stop clubs bending them to suit themselves.

These are serious charges, and I hope the punishment is fair.

You can't just do what they have, and I find it shameful it didn't come to light sooner. There was a lot of talk amongst fans about what was going on, and I don't mean their own supporters. I think they should be transfer santioned personally, however, they will still sign players now and avoid being in a difficult place which barely makes it right after breaking the rules.

I wonder how Derby County fans feel, since they had issues and faced strict punishment for how they signed players. Burton Albion for me is far more extreame, Deby's was a grey area and very heavy punished.

I'd hope so, the last time he was in Germany he played in the second division, he's dropping down to the third division where the standard won't be as good, so surely he has more of a chance of getting regular playing time. I always thought his dribbling and ability to get past players was usually pretty good, it was just in the final third where his cross or shot more often than not was off.

He was a bit of a super sub for Darmstadt @menzinho. I imagine he joined us hoping for more minutes, but we also found him more effective coming off the bench.

He's a strange one. He's got the talent to step up, but he could have done with a run of games and yet he never really justified a starting place for us. He could be an asset to Ingolstadt, but if he only performs in fits and bursts he'll end up warming the bench again

He grew with us and became someone I felt disappointed to see leave, now I don't know if he left because he wanted first team football or if Notts made the decision. I wasn't that impressed when he played in the pre-season friendly, and defensively I had concerns, but towards the end of our campaign I would have selected him.

Not only was he good on the ball, making himself a constant threat, but he improved massively with defensive work.

The issue is, his starting time could be limited and with Jodi Jones and Nick Tsaroulla it's difficult compitition to be against unless he slotted in elsewhere. Personally, I thought he was far more rounded than Jodi who struggles to defend and sometimes doesn't even bother. Tough, his talent to attack is second to none.

Putting your golf balls into baskets is quite legitimate.

However, the Aussue striker would be a nice addition and then we are probably short of two more?

One more striker

One more No. 10

Anymore on the shopping list?

He's had rave reviews from the Harrogate fans that have left messages on social media, some even think he'll be our player of the season!

I think the midfield looks pretty solid now, he’s also left-footed so we’ve got a 50/50 split of left and right footed CMs. I really like that he’s another player that has been a captain, he’ll have that mentality and determination, all those other qualities that can’t really be measured by data.

I'd be adding a RWB @Mapperley Pie , I know Tsaroulla played there last season more often than not but we need an actual right-footer there who is capable of starting.

He gives us options in the middle and out left, so that's a good thing. Blackburn Rovers have a good academy, a lot of their youngsters find success in the ELF. Evans is the type of player that just needed a chance, and I think he did that well last season for Harrogate Town. There's a reason why their fans rated him, and I hope we can see him flourish in a competitive Notts squad.

We have to have players firing on all cyniders and performing well, so the options we have will benefit us.

That’s a very strange decision, poor Stuart he must be gutted, I hope he gets another job soon.

Shocking decision. Such positivity around the club 48 hours ago, now nothing but negativity among the fanbase.

I hope he can find a good National League club that will stick with him, there's a few good choices in there and his record for promotion is strong. I just hope he doesn't end up at a team like Yeovil Town or Forest Green Rovers.

There's some good clubs like Hartlepool United that could be a good fit.

With his record and what he did for York City, I can imagine a fair amount of interest will be there.