Kind of deja vu, I got Palmer over Ness - the only two who verged on being good IMO.

And that's doesn't include any captaincy issues - it's just based on the play that we saw.

Maybe Palmer looks good compared to the ineffective, inactive Norburn beside him.

The worst? Well that was a contender for worst individual game of the season from Bennetts today.

The subs were really poor too.

I picked Palmer as well, although he feels almost like a default choice. He consistently does his thing. Yet I feel we lack a character next to him, a Bish type, somebody who steps forward when it counts and refuses to be beaten. Palmer is Mr Reliable, but we need more.

Ive gone with Iorpenda

Seven defeats in the last 13 matches isn't going to get promotion. We may well clinch a playoff place due to the remaining fixtures affecting the top eight, but it just seems the same as last season.

When the team needed their best form during the last dozen games, it just looks like they haven't been able to cope with the extra pressure which has affected performances. And losing to ANOTHER physical, high intensity, hard working team is becoming a common occurrence unfortunately.

I think that ensuring that they win a playoff place has to be the priority now. A Cambridge win against Grimsby might be the best result for Notts. Grimsby remains a threat because they can catch us & their goal difference is almost equal to Notts's.

A win at Colchester will assure Notts of a playoff place provided that Cambridge beat Grimsby in midweek.

Top of League 2.

I feel that some of fan base is casting around for something to blame for the collapse in form just when it matters.

In all of that, Martin Paterson is in danger of getting off too lightly.

He's done well overall and I don't think he's in too much danger - but we shouldn't forget he's a 38 year-old rookie coach who has made mistakes.

How much has he taken on board input from the 'Technical Board'?

We don't know...but his stubbornness with Iorpenda is a case in point IMO. "Tom will score goals'' was his early refrain, but his 3 in 44 have only come from the few games he started deeper in Central Midfield. He sees the game more from there, is under less pressure, and benefits from coming from deep.

But instead of that, we have had the poor Gagliardi signing Norburn, who is the wrong partner for Palmer.

Macari has played lovely football this year, but he's taken every opportunity to drop or sub him, instead of building the confidence of one of our best footballers.

Bennetts shouldn't have been anywhere near the team today after his 3/10 last week. He was even worse today.

I think some fans give him the benefit of the doubt because he seems like a 'strong character' but I wonder how easy he is to work with. Is he collaborative and willing to take on board input from others?

I'm still excited about what we can achieve with him next season (and maybe still this one), but the Bros need to remember it was our DoF who gave us one the best season of attacking football we've ever seen plus a promotion. If MP can work with that - great. If not, let's find another Luke Williams.

Bristol City 1-2 Norwich City

Watford 1-2 Sheffield United

Exeter 0-2 Stockport County

Mansfield 1-2 Luton Town

Fleetwood Town 1-2 Chesterfield Joker

Oldham Athletic 1-1 Salford

Solihull Moors 2-1 Boston

Sutton 2-1 Altrincham

Bristol City 2-1 Norwich City

Watford 1-1 Sheffield United

Exeter City 0-2 Stockport County (joker)

Mansfield Town 0-2 Luton Town

Fleetwood Town 1-2 Chesterfield

Oldham Athletic 1-1 Salford City

Solihull Moors 1-0 Boston United

Sutton United 2-1 Altrincham

Bristol City 2 v 1 Norwich City

Watford 1 v 1 Sheffield U

Exeter 0 v 3 Stockport

Mansfield 1 v 2 Luton

Fleetwood 1 v 2 Chesterfield🤡

Oldham 0 v 1 Salford

Solihull 2 v 0 Boston

Sutton 1 v 2 Altrincham

9 hours ago, Robbie said:

I still believe that the continental style has had too much influence on the English game. Bromley have shown that the physical approach & direct style is still effective & can bring success.

Well it's a world game @Robbie. We spent a couple of decades seeing England humiliated on the international stage and our club sides went backwards until we caught up for skill, technique and tactics. The top Prem sides will never veer too far away from competitive levels of those 3 things. And naturally there's a trickle down the domestic leagues.

I think Bromley will be coming back down with a thud. I wouldn't want to pay to watch them.

12 hours ago, theAnticlough said:

I think Bromley will be coming back down with a thud. I wouldn't want to pay to watch them.

Totally agree @theAnticlough

I'm also tracking Wimbledon who have been dropping like a stone - a couple of good games for Exeter and they're straight back down as well

IMO, the biggest problem at L2 level is the officiating - too many players who can't play football are allowed to make a living at the expense of those that can

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I agree with you to a point @Sheffield Pie but other players suffer the same treatment and manage to stay on the field. Jodie Jones takes some knocks when he’s playing but comes up with a worldy and that’s the way to deal with it rather than seeking retribution.

Who can forget the horrendous treatment Jack Grealish used to get every match getting kicked all over the park but he just got on with it and answered in the best way by showing what a great player he is.

Jatta needs to learn, however you cant deny his goals have got us in the position we are so he is certainly an asset he just needs to channel that aggression as others have said.

The sending offs at times this season have been a concern, but it's not just Alassana Jatta, but others like Ollie Norburn.

I wasn't that annoyed by Norburn's second sendiing off, in a short space of time, but Jatta's antics do put us in a situation where we would be better off with him than without. Norburn's position in the squad is a luxary, with the amount of players we have and I don't think players who are given suspension for silly red or multiple yellow cards should waltz straight back into the team.

Though, I don't hold it against them. Albeit it is still different when the event is avoided.

I have a strong feeling he will be departing after the end of this season, some seem to think his injuries will put clubs off but I can see teams being interested in him. It would just be a shame to see him leave on a free, because there is value in selling him and it could be re-invested.

I can't say much about the incident, as I haven't seen it but many who did seem outraged and annoyed by it which I fully understand.

Alassana Jatta has to take responsibility for what he has done, because he keeps letting this sort of behaviour affect not only himself but also the club that employs him. His suspension has come at a bad time, and letting him go does feel like the right choice, although I do think we are a better side when he is focused and fully committed.

I do not feel he is fully behind us based on how needless that card was, especially at such an important point in the season. It is a real shame that a fee now seems very unlikely.

Anyone able to name the scorers? I was probably there (had a junior season ticket) but can't remember anything about it. Some incredibly memorable games that season but not that one!

Looking back at the records, this was one of only two wins in the last 11 games of the season. A stronger finish and we might have ended up in the top half, above Forest.

Conscious as I'm typing this that it's ancient history - the equivalent of me in 1982 hearing from some old guy about the inter-war years.

Final score .

Bromley 0 Cambridge 0.

Bromley have still not secured promotion. Notts can still overtake them if results go in Notts favour.

The pressure is back on Cambridge. They do have an awkward last three games & Bromley's last two are not a given

Latest League table.

With three games left this season, it feels likely that MK Dons will secure automatic safety. The team that ends up joining them, along with Bromley, looks set to be either Notts or Cambridge United. We have dropped a lot of important points, especially in matches where we should have done better, and it has left us in the usual position where the players now need to fight for every inch to rescue what once looked very achievable. Promotion to League One had seemed within reach, but we have made it harder for ourselves.

If some of the January signings had arrived earlier, which I know was probably not possible, I do think the squad would have been stronger. The Cambridge United match felt like watching Notts at the start of the season. Nothing really clicked for long spells, but there were small signs that something better could come together.

We’ve been inconsistent & largely unpredictable all season. Thus, we may well string 3 wins together - as we have on a few occasions already. We have a habit of pulling rabbits out of hats.

I remain cautiously optimistic, but anything other than a win tomorrow, pretty much, extinguishes any prospect of automatic promotion. 7 points might still be enough, 6 won’t in my view.

The concern will be L1, should we get there. Having watched Luton v Stockport last weekend, (as well as the more “rural” approach of Mansfailed), I’d say we are miles off either of the standard required. They all movethe ball forwards quickly and accurately. The pace of the game, physicality of the defenders and the energy & movement in midfield is a cut above anything in L2, by some distance tbh. Interesting to note that my “Stags”mates rate Abbott very highly in the energy, mobility and skill departments.

I've scoffed at people calling the club's finances "sustainable" before, but this puts it into perspective. How on earth does a club as small as Port Vale lose 6 million in a single season? Were they paying Championship wages? Were fans getting in for free?

Port Vale losing £6 million for the privilege of one season in League 1 was so not worth it. Fleetwood with a small fanbase and such big losses isn't good either. In fact it makes for pretty dreadful reading, a bar chart with the bars all facing the wrong way... Who'd be a football club owner eh?

@menzinho The finances refer to 2024/2025 season. Port Vale had been an EFL1 club.

A reminder to all that Morecambe, FGR and Carlisle have slipped quickly from EFL1 to National League status very quickly.

Disgraceful! And now they have Essex's finest ****head as the owner.

Wait for them to become Chelsea's reserve team and rely heavily on the connections of his playing days, if anyone thinks John Terry owning a football club is a good thing needs to be mindful how this may potentially unfold.

The footie result yesterday was gut wrenching...but the level of money being thrown at Salford is also key. £3.4m at least 2.4 times the level of losses at Notts.

Oh for a Didzy to have come back in January to have helped us.

It's why they brought in those other moneybags I wish not to name, in order to further band roll the club but that indidual appears to be only want involvement when they are higher up. The amount of losses is a disgrace, and I don't see how it's fair to bank roll that amount of debts.

I hear someone saying, hold up, wait a minute....

Our owners wiped off a large amount of historical debts that were deliberately hidden during multiple takeovers. There's a difference between covering past debts due to mismanagement, and a club over spending to buy themselves out of a league they shouldn't even be in. Their rise to the EFL wasn't amazing like it was portrayed; it only happened because of the involvement of the squad of 92. I have more respect for Hashtag United.

Clubs don’t get to use it freely. Typically they must prove:

They have no fit professional goalkeeper available

The situation is temporary

The loan is short-term (often 7 days at a time)

Absolute Rubbish, not been thought through at all.

26 minutes ago, Michael D Pie. said:

Clubs don’t get to use it freely. Typically they must prove:

They have no fit professional goalkeeper available

The situation is temporary

The loan is short-term (often 7 days at a time)

Absolute Rubbish, not been thought through at all.

I'm sorry but if the absence is due to a suspension for serious foul play, the club should forfeit the use of a professional goalkeeper. Injuries yes, suspensions no.

12 hours ago, theAnticlough said:

It's an extension of the overprotection of keepers I think.

Mark Stallard made comments about the keeper that came on for them, and that's probably their excuse, but it's not good when the offending player was sent off. It's no punishment to allow them to bring in a replacement; they should have addressed this in the extension window.

It's not an injury, or a reasonable alloweance.

Effectively they might have well had undone the suspension, because bringing in a replacement effectively does this.

This is an overreach and a clear instance of Cambridge United abusing the loan system to rectify a behavioral decision. As their keeper didn't have to hand the ball, it was an incredibly stupid action which should be correctly punished. Unfortunately, this is a get out of jail free card for them. The fact they have been allowed to unfairly bring in a keeper to replace a suspended player is an absolute joke.

8 hours ago, Michael D Pie. said:

@Chris you can't beat quality food, and it sounds like you have a gem in Mark who really does sound like a Saint, good people like him are a Godsend. Looks like morning into early afternoon is you best bet to be rain free, so make the most of it my friend. 🌥🌦🌧

Mark has always been like family to me. Although we drifted apart a few years ago, he has consistently provided support-not just for me, but for my entire family. I wished he would consider coming back here, because he massively cared and tried to help.

He's a very good chef though, and I have enjoyed home-made food made by him such as burgers. I don't know anybody who focuses so much on the quality of his food, or what goes into his meals. He doesn't just put anything in, but what is quality and fresh. Hopefully, he manages to get his portable business going one day because I have no doubt it would be a success.

Morning all, the next few days are going to be busy for us, we are going away until Sunday, we’re meeting up with 14 old friends on a campsite and having a meal on Saturday organised by yours truly, you can’t believe how hard it has been getting this meet up together to everyone’s satisfaction and finding a restaurant to accommodate us.

I just hope the weather stays fine for a few days, we’ll be in a static van the rest are in motorhomes and caravans. Sadly it means I’ll miss the match on Saturday which is really bad planning, it didn’t seem so important last year when I was planning the trip.

20 hours ago, Chris said:

He's a very good chef though, and I have enjoyed home-made food made by him such as burgers. I don't know anybody who focuses so much on the quality of his food, or what goes into his meals. He doesn't just put anything in, but what is quality and fresh

You are well blessed @Chris having such a wonderful person in your life. Our second Son is just the same, he always uses the best fresh ingredients and spices, the aroma when he is cooking makes ones mouth water. I wish him well with the portable business, our son is looking at the same and making chicken and vegetarian wraps, spicy and non spicy. Another possible Gordon Ramsey 👨‍🍳 🤔

@Fan of Big Tone i hope the weekend goes well, the forecast is good 👍 🌤🌞

Just back from walking the dogs, the weather is beautiful, with the birds singing and the wind whispering through the trees. No one else here, just me and the boys, soooooooo peaceful and tranquil. Have a good day everyone.

🤠🐶🐶

38 minutes ago, StarkMallard said:

Not a fan @Chris?

🤔 What gave you that impression?

38 minutes ago, StarkMallard said:

but at least he's putting something back into the game (and let's be honest, the 14 million will be just the start with the money lower-league teams lose).

He's estimated to have near £40 million-pounds, but that's not enough for a League Two team. He could have more or less, but without using his connections he's got limited time to put his money where his mouth is. I am surprised he's even past the ownership approval based on all this. The remortgaging of his house, has gambling issues, and is involvment in risky cryptocurrency plans.

There's a lot being said about his house recently, but during his playing days he was connected to alsorts of dodgy stuff.

Do you think you ought to put allegedly after some of that @Chris . 😂

5 minutes ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

Do you think you ought to put allegedly after some of that @Chris . 😂

It's all true, and factual, so not this time. Nothing allegedly about it, there's videos of him doing naughty things, he's even joked about some of his past habits on podcast, one where he was joined by Robbie Fowler. Sniff... Sniff...

I’m bored with the Maynardball love in. He was dire for us, he had no charisma and no plan b. Come on the Dale 🔵🔵

1 hour ago, Paris Sandwich Man said:

I’m bored with the Maynardball love in. He was dire for us, he had no charisma and no plan b. Come on the Dale 🔵🔵

I know how you feel, but I wish him well personally.

I wouldn't go as far to say I am a York City fan or they are my second club, which seems to be a common thing for Notts fans to be saying. I want York City to succeed as the underdog and a former club that once was in the EFL. I do care about Rochdale, it's a scummy area and the club are where they deserve to be. I hope they sink in the playoffs.

It's been another epic NL season, hasn't it?

It hasn't quite got the glamour or name recognition, but I think York v Rochdale has surpassed County Wrexham as a contest. Mainly due to it going on longer and the two facing off in the last game of the season.

I've been backing Rochdale. Yes, it is a very scummy place and that's where my pity kicks in. But once you get into Spotland, it is a very tidy, compact ground and I enjoy drinking in that big club bar they have on the corner.

They were bombing along til Toby got injured. I think he was there secret weapon, so many assists from RWB.

As for SM, I hated his era at Notts from start to finish. Especially the start and finish! The shock at the appointment (I genuinely thought it was a joke). The first plummet down the league the first season and the submissive, passionless (pathetic really) play-off campaign....kind of a bad experience, all round.

Two games tonight in League 2, Tues 14th April, that could affect Notts.

Barrow v Oldham

Chesterfield v Grimsby

It's a good night for Notts after the Tuesday evening games

Barrow 3 Oldham 2.

Oldham can no longer threaten Notts for a playoff place.

Chesterfield 2 Grimsby 1

A win for Notts on Saturday & Grimsby, who remain in 8th place would need to win all their remaining games to overtake Notts.

I think that Notts are virtually secure of a playoff place.

Yes, well done Barrow. Oldham's run seemed to end with us - must've gone to their heads

I like where Barnet are sitting, because it makes Saturday a real play-off game in itself and a chance to see where we truly stand

2 hours ago, YoopEyes said:

I must admit, I’m puzzled by the veiled criticism of those who choose not to vote on this occasion - first time I recall it happening. Thus, I’m not sure how it can be “predictable” that some people have abstained.

Why does there have to be a MOTM, come what may? It’s a totally arbitrary, subjective decision. There is no compulsion for an individual to be singled out in a team event, in any game tbh let alone a desperately poor collective performance.

If you feel the need to name a MOTM irrespective of nobody earning or deserving it, that’s entirely a personal matter. Seems odd to imply that others have failed in their responsibilities.

Oh dear, I don't know how anyone can respond to my 'everyone's got the right to abstain' with a set of OTT comments like that.

The whole thread is just a bit of fun on the best (or least worst!) player on the day. Chillax!

Well, it’s all cool here, no problem.

It’s not OTT - just a different perspective, particularly in respect of the “predictability” reference, that’s all. It may well not have been intentional but it sounded a tad patronising. Happy to leave it at that & move on. I just read it differently to spirit intended.

The poll has now closed. We have a tie for first place this week.

I'm pleased to announce that Matt Palmer & young Luke Browne share the Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match award against Cambridge.

Credit @ARLukomski

At the end of the day Notts were missing lots of first team players in key positions. It's obvious that the squad as a whole isn't strong enough, & this has been the problem since Notts got promoted. I believe it's a big reason why Notts don't seem able to play consistently well over a full season. Six wins and six defeats in their last twelve matches demonstrates this failing very well.

2 hours ago, Robbie said:

At the end of the day Notts were missing lots of first team players in key positions. It's obvious that the squad as a whole isn't strong enough, & this has been the problem since Notts got promoted. I believe it's a big reason why Notts don't seem able to play consistently well over a full season. Six wins and six defeats in their last twelve matches demonstrates this failing very well.

Yes and maybe any team will drop off missing half of its starting 11

Platt, Robertson, Tsaroulla, Jones, Jatta

....and then the first reserve for Platt - McDonald. And maybe Tangan could be considered a starter.

It adds up to a massive blow. We had Belshaw, Beseau, Macari. Palmer, Iorpenda + reserves on Saturday.

We have been ravaged. It's desperately bad luck and MP, Monty, the players left, deserve a pass. But better not to feel sorry for ourselves - there's still a promotion out there to win.

Morning all, how are we all feeling? If you’re anything like me I’d say pretty deflated, huh?

I guess after 60 odd years of supporting Notts I ought to be used to days like yesterday but it still hurts. On the bright side all is not lost we can still do it, if not automatic then playoffs. 🤞

In other news it’s roast chicken with all the trimmings for dinner today, I remember as a boy we only had chicken at Christmas as it was expensive but boy did I taste good not like the bland offerings we get in the supermarkets today, my mam used to buy a steam roaster from Victoria meat market and slow cook it in the oven it was delicious.

Have a great day everyone and best wishes to all who are under the weather.

I'm still optimistic that Notts can get success this season.

Notts are in the top four after 43 games, & we still are in the mix to achieve an automatic promotion place. That goal is no longer in our hands but there are still some awkward matches left for those teams above us & immediately below us.

Notts just need to do the business themselves over these last three matches to keep the pressure on. It could even go to the last League match before we know Notts fate this season.

Charlton Athletic 2-1 Preston North End

Southampton 3-2 Derby County

Bradford City 0-1 Stevenage

Huddersfield Town 2-2 Wycombe Wanderers(joker)

Grimsby Town 2-3 Crewe Alexandra

Newport County 1-1 Harrogate Town

Aldershot 2-0 Gateshead

Altrincham 2-1 Eastleigh

Charlton Athletic 2-1 PNE

Southampton 1-1 Derby County

Bradford City 2-0 Stevenage

Huddersfield Town 2-0 Wycombe Wanderers Joker

Grimsby 2-1 Crewe Alexandra

Newport County 1-1 Harrogate

Aldershot 1-2 Gateshead

Altrincham 1-0 Eastleigh

The results:

Charlton Athletic 1-2 Preston North End
Southampton 2-1 Derby County
Bradford City 0-1 Stevenage
Huddersfield Town 3-3 Wycombe Wanderers
Grimsby Town 3-2 Crewe Alexandra
Newport County 2-1 Harrogate Town
Aldershot Town 0-1 Gateshead
Altrincham 1-0 Eastleigh

@ARLukomski claims the honours this week, congrats!

@william1984 is clear at the top now. Meanwhile, I surge into seventh place and it's only a matter of time till I claim top spot (shall I just keep adding rounds until I win?).

Keep your eyes out for Saturday's fixtures, which will be posted on Wednesday as usual. Thanks for playing and have a good week!

Awesome footage from the far side of the moon taken by the crew of Artemis 2.

A view from Artemis just 50 minutes from splashdown.

They’ve splashed down safely thankfully, the heat on the capsule was 2,000 degrees, half as hot as the sun, how the heck do they build something to withstand that heat! Amazing.

Will give it a watch, always looking for things to watch in the background as I do stuff.

There's a new season of FROM coming out, but I am currently watching The Boys. So, it will be nice to have something in addition to break things up, as I fall back to watching YouTube and things like ThatChapter comes on, and I am a lititle sick of it even though I do like the channel. Oh, I have also been watching the Tulsa King.

Thanks for the recommendation, Tone.

I’m sure you’ll like it @Chris we are on series 4 of 5 we’re trying to get it watched before our free trial runs out later in the month.

As you know I’m a huge Rolling Stones fan and the theme tune is sung by Mick Jagger I can’t get it out of my head, it’s an ear worm. 😂