I'm not familiar with his work, but I have met him and understand what he does. I wonder if John Harvey and Billy Ivory have crossed paths in writing terms or working together.

It's Harvey who wrote about a Nottingham dedtective right?

45 minutes ago, Chris said:

I am delighted for Jodi Jones to be given further acknowledgement and by breaking a league record.

I'm slightly surprised that it's quite low, being 18, but considering Jodi has smashed it with plenty of games to go - he could further set the record to a higher amount. Some might think 18 sounds about right for the most assists, but considering the amount of games in a season, I at least would have thought it would be around 22-24. This isn't a knock on Jodi's achievement as I still believe he can break the amount I thought the record would have been.

Great job, Jodi. We're pleased for you!

It's now 20 assists after the Newport match.

Jodi will play his fiftieth appearance for Notts if he plays against Wrexham. How that time has flown.

Good job, Jodi Jones. He’s made Notts his home and it’s wonderful to see him thriving.

Birmingham 2 v Blackburn 1

Norwich 2 v Watford 1

Charlton 2 v Lincoln 2

Orient 2 v Northampton 1

Accrington 1 v Wimbledon 3

Colchester 2 v Grimsby 1

Halifax 2 v Maidenhead 1

York 2 v Dorking 1 jkr

The results:

Birmingham City 1-0 Blackburn Rovers
Norwich City 4-2 Watford
Charlton Athletic 1-1 Lincoln City
Leyton Orient 4-3 Northampton Town
Accrington Stanley 2-0 AFC Wimbledon
Colchester United P-P Grimsby Town
Halifax Town 2-1 Maidenhead United
York City 0-1 Dorking Wanderers

---

This round's winner is @Dan, who scored one fewer than his team did last night!

@Dan - 8
@DonnyNotts, @magpiejue, @Robbie - 7
@ARLukomski - 6
@4everapie, @Fan of Big Tone, @gtownjohnno, @Harry Buckley - 4
@cheeky~k8, @Chris, @DangerousSausage, @Megan_Elizax, @super_ram, @william1984 - 3
@nottsnutter - 2

---

@ARLukomski stretches the gap by another two points, while in the battle of the senior citizens @Fan of Big Tone overtakes @super_ram on alphabetical order!
 

ARLukomski - 175
gtownjohnno - 169
cheeky~k8 - 148
4everapie - 146
william1984 - 145
Fan of Big Tone - 142
super_ram - 142
DangerousSausage - 140
magpiejue - 138
Dan - 134
nottsnutter - 115
Megan_Elizax - 113
Chris - 109
DonnyNotts - 106
liampie - 101
upthepies - 90
Joshua - 82
allardyces tash - 67
KingWilliams - 66
TheSkipper - 62
CliftonMagpie - 55
thommo - 49
OoooooTommy - 45
NottsCountyKev - 41
JIMBO - 40
jimbob - 38
Nocturnal-Magpie - 38
Robbie - 37
AmericanPie - 36
KB1862 - 22
Harry Buckley - 21
George L - 6
Canadian - 4

---

We're having another round on Saturday, the fixtures for that will appear here a little later today. Thanks for playing and see you then!

2 minutes ago, DangerousSausage said:

@Fan of Big Tone overtakes @super_ram on alphabetical order!

2 hours ago, Wheelbarrow repair man said:

and I will say a vast majority of teams in the National League were Semi- Professional at best.

Just to say that only 3 sides were Semi-Professional in the National league last season.

Well I stand corrected Fozzy, I thought it was certainly a lot more. Thanks for your up date.

I watched Derby vs Exeter with @super_ram, the Rams played in such a way where they weren't afraid to lose the ball. Having seen Gillingham, Walsall and parts of Bradford (all home games) I realise that our dependence on possession has played a big part in our down form.

When you don't need to win the ball back so much, it becomes second nature and something you think about less.

We are drilled as a squad to pass into space, with that habit of going all the way back to the keeper and in turn that becomes predictable but also piles the pressure on us. Derby, looked to play pretty football but in the right areas their players would make passes which made them need to dig deep in order to maintain the ball. It kept them going forward, yes at times they needed to win the ball back or even had some lucky bounces which resulted in Exeter quickly losing the ball.

The point is it was anything but predictable and made the Derby players need to work, they had to stay alert.

Defensively, there were a few times they reminded me of us but because they are not afraid to lose the ball or put such a strict emphasis on it. It allowed for a much more entertaining game, plus it made Exeter play with width, which meant there was a lot of space at times.

The first goal, it was truly remarkable to watch the Rams' player take on players with no support and make progress with such sheer determination. Max Bird did ever so well, when he made space, he looked to pass but decided to have a go at goal. The Exeter keeper should have done better, however, it was still a very good goal.

Nathanial Mendez Laing scored a very good second goal because of the way they created space.

Among injuries, the managerial departure of Luke Williams and the setback at the away game against Crewe - they were all major incidents. which stunned us. If we focus more on wanting to win the ball back the moment the balls out of our possession and Notts loses this desire to hold onto large amounts of it - by deciding when to take a risk, when to run at the opposition, when to have a shot from distance.

It makes some of our negatives much more important to balance out.

It's much like how our desire to almost walk the ball into the net, makes us less creative and fewer ambitions to shoot from outside the box. Some of our best goals this season have come from distance, and yet we very rarely see anyone take a pop at goal.

John Semek invited Charlie Palmer to the recent home game against Gillingham. Plenty of fans that I had spoken to had shown me pictures and signatures of him.  Regrettably, I was given the opportunity to get my prints signed, but I didn't feel like taking the prints with me - along with a heavy bag. I hope to in the future, it would have been nice to shake his hand.

30 years, how time flies! I would have been around 6-years-old.

It's a shame it's not based on how it used to look, back when it was stunning and less ruined by these modern alterations. I don't think it particularly looks good in Lego form; it makes it more noticeable.

It's awesome that someone made the effort to do that though.

Actually what's inside the new atrium is a bit of a let down. Better thought needed in planning and the "look" of the outlets. 

The problem with our defence has gone on for the vast majority of the season.

Since the home defeat to Mansfield, Notts under Luke Williams, played 14 games but suffered 8 defeats & accrued just 18 points from those games.

For anyone else that statistic could have had some owners looking at dismissing the Head Coach.

We owe Luke Williams a lot for what he did in getting Notts promoted, but even he could not solve our defensive frailties.

We all need to get behind Stuart, because he's trying to do something about it 

Caught the highlights on YouTube during my lunch break today. Shambolic defending for all 3 goals. Especially the 3rd, no one seemed to be bothered in claiming the loose ball. 2 Gills players were basically battling each other to get on the end of the header sent back in. 

Post-match, I find it bizarre how criticism is being aimed at Stuart Maynard. Conceding goals in this nature, losing the way we did and having a frustrating night was happening before he even came into the club. 3 games in to his managerial reign, it's still gonna take a bit of time for him to slowly implement his way and move away from the old. 

South Africa win the Third place play off against DR Congo by penalty shootout 6:5 after a 0:0 draw on Saturday.

Now for the Final later today.

IVORY COAST ARE AFRICAN CHAMPIONS.

Nigeria 1 Ivory Coast  2

Highlights of the Africa Cup of Nations final.

A young David Beckham was part of a Man Utd side along with Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes who made up the very successful Man U side of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

I don't think we will see it happen again when so many youth players graduate to the first team and win trophies like they all did.

The top six teams of today now buy in the vast majority of their players to get success.

Alex Ferguson in one way was very fortunate to have all these talented youngsters come through at the same time, but they still had to be nurtured & managed well which Ferguson did.

We won't see his like again either.

A warm,friendly PoN welcome from me too @Sophie d.Don't be frightened to join in discussions, your opinions will be respected.

Welcome to PoN @Sophie d I’m looking forward to reading your views here on our friendly community.

Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, @Sophie d. I hope you enjoy being a part of our Notts County community.

On 10/02/2024 at 13:41, gtownjohnno said:

What a bloody good start to my 'Birthday weekend' Iam 75 on this Sunday was really hoping for 3 points last night. Been watching Notts since my Dad took me in the 60/61 season. I thought we was really going places this season but beginning to worry now!!!!!! 

You share your birthday  with my grandson @Harry.He's 14 today  so at the other end of the age scale.

Fame at last @Piethagoram 

and another slant, on our own Notts supporter Ian Marsden's story

My heart goes out to anyone who has been diagnosed with this awful condition, I can’t imagine being told you’ve got the big C it must be awful. There are however many success stories from people who have survived we have a wonderful NHS.

i like tobi but hes not very defensive minded, he can make decent crosses and attacks quite well but where does he fit in with the other options we have? we need players like him roaring to go and to make an impact.

brindley always tries, but defensively hes not a centre back.

those are two potential releases. if jim remains as a coach at sheffield united, i doubt he would choose us over them.  

I think there needs to be a big shake up down the Lane this off season. This may sound controversial but to be honest , I think there are only a few of the current squad are up to playing at League 2 level. Cedwyn Scott  deserves a new contract, John Bostock maybe but as another fan as said, he looks lost without Matty Palmer. And Luther deserves a new contract then given a run in the team next season to see how he shapes up. The rest sorry they need to be let go. I'd like to see  Jim stay in some sort of coaching role, because in a couple of years or so I can see him in the Big Chair.

New deals

Cedwyn Scott - 2 year deal. See tweet below. 

Aden Baldwin - 2 year deal. I know he has mistakes in him but he is a real big reason we can play out from the back, Mistakes will come with that role in the middle of the back 3.

Geraldo Bajrami - 1 year deal with an option of an extra year. I think Baj still has a part to play. His future is in central midfield. He just needs his passing game to go with his physical side of the game, then we've got a player. His physique since he got his injury is incredible.

John Bostock - 1 year deal. Not the same player since Matty got injured. Still an experienced head to lean on, but maybe not a regular starter anymore

Luther Munakandafa - 1 year deal. This must be his year for progression. He was excellent against Derby. Must find a good National League loan. There's a player in there. We've got to find room for him.

Jim O'Brien - Offer coaching role. Let him continue on his coaching journey but like with Michael Doyle, sometimes you have to move on from the playing side. He's gave his all to this club and we should honor that

Tobi Adebayo-Rowling - Release. It's hard to release players that you have such loyalty to because of their achievements with the club. However, it's now about progression over loyalty and we need upgrades in the squad. His infectious personality is amazing. He's had some good cameos this season. I thought he was excellent at MK linking up with Crowley

Richard Brindley - Release. Thank you for your  efforts and being part of the squad that took us back to the Football League. I truly appreciate how Brinds stayed with us through all four seasons in the National League. Whilst he had an extended spell in the team this term, due to his move to a central role in the back 3, he's been found out at this level. 

The results:

Blackburn Rovers 3-1 Stoke City
Middlesbrough 1-2 Bristol City
Blackpool 1-1 Oxford United
Reading 2-0 Charlton Athletic
Swindon Town 1-1 Salford City
Walsall 0-3 Newport County
Altrincham 3-0 Rochdale
Boreham Wood 1-0 Maidenhead United

---

This week's winner is @ARLukomski, closely followed by @gtownjohnno and @Fan of Big Tone!

@ARLukomski - 8
@Fan of Big Tone, @gtownjohnno - 7
@Dan, @DangerousSausage - 6
@cheeky~k8, @Harry Buckley, @super_ram - 5
@DonnyNotts, @william1984 - 4
@magpiejue - 3
@4everapie, @Robbie, @TheSkipper - 2

---

There's little change in this week's table, with the top two streaking ahead and @cheeky~k8 moving back into the top three:

ARLukomski - 169
gtownjohnno - 165
cheeky~k8 - 145
4everapie - 142
william1984 - 142
super_ram - 139
Fan of Big Tone - 138
DangerousSausage - 137
magpiejue - 131
Dan - 126
nottsnutter - 113
Megan_Elizax - 110
Chris - 106
liampie - 101
DonnyNotts - 99
upthepies - 90
Joshua - 82
allardyces tash - 67
KingWilliams - 66
TheSkipper - 62
CliftonMagpie - 55
thommo - 49
OoooooTommy - 45
NottsCountyKev - 41
JIMBO - 40
jimbob - 38
Nocturnal-Magpie - 38
AmericanPie - 36
Robbie - 30
KB1862 - 22
Harry Buckley - 17
George L - 6
Canadian - 4

---

As there's a full set of fixtures on Tuesday night, there will also be a prediction league round. The fixtures are online now - good luck!

Only 1 point behind you now @super_ram 

I

1 hour ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

Only 1 point behind you now @super_ram 

I'm getting bored waiting for you

Great signing today. This boy is going to do big things for us. And there is going to be competition up front, now Jatta has joined us, still subject to getting a work visa.

I’m hoping we’ll get the official, official statement that transfer has gone through this week and get to see Jatta at the club.

According to a report from Denmark the deal is worth £125,000! I know we received quite a bit of money when Luke Williams left but I feel given the price tag there’s actually a bit of pressure on him. He hasn’t actually really played for Viborg this season, he’s only ever featured as a sub. Surely we’ve not paid all the money for him to do the same here, I’d expect him to feature a lot more. So I’m kind of excited and scared about this signing!

I thought it was a bit of an odd rumour at first, when he signed I was still taken back, but I think he offers something different. I am hoping he can be someone who can use their height to hold up the ball, with the clips of him that I have seen - he doesn't look afraid to take on players. Who else do we have that is willing to burst into space other than Jodi Jones?

The rumour of his paper work being sorted by the end of the month seems to make sense to me, but I don't buy into the concerns that it will be rejected.

We are allowed two players that normally wouldn't be granted a working permit within the UK, under rules that changed last June.

I believe the delay is just a case of sorting his paper work and making it official, we know it takes time to get documents and footballers aren't treated differently at least below the bigger clubs.

It appears that Notts are still waiting for Jatta to get his immigration clearance.

It would be great to have him available asap, because he could be a new addition to the side that would prove very awkward for opponents, his hight, pace, and strength would give Notts an extra dimension, which is really needed at this time.

Is he any good at centre half?

18 minutes ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

Is he any good at centre half?

He can’t play centre half as he’s earmarked to play in goal!

On 07/02/2024 at 17:39, DangerousSausage said:

Having said that, I can't stand the entitlement and the whingeing. There are people who seem to relish it when we lose and become abusive towards anyone with a different opinion. 

I don't want to seem like I'm criticising fans, but some who take pleasure in our struggles or expect us to be like Manchester City in League Two are a bit much. There's a lot to take away from this situation, but it feels harsh for some to now complain about our owners not supporting us in January.

On 07/02/2024 at 12:07, Robbie said:

If we don't get promoted this year, it will still have been a good season for us, something the team can build on to challenge for the top three next season.

No matter how we view it, it's not a bad season, and I agree with you. Over the past few years, we've demonstrated that the club can progress. If we went up and immediately came back down, I imagine there would be more complaints. I prefer to see us ascend in good form, having made improvements, so we're better prepared. The Playoff Final against Chesterfield hinted that we might face difficulties against strong teams, as we did with Wrexham; we didn't have many challenges until now.

I'm concerned that those individuals who only desire to witness football victories and don't support the club during crucial times are a distinct group. Human behavior is evolving, as are the kinds of fans that teams like Notts County attract. While there may be some disheartened fans who have been with Notts since the '60s and beyond, many newer supporters haven't experienced success, and their genuine frustration often stems from unrealistic expectations. Success isn't guaranteed; it must be earned, and unfortunately, we've fallen short in this regard. I hear amusing comments at games, and while I question some fans' faith, I understand that football is a diverse sport, and success is only partially measured by winning games.

I think a lot of it is just overreactions, but some fans are just grumpy folks who love to complain and criticise players. It’s easier to do that than to stick with the squad and understand that we’ve been punching above our weight. With the injuries, managerial loss, and other changes, the momentum has shifted.

Wrexham might have an easy time if we don't shape up. I overheard someone saying yesterday that we didn't perform well against higher-ranked teams and those in the top 10. Is it nerves or fatigue? Whatever it is, I believe it will require time, probably the rest of the season, to sort out.

Last season we were usually a class better than our opponents, now we're not. We were always going to have closer games against teams at our own level, and those games are often decided by fine margins.

The match at Gillingham was one example, we won it at the death that day but more often we're not giving ourselves a chance due to our defending. We took the lead yesterday, and if we could have held it for longer, Gillingham would have had to start taking risks and the game could easily have unfolded in our favour. In those games you can't just blast the opposition away, you've got to be able to hold a single goal lead or even a draw.

I don't anticipate much happening this season, but we can assess our progress next season by comparing our results to those performing well. While we may see some areas of improvement, a significant boost might require new additions to the squad.

teams will always bounce up and down between the premier league with a few surprises along the way, maintaining long term success these days is hard. the playing field has never really been level but at least clubs like brentford are emerging stronger for thinking outside of the box.

He expresses himself in a lengthy manner, making it challenging for me to grasp his point. The football pyramid shouldn't be straightforward, and numerous clubs are essentially small teams with big dreams. Accrington's chairman went from being refreshing to becoming quite dull and resentful regarding the potential to elevate them beyond League One.

This is an excellent idea.

The sides that enter the tournament will all be previous winners of the Fifa World Cup.

England, Argentina, Brazil,  France, Germany,  Italy, Spain & Uruguay are the teams set to take part in the new mega competition.

I believe it will prove be very popular tournament. Over 35 years old players representing top teams

There are lots of famous players to choose from. 

The Brazilian side will be awesome. Hope it's on the TV.

@Robbie I hope it's on TV as well, it'll be quite a good watch. Obviously it won't be the same as watching them in their prime but I'm sure they've still got something in their locker and it'll make for a good tournament that could become a regular feature. 

It's like a larger scale Masters Football. Loved watching that.

The Mail Online clickbaiting again, what a surprise.

I'm not sure what I'd make of this, it's a big change but then red and yellow cards were new once. I can imagine there being confusion over what exactly would merit a blue or a red card. Wouldn't a blue card be less of a deterrent for a professional foul?

On the other hand, I've been at ice hockey matches where sin binned players have to sit alone on a kind of naughty step and it's hilarious.

On 08/02/2024 at 22:13, Fan of Big Tone said:

I wonder what’ll happen if the goalie gets sin binned?

A lot of people have asked the same thing. I'm assuming it'll run like when a keeper gets red and they've used all 3/5 subs so an outfield player goes in net. 

Brilliant stuff from Doyle wasn’t it, thanks for the reminder @Piethagoram

Uurgh! ????