People might disagree, but the thing about Michael Doyle is he's not able to lift the squad by himself. If the squad plays bad, usually he's one of the culprits for going missing. This said, he's proved within the past two games that he's a vital part of the jigsaw.

I realise now, that we might not appreciate what he does well when he doesn't perform to the standard in which we expect or, believe we should see.

I'm not his biggest fan by a country mile, but I do like his character.

He's not afraid to put himself about and, I am starting to feel I shouldn't judge him so harshly. Today, not just because of his goal but the way he commanded himself. I think his experience shines, but we have to rely on other players around him to bring the best out of him. Is it harsh to expect more from a 39-year-old?

Going into this season, I was worried that his legs had gone and, I really wanted someone to replace him as a captain. This is something I feel must be done at some point during this campaign, but I do acknowledge he will be a vital part in our promotion chase.

Slocombe 7 - Made a good few saves in the first half and always does his job well. Not much chance with a fantastic strike for their goal.

Brindley - 7 - Good interplay going forward at times. Still worries me, often out of position and not closing down his man quick enough. There is a case for DKE starting in his position.

Rawlinson - 7.5 - Seems more lean and mobile than last year? Much better with the ball at his feet too. For a 'does the basics right' CB, he has improved with the ball.

Lacey - 7.5 - Usual Lacey. Calm and composed.

DKE - 8 - Never gives up, tenacious and always battling. Showed some good touches and joined in the attack, too. 

Roberts - 8 - Very close control allows him to emerge from a sea of defenders leaving us all clueless as to how exactly he has done that. However, needs to work on his passing. Often beats 3 men to play a lazy pass and give the ball away. An area for improvement.

Doyle - 7.5 - Covered a lot of ground and spread the ball nicely. Typical Doyle performance. When we get countered though, Doyle often lacks the pace to keep up with their midfield running past him. This needs to be rectified against some teams, maybe by playing Reeves there at the base.

Reeves - 9 - MOM. Somebody should stop giving this kid too many E numbers. Just ran and ran and ran. He did 13 km against Dover on a cow field, would be interested to see how many he did last night. Not only did he put a shift in, he was very good with the ball at his feet, often driving forward. 

O'Brien - 6.5 - Very good going forward. Often knows when to turn and passes excellently. However, he is far too slow at being able to track back. More than once it was his lack of pace that allowed them to get in, especially on the counter. Furthermore, he is no defender. He dives in and doesn't face his man up. Some could say 6.5 is harsh, the lowest on the team, but defensively the weakness came through him. If we are being countered and have Doyle and O'Brien tracking back - forget about it - too slow.

Thomas - 9 - Expert at being able to turn his man. Calm under pressure and a lovely dink over the top for our second.

Wootton - 8.5 - A real partnership with Thomas. Give and go, a pleasure to watch. Finished well, but could and maybe should have had more. The penalty wasn't the greatest nor the worst I've ever seen - it was a decent save from the keeper.

Enzio - 6 - Nothing really of note.

Sam - 6 - Was going to be lower after the first few 'touches', but slowly came in to the game and actually had a couple of decent touches as he settled in. Could be a slow burner. Ardley saying he needs time etc... as he hasn't played in a year. OK, let's give him time, but I can't shake that feeling in me that he might be a bit of a dud. Hope not.

Rodrigues - 6 - Only played a few minutes but showed some very good touches. Was too naiive once and jumped in to a tackle, turning his back to block the long pass, as the defender dribbled easily past him. 


Overall a very good performance throughout, 

The prediction league is in full flow now, it's tight and the title is still anyone's. So get your predictions in! The deadline is 3pm on Saturday, 10 October, and you have one joker each...

Accrington Stanley v Rochdale

Swindon Town v AFC Wimbledon

Cambridge United v Newport County

Port Vale v Carlisle United

Walsall v Colchester United

Bromley v Torquay United

Maidenhead United v Hartlepool United

Yeovil Town v Wrexham

Game 3 - The Bees (H)

Team: Barnet

Date: 10/10/2020

Where: Meadow Lane

What line-up should Neal Ardley opt for? What will be the key areas for the Magpies to get a victory? What do you think the final score will be?

Have your say below, join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion.

As per the e-mail which I have sent out, I am keen to gather feedback from the community.

I realise that some fans might not be interested, however, it's a fun way to discuss the games when you have an active group of people who enjoy each others company. I would like to rekindled the interest which saw it being very popular under @anonypie - a fan who loved to discuss everything black & white with a loyal following which she had built over the years.

Firstly; I did use to promote the chat on social media.

This is something which I would like to try to focus on again, especially, since more fans know some of us behind the PON community.

I'll be encouraging friends to come on board, along with previous users which I am to reach out to personally. More as a gesture to see what has been keeping them away and, what can be done to improve things for them.

If you have any ideas for the match day chat, please discuss below.

You can also express your own interest by commenting or, simply liking my post.

One area I would like to look at, is the ability to include radio coverage directly linked into the chat - I obviously need to check this. However, I have seen other fan sites achieve similar and provided there's interest I will look into the possibility.

Game 2 - The Robins (H)

Team: Altrincham

Date: 07/10/2020

Where: Meadow Lane

What line-up should Neal Ardley opt for? What will be the key areas for the Magpies to get a victory? What do you think the final score will be?

Have your say below, join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion.

Again a really excellent pod cast.

Really good words about Ricardo Moniz and Richard Thomas (Nolan's assistant)

I have asked members in the past to do similar, however, I am sure things have changed and I wonder what our creative bunch will come up with. Please share a video to a song on YouTube which you would consider a guilty pleasure.

When I used to be a member of a prominent song writers community, I shared this and, mentioned how the lyrics might be somewhat corny but it worked quite well. I had some banter directed my way for liking Darius Campbell.

Whilst this is by far his best work, I don't think he's a bad singer and his writing ability is a lot better than most these days.

I am rather gutted that Notts miss out on this quality

at what point do we start to form a plan on living with covid19?

i know theres a lot of danger, not just to people with underlined conditions. with the uk looking to be heading into another lockdown, i do wonder if we could learn to live with it? to some degree we are now.

biggest issue i see is the morons who think its a joke, or ignore the guidelines.

the amount of people who vape and blow their smoke towards you, its going to take a lot more awareness and consideration.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54341314

Do you think Notts needs any more reinforcements or, are you happy with the squad now?

The depth is there, I would feel happier knowing we have another winger but since Notts can sign one at any point, I don't think it's a major issue. What are your thoughts?

It's time to dust down your crystal balls again - the latest round of fixtures for the prediction league kicks off on Saturday at 3pm, so I'll need your predictions by then. Newbies are expressly welcome. And remember your jokers!

And if these fixtures seem a little more tin pot than usual, that's because the Vanarama Blue Square Conference League is finally in action again. Hurray!

Reading v Watford

Swansea City v Millwall

Blackpool v Lincoln City

Peterborough United v Swindon Town

Carlise United v Barrow

Tranmere Rovers v Scunthorpe United

Altrincham v Weymouth

Wrexham v Boreham Wood

Neal Ardley has warning for Notts County as he aims for perfect start.

https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/angry-neal-ardley-warning-notts-4570147

its not much of a warning or ardley being 'angry' but its interesting.

"You go through the basics of what it takes to win a game of football and the hard work, the stuff that was lacking against York City  last week," 

@liampie and, @SteGee got me thinking. Where does everyone prefer to sit when watching Notts?

I've watched Notts in every stand, although the Derek Pavis stand tended to be where I went with my family. Early 2013, I switched to the KOP and, I haven't looked back. Personally, I have found it to be far more friendlier as nobody really talked in the Pavis. It came across as unpleasant at times at times, when more mature fans didn't like my children singing when young.

I wouldn't have been far from @magpiejue, as I sat near the home dugout.

I spent about 7 games in 2016 (I think) in the Family Stand, due to a bad dislocation and, I actually found it more enjoyable than the Pavis. Mind, people do awfully swear a lot and, shout more nonsense than I have ever heard in the KOP.

I can understand that tactically, he's not always right and in games he does seem to settle for points. Most managers are floored at this level, but when something works it's usually for the better.

Two home games are up next, that's a good chance to mark up 4/6 points on the table.

I'm not concerned, some teams start slow but I feel we need to avoid pressure. The expectations of us walking the league isn't realistic I feel, nobody will because it's difficult.

The calls for Ardleys head, I don't understand. Nobody can be serious at this point?

What's your thoughts on him as a manager, I would be interested in any views that object to him as being the manager.

Notts County to launch streaming service to help Covid financial battle

https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/notts-county-launch-streaming-service-4558156?fbclid=IwAR3-3GI7LzhQo_V-GACjCtNNBJ93k8RFR5GaDVUEOasohVNCgZQVkQUmAE0

Will you be subscribing?

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

Some members might already know Ste, he's very active with representing Notts and assisting fans. He's kindly joined to help me out with something I have big hopes for. ????????????????

Thanks mate!

If Notts did well in the pre-season everyone would be hyped up about the season, but this year people are writing off the friendlies as if Notts have been dreadful throughout. Is there really a genuine concern?

I thought the York game Notts played poor, the one before wasn't that bad.

Against Alfreton Notts looked decent and able to match a side which wanted to press or get in their face.

I will wait until 10 games into the season before judging any of the players, a goal always lifts sides and losing to York isn't a major defeat. The lack of football in a league match would be but perhaps Neal Ardley wanted to see Notts play the game out of possession?

i know it wont be the same as we rely on updates online, the radio and games which are streamed. at least we have a club, players and owners who want to move the club forward. the history is always being written, after the upset of losing in the playoff final, it would be nice if we can be stronger over the course of this season.

i am eager, ready and excited about the upcoming season.

IT STARTS TOMORROW. not long now!!  

Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham @CurtisNCFC,

Thank you for joining to help me out, I appreciate it. Soon quite a few other members will be saying hello and, welcoming you too. Good to have you on board.

Let's pretend that we can judge based on pre-season games and a FA trophy loss to Harrogate Town....

Round 1: Rose v. Reeves

- Reeves started very well, but against Harrogate and York today, he was average/poor. Having said that, he could just have the edge on Rose for me at the minute, just...

Verdict: Reeves

Round 2: Crawford v Sloth

- We've hardly seen anything of Sloth. What we did see he was largely OK.

Verdict: Unknown.

Round 3: Sam/Knowles v  Dennis

- Sam looks a very worrying signing. Absolute garbage today and hasn't been inspiring any other game either. Looks like a basketballer trying to play football. Knowles is raw. Can't see these 2 replacing Dennis' goals. The combination of signing an unknown foreign player and an untested 18 y/o from the bottom end of L2 is looking like a terrible decision. 

Verdict: Dennis. By a country mile.

Round 4: Pilling v Fitz

- Fitz was a great shot stopper but couldn't catch a cross or control his area to save his life. I'm seeing some similar traits from Pilling.

Verdict: Unknown

Round 5: Booty v Rodrigues

- Booty showed a lot of promise. I heard he was still training / trailing with us, not sure what happened to that. The injuries he suffered really put the brakes on his Notts career though.

Rodrigues has shown plenty of glimpses that he can really play. At times when the tempo is increased, he looks a bit shocked and uncomfortable, but that's something he will adapt to. Has all the basic ingredients to be a success here.

Verdict: Rodrigues

It's currently HT. 0-2 York.

I can't remember the last time we were so poor. As has  been common in this pre-season, we are again in a diamond and again it isn't working. The build up play is sooooooo sloooooooow, I think a pub teams over 35s will manage to get 11 players back behind the ball before we even get out our own half.

The quality of our passing is shocking. We have not troubled them once, have we even been inside their box?

Get a ******* grip Notts!