I assume the first day back is all about checks and measuring where the players are, maybe some light gym work. Possibly some jog exercises and nothing that would shock them too much, even though they will be in shape - I can imagine there's a lot of recording of dietary and health stats.

By now, I would assume they have kicked the ball around and tried to emerge the new signings.

The first day back can be very exciting, with the club sharing pictures - I am pleased they all looked very determined and happy. Just wait until the actual training starts and you start doing laps at Meadow Lane.  

There’s much for the players to catch up on. It’s lovely to have them back, and it provides the new signings with an opportunity to adapt to our lifestyle.

We've been surprisingly quiet in terms of posting bits and pieces about the players returning for pre-season... Last season we had lots of videos and pics but it's been very quiet so far this time round. Anyway I noticed a pic from the club website and couldn't quite tell who this was...

Is this someone new? It’s not Alex Bass, it’s not Nick Tsaroulla and I don’t think it’s Matty Platt. The last person with the No.12 squad number was Tiernan, but I don’t think it’s him either… Am I wrong though? He looks familiar so have I missed someone completely obvious?

it sounds like a great fit for him, i do wish him all the best and hope that chester can have a good season. connell rawlinson should be a key player for them.

I have great admiration for Connell Rawlinson. His decision to work with Notts and to mutually agree on his release I believe allowed this to happen. I'm not sure that he would have been Chester bound otherwise. I really hope he can settle down, get himself on the team sheet and help Chester move forward.

It's a great opportunity for him.

This is a positive move for Chester. Rawlo’s addition to the team could make a significant difference. His tall stature could be advantageous. Since his departure, he has quickly managed to get things in order. This swift action leads me to agree more with @Chris’s viewpoint.

I think we all know how those fans feel!

it would be awful to have only 25 minutes but notts fans and other clubs who have been in dire straits will know the pain. i am glad they survived.

Those scenes are well worth it; I am pleased and thankful not to see another club fold. Vitesse have some very passionate fans, and it's difficult to see any supporter bases like them struggle.

its sad what happened in his later years, such a difficult time to live as well. i doubt professional players care or think about stars who earned little its part of why you cant relate to some of them regardless of their talent. whereas you can with players like tommy lawton.

@liampie

How True Your Words Are. How Very True.

It’s truly tragic what happened to Tommy Lawton in his later years. However, his footballing accomplishments and earlier life weren’t all bad. It’s just heart-wrenching that he passed away without any family around.

@Fan of Big Tone a compositor!

@Piethagoram where the tram now goes over near the train station?

I adore looking at old photos of Nottingham. The city changes so quickly, it’s fascinating.

being relegated from the football league seems to have come at a pretty big cost for sutton.

He’s a solid defender with good ball skills. It appears that Sutton is breaking up their team. Bromley should be able to utilise him better. He seems like a promising signing.

i went to look for the other parts but could not find anything further on this. it might been wiser to comment them all in a row. i would have liked to understand it more. i will add he seems to have an interesting account.

@Piethagoram  

Very good article to read. Highlights what Southgate is lacking in managerial terms and how the win was more fortunate than deserved.  

Slowly more pundits and journalists are starting to question his managerial ability when it comes to tactics, in game management and selections which has been a problem for a number of years now. 

England might want to reconsider changing the formation, unless it can truly bring out the best in the squad. We could end up putting more pressure on the defence. Shifting to three centre backs could work, but the question remains, which three do we start with?

20 hours ago, themightymagpies said:

which three do we start with?

Walker Stones Konsa (Guehi when returned from suspension)

shes a great lady, i liked the video. people like her seem rarer these days to think of others more.

If a person were mapping Nottingham, where would they put Bulwell?

The Pennines are called the Backbone of Britain, So We All Know What That Makes London.

There are many headaches for our next game. I hope Luke Shaw is ready to join in. The suspensions will mean changes. I hope England adapts.

1 minute ago, Blake said:

There are many headaches for our next game. I hope Luke Shaw is ready to join in. The suspensions will mean changes. I hope England adapts.

Personally, I think Luke Shaw should be sent on the plane home. Hasn't played since February and not played a part in the previous 4 games. We can't be bringing in a player who's had a lack of football like he has into a quarter final match. We've already been underperforming without a semi fit left back.

On 27/06/2024 at 22:19, Robbie said:

I would rather see Kane up the field leading the attack and not being in his own penalty area half the time.

England are supposed to have World beating midfield players, so why is the Manager giving Kane, what amounts to be a free role.

Cloughie would say " Young man, I pay you to stick the ball in the net so get up that pitch and do just that, or I'll pay someone else who will"

Fully agree. Let the midfielders do their thing, focus on your own job being up top and get the goals. Shearer has wrote a column on the fact Kane should be staying forward. It's annoying to see how deep he drops. 

There's been a few comments about how England don't provide enough for him but it's hard to provide a striker who's never in the box to receive the balls. 

Southgate should be strictly instructing him to stay up and avoid dropping deep but the fact that he drops deep every game speaks volumes that Southgate is allowing him to do this. 

Either instruct him to stay up top or bring someone like Toney or Watkins to partner him so he can drop deep leaving one player up. 

Something’s got to give, but the new faces could be a boon. If Cole Palmer doesn’t make the team, I’d be gutted because he’s been exceptional every time he’s played.

His message showed class. Some players leave without a word. Even though he was pushed out towards the end of last season, he was professional enough to write it. I'm glad he chose this way instead of more fans turning against him.

Connell Rawlinson has earned my admiration during his tenure here. He’s a decent chap who always gave his best. I hope he finds a new club soon. After five seasons and less playing time, a fresh start could be beneficial for him.

Best of luck to Connell Rawlinson on his move, he might find employment with a club like Newport. With the right team, he should be able to extend his career by a few more years.

i dont know why, but i thought this was going to show the after effects of when people leave rubbish and crap everywhere because they cant be bothered to take stuff back with them.

@super_pie was telling me about him as we watched Germany vs. Scotland. Supposedly, the German manager told him he was wanted, whereas Gareth Southgate wasn't as bothered. Jake's also mentioned how he's good friends with Jude Bellingham. It's a shame we are losing this type of talent, because he could be making us stronger as a nation.

That said, if it's true that Germany showed more desire for him to play for them - I completely understand.

It's sad to lose good players who should be playing for England. I think he would bring a breath of fresh air to this squad and help the breakthrough players.

Would have loved Musiala to have selected England over Germany but unfortunately Germany offered him the opportunity where as England didn't do that. He's a world class talent that's able to showcase his ability for them, I'm not sure he'd have gotten a look in with the England set up as it stands. He'd probably be like Cole Palmer with the ability but only enough to see him sit on the bench and look on. Unfortunately, he probably made the right decision. 

A loss for Nottingham tonight.

In their last match of the Championship Rugby season Nottingham Rugby have beaten Caldy RFC 28:8 tonight at the Bay.

Great to have a win in their last match.

The players are back in training for the new season.

Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, it's good to have you @BiggestPieInGlasgow.

Hello, @BiggestPieInGlasgow. I can't imagine we have a lot of Notts fans up in Glasgow, but that said, welcome to PON.  

1 hour ago, lambleypie said:

Hello, @BiggestPieInGlasgow. I can't imagine we have a lot of Notts fans up in Glasgow, but that said, welcome to PON.  

few and far between; although I did meet a fellow 'pie in glasgow airport when FlyBe used to go to EMA; havent found him since but i'm sure the dream of mine: Glasgow chapter of the NCFC official fan club will draw him out of hiding  

How uh doin "cobber"?

North Notts pit talk 

Ok How Do You Know When It's Raining Cats and Dogs? The Ground is covered in Poodles. 

seen this going round facebook, i just put the phone down or leave the calls on but go elsewhere. i wont say yes and i wont call back.

@Chris I think that's why  @Robbie and myself think Jack's move to Man City wasn't the right one for him.  Sine Pep's got hold of him, Well let's just say it's A disappointment. I think that  Jack is much better off in a weaker team, that is where he's the Star Turn at City he's surrounded by other Top Players and this I think as made him Lazy. At Villa they relied on him they needed him, and by Far was their Best Player. With that Pressure he seemed to Thrive, but remove that Responsibility and well we've all seen the Result.

Despite that I still think Southgate should have taken him to Germany (my opinion) because even if Jack was on the Bench he would still be an impact player. As I've stated before it wouldn't Surprise me, to see Jack move in the Next Transfer Window. 

gareth southgate will be aware of comments, i am sure he will be trying to avoid them but its impossible. football does not treat people very kindly when it turns ugly, nobody can say he does not try and just be things are different under him. the performance have not been great. the personal attacks, the verbal abuse and idiot behaviour towards him is unacceptable. criticism is fair, but the other side is not that.

england wont sack a manager mid way through the tournament.

similar to when things turn ugly at notts, all it does is add pressure and makes worse. its very ugly and whilst i think fans should be able to express themselves, they should show a bit more support at times.

Today showed we have better in-form players who deserve to be there ahead of Jack Grealish. Personally, I think his partying spirit has affected his game, not Manchester City. He should be making a big impact but is now failing to even make their team.

White ball season incoming.

@Robbie

The Reason why Jane Grey was only referred to as Lady Jane was the fact she was Edward VI cousin and Not a member of the Royal Family as a Child of Henry VIII would have been. Where as Edward VIII was Prince of Wales and the Heir to King George V.  And was Pronounced King on the Death of His Father. The same happened to Edward V  heir to Edward IV,  ( one of the Princes in the Tower) who ruled as King for two months, before being over thrown by his Uncle Richard Duke of Gloucester who became Richard III (The King in the Car Park).

My favourite lion was The Red Lion in Alfreton, Sadly no longer open.

@super_ram

My Favourite Pub (when I was old enough to drink) was called the White Lion, in  Long Eaton. Went back for the first time in 40 years a few Weeks ago. Obviously it's changed in that time, but Not For The Better In My Opinion. A once thriving Pub, it's now one of those  Stale Plastic Oldie Worldly  Real Ale Pubs, with No Atmosphere and very little going for it.

There are many Shady characters who were in the Employ of English Sovereigns or the People who "Advised" the King or Queen Robert Cecil Queen Elizabeth's Spy Master was one such person, who hired people to  work as Servants in the Houses of People that were Deemed to be Traitors who would bring harm to the Queen or Replace the English Monarch with the Scottish Catholic Mary Queen of Scots. Then of course there was the ever looming threat of the Spanish, so a Spy Network was an essential to help Protect and Serve the Queen and to Keep all ills away from her Person.

Another story (unproven) was that Robert Dudley 1st Earl of Leicester who was one of Elizabeth Favourites and a contender for the Queen's hand in Marriage had someone approach Cecil on his behalf to have his First Wife Murdered, so he could be Free to marry the Queen. Dudley's first wife was found dead at the bottom of a Staircase. However such was the scandal surrounding the Death, and the rumours of Dudley's involvement in his wife's Death, it became impossible for him to Marry the Queen. Eighteen Years after his first wife's Death, Dudley married for a second time upon hearing this Elizabeth promptly banished her from Court.

oh wow, this is fascinating! how long until some of this details inspires hollywood to make a money. it explains how queen elizbeth knew so much.

@liampie

Kate Blanchett played Queen Elizabeth and Joseph Fiennes Dudley in the film Elizabeth ,

Helen Mirren and Jeremy Irons played the parts in a TV Series.

Another interesting story is the one between Elizabeth and another of her Favourites 

Robert 2nd Earl of Essex.. But that's for another time.

The site is fine, as was the old one. There’s not much difference aside from the design and navigation. If it makes the online shop and other features more streamlined, then it will be a good thing. I just wish the ticketing system was better; even TicketMaster is dreadful.

It looks similar but nicer. To be honest, I thought it was the same site, just redesigned. It's that close, but I still think it's impressive.

Yes, it appears to be a nice design. I particularly like the menu area as it has a very modern look. I’ve noticed a few issues, but they’re easy to overlook. However, the club’s request for fans to report issues might be something they regret, given how particular some people can be.

@Chris sometimes I do have some topics for the forum but they can end up being a bit long winded and I think, who’s going to want to read all that! So I usually end changing quite a bit and cutting a lot of thoughts out just to make them snappy and more as a discussion starter! I’m probably suited to churning out a couple of articles every now and again, so yes I’d be more than happy to contribute.

Drop me a PM if you have anything suited for publishing as an article. I'll keep you in the loop - re:content so that things don't cross paths. I am over the moon that you're up for it!

PS. I know what it's like posting long comments, sometimes I just throw caution to the wind.

I hope so. I think if we do well enough, next season we might see a few more successes. This time it really shows how well we did. We had the highest assist maker and the highest goalscorer.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea (06-18) all identify the best players and go out of their way to sign them. It generally works, but some of the best players in the world don't always work well. Sometimes you need a dependant player, that might not be the best but does exactly what you want.

England has a good squad.

Defensively, I think it's a lot more promising with Marc Guéhi. I think he's a far better defender than John Stones or Harry Maquire combined. He's settled well into this squad, but when you push good players to play in weaker areas due to a lack of cover there. Such as Kieran Trippier who has done well on the left side and can play the position - this tournament I just wished we played him on the right where he's extremely far more lively.

Midfield wise we are extremely blessed, and I think the best players we have in this department can work well together, provided they keep a better shape and make movement. Rather than remaining stagnant and merely staring into space.

You have to make the best players you have accountable, push them and ensure you can get the best out of them. Otherwise, it's just wasted potential.

@Chris

@Wheelbarrow repair man

As an example, Jude Bellingham has been lauded as the best England player we have and is also touted as currently the best player in Europe and is being mentioned as being in the same page as Ronaldo & Messi

I've seen Messi quite a lot playing for his club and internationally, and I can't remember him having a poor match. If he didn't score, he was till an influence on the pitch.

Bellingham has had a poor tournament to date. He scored England's only goal in the first group match and he played reasonably well in the that match too, but in the next two he looked ordinary.

I don't want to say he is overrated because he is clearly a gifted player, but as in any sport such as tennis for instance, talent is one thing but the head has to be tuned in too.

For me Bellingham looks out of it mentally at this time, his reaction to the rough treatment he was getting was telling, & he looked frustrated too.

jude bellingham looks like a great player with no end of potenial but the last two games he has been virtually invisible. players like him need to be game chargers, have that spark that makes things happen. we have a talented squad and some of the best players in the world but that does not mean they will be great when playing together.