What a phenomenal turnout @Fan of Big Tone we have just watched on Mrs P's Facebook, apparently over 8000 on a work day at that. Just think if it had been at the weekend, I suppose Martin is working to a deadline for holidays etc, must remember the whole team hasn't had a break since before the season start in August. 😇🤔⚽️

Looking at the size of the crowd in the Old Market Square and the large number of Notts fans that attended the Playoff Final, the interest in the Club is only going to grow, & I'm sure that season ticket sales will grow too. It's a fantastic time to be a Notts supporter.

It shows in one picture just how much support and potential Notts has, provided we keep working on establishing a secure future proof club then things like this should only become the norm. I don't mean every season, but there's no reason why we can't enjoy a promotion more often, even if it comes with the setback of finding life harder in the Championship, or League One in our current case.

Even though I wasn't present, I felt proud and encouraged especially for the level headed fans who didn't get on the players backs or Paterson's during challenging spells last season.

It shows unit as one, good things can come and even if promotion wasn't gained this past campaign, most will see the progress that it would be nearer the corner next time than it would be to fall short or drift off. Most who are hesitant may simply be concerned about football's unpredictability. However, well-run clubs often thrive, especially with the solid support we have.

Good morning one and all on this changeable Sunday morning, 3 days back in the UK and all is well 😀

No lazy Sunday morning for us I'm afraid @Fan of Big Tone as we have had our two youngest grandchildren for the weekend (parents going to a music festival) Horses to feed and poo picked, plus filling of haynets and boxes whilst seeing to the wants and demands of our little cherubs. Yesterday was a visit to Markeaton Park in Derby, what a beautiful place, countryside, massive play area and water, so it wasn't long before they were dragging Mrs P for a little paddle. 😂 The sun was unbelievably hot and soon drained Grandad and Mammar. The look forward aspect to this little adventure, mum and dad are back today 🥳

A week and month ends with mixed emotions. The joy of Wembley but the week, ends with news of the death of a good friend's sister who died in intensive care following an operation.

Really sorry to hear that @piethagoram

Football shape

A football is actually a prolate spheroid, which means it's pointy, not spherical.

(Source Google) 

BVI one of the most secretive tax havens..why?

Abbott is still 20 as well and won't count to the registration numbers. If they're willing to give him another shot at League 1, we'll be front of the queue.

Spurs have a couple who we could continue our great lineage of loans. Akhamrich who bagged 6 in 19 for Brizzle Rovers is a similar player to Luker, Olusesi looks to be a very good creative midfielder, Matthew Craig who got some decent Notts lineage (grandad is Ron Still) and is a Scotland under 21 and lastly Melia who's got a ROI cap and experience at St Patricks.

Max Saunders is a player I really like, he's also out of contract at Crewe, super tidy in possession type player. Tom O’Reilly, was also on loan at Crewe from Villa last season, reminded me of Crowley but with a touch more aggression when he played against us at Meadow Lane.

Odin Bailey been released by Stockport, to the surprise of many of their fans, he'd be quite the upgrade on Norburn...

2 hours ago, menzinho said:

Max Saunders is a player I really like, he's also out of contract at Crewe, super tidy in possession type player. Tom O’Reilly, was also on loan at Crewe from Villa last season, reminded me of Crowley but with a touch more aggression when he played against us at Meadow Lane.

Odin Bailey been released by Stockport, to the surprise of many of their fans, he'd be quite the upgrade on Norburn...

Seconded on O'Reilly. But with Jones, Cal and Tsaroulla already in the room, I think the 4th player should have Iorpenda-style physical attributes to give L1 teams different things to think about.

Always good to hear @StarkMallard penne for his thoughts!

Cambs were poor at our place but this bloke was their stand out player that day. Then he popped up and scored 2 at their gaff.

He is predominantly a full back (right sided mainly), not sure about this “…..anywhere across the back…” . He moved into midfield briefly in both games. He is gritty & robust. Perfect replacement/cover for the injured Macari & able to “do a Norburn” too.

Excellent acquisition, look forward to seeing him in a Notts shirt. Welcome aboard.

From what I've read from Cambridge fans he's a very solid defender, hard working and never shirks a challenge. Was Cambridge's highest rated player on Fotmob & Sofascore so he should be a really decent addition to our defence.

Clearly had a great season last season, hope he can push on with us now and that he can make me change my mind about the effectiveness of long-throws!

I thought this was about the Shane Meadows film for a minute!

The criticism Southgate got was way over the top. In the future, people will be perplexed that the first ever coach to take England to two major finals got abuse, like when Notts fans were calling for Warnock to be sacked. He inherited a group of players that looked disjointed and frankly terrified whenever they played in a major tournament, took off the pressure and moulded them into a team. He could have handled the final better, but without him we wouldn't have been there in the first place.

12 hours ago, StarkMallard said:

I thought this was about the Shane Meadows film for a minute!

Apologies, I got the title wrong it’s Dear England NOT This England, I’ve changed the title of the topic.

I caught about 20 minutes of it the other night, and I was amazed how much the actor looked like Gareth Southgate. I found it interesting that England stats suggested we took penalties the quickiest and Germany the slowest. All those years felt like a curse when a little more time might have helped.

It was also interesting to see the team bonding drils that they would do, which must have helped prepare them to perform more as a team on the pitch.

Jones and the back 3 collectively a close second

Hard to single anybody out - outstanding team performance. It is the case that Jones stood out, great display, 2 assists and a goal. It is stating the blooming obvious to say, he doesn’t do that if the defence are wobbly and hacking it anywhere, Robbo & Norburn aren’t dictating the tempo and spreading the ball around and Grant isn’t aware, sharp and putting the ball into his path, intentionally or otherwise.

They couldn’t cope with Jones, but they couldn’t cope with the others either. I’m not his biggest fan but that was a truly remarkable performance from him - so, if I had to pick someone, I’d go for him, marginally above McDonald, Robertson & Ness - the rest are less than a 1/4 of a point behind!

The final Pride of Nottingham Man of the Match poll has closed.

I'm delighted to announce that Jodi Jones has unanimously won the Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match award against Salford in the playoff final.

Thanks to all who have voted throughout the season.

Looking at the last three seasons in League 1 the fourth from bottom club relegated got 44 points in 23/24, 46 points in 24/25 & 49 points in 25/26 which was outlier compared to the first two. 50 points is widely regarded as the classic safety benchmark. 56 + points should be comfortable.

I think that if Notts treat every game one at a time & prepare for that game & focus on that game entirely like they have under Martin Paterson this season, & aim to win every game that they play, I think Notts will be able to compete with any team in League 1 & shouldn't have to worry who's below them.

4 hours ago, Robbie said:

Wow, not a confidence boosting thread here. I think we need to be more optimistic than thinking of finishing in 20th and just missing relegation.

Sorry @Robbie but I’m trying to be realistic here, it’s not going to be a walk in the park it’s going to be a tough league, points will be hard to come by, if Notts finish 5th from bottom I’ll be happy with that obviously I hope and want them to finish higher but as I said we need AT LEAST 4 teams to be worse. It’s not a negative thread just a discussion to see what others think.

3 hours ago, Sheffield Pie said:

It's a fair question.

Thank you.

56 minutes ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

Sorry @Robbie but I’m trying to be realistic here, it’s not going to be a walk in the park it’s going to be a tough league, points will be hard to come by, if Notts finish 5th from bottom I’ll be happy with that obviously I hope and want them to finish higher but as I said we need AT LEAST 4 teams to be worse. It’s not a negative thread just a discussion to see what others think.

Thank you.

Of course it won't be a walk in the park. It is a big step up for the Club, & there will be some very difficult matches against some top sides. The Club will have to recruit well in the summer to try to ensure that the squad, all of the squad can play to the level required. If players become injured or suspended the players that replace them will need to be very able deputies.

But it's not just that the squad should be stronger, it's the way that the Head Coach and players treat every single game that they will play.

When Martin prepares for a match his focus is entirely on the club that his team will play. He will prepare his players one match at a time, & he will aim to win that match. He won't look at the matches ahead. He will play one match at a time. He won't look at the league table, his focus will be on one match, & when that match is over he'll prepare his players for the next match, then the next.

And this is the reason why I have confidence that Notts will compete well in League One.

And one more thing. Martin has experience of winning promotion, but he also has experience of saving a club from relegation in League One. Burton Albion. Another reason to be confident.

Thanks @Fan of Big Tone it's much appreciated, had a great day on the 24th and an even better day on the 25th when we blew away Salford. 🥳😎

I am very sorry that I am wishing you a belated birthday, @Michael D Pie.. I hope you had a great birthday, and enjoyed/ing your vacation. I have seen some of the pictures you shared and they look amazing. I hope you managed to get to watch Notts too. There’s a good present for you.

@Chris your slogan is now true 🤠👍

A field where dreams become reality

Wembley Stadium was that field and the reality is that we are now a big part of division ONE.......... COYP 👏

The omission of Cole Palmer, Morgan Gibbs-White, Harry Maguire and one or two others has seriously depleted the team in key positions. Maguire is a genuine go to defender who gives everything for England and always has done, Mr dependable who will be sorely missed. The inclusion of Jordan Henderson is an insult to English football and a kick in the teeth for Palmer and Gibbs- White. How has Ivan Toney managed to get infront of Calvert lewin or even Danny Welbeck, who has had a cracking end to the domestic season. There is not enough depth and class to the team from what i can see, so unfortunately we'll be lucky in my opinion to go much further than the group stages. I hope I'm wrong. ⚽️ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

John Stones getting picked having barely played any matches this season is very disappointing for me. No idea why Lewis Hall isn’t in the squad either, seems Tuchel would rather have a right-footer in Djed Spence playing at left-back. 🤷‍♂️

Not super keen on Henderson and Mainoo, I would’ve picked Adam Wharton and Alex Scott at Bournemouth. 

The attacking positions were always going to be the trickiest part, I’m not that surprised both Foden and Palmer missed out because we are stacked with lots of good players here. I agree MGW can count himself a tad unlucky here.

Toney is a strange one too, the only reasoning I can think of is that he’s spent a whole season playing football in an extremely hot climate, so the conditions will suit him. But yeah, he wouldn’t have been my choice.

Harry Maquire shouldn't be in the national team, there's better unpicked defenders. Cole Palmer should 100% be going, I think Jack Grealish did excellent with Everton and can feel unlucky not to have been selected. There's always going to be players dropped or overlooked, what is refreshing is the fact that players don't see to be getting chosen due to the club a player represents or because the player has a reputiable name.

The only concern I have is Jordan Henderson, I have never rated him and we don't need a player just because they have experience. His lack of playing time is a concern. I'd much rather we take someone injury prone that is a capable player because it's less of a risk that the position won't be just a bench warmer. If he captains England, even in a vice captaincy role I would be further disappointed. That said, I am happy because I would hope it makes those who have not been named peform even better. Palmer can't do much more; he's a bright spark in an average Chelsea and a real joy to watch.

I would say it seems more "team focused" than individual stars to be relyed on if performances are not good.

Hello one and all from a misty Morocco. Does anyone remember the Time Tunnel?

We have one in our Hotel 🤔

@Michael D Pie. can you travel into the future and see if we are in league one next season? 🤣

28 degrees and wall to wall sunshine here. 🥵

@Fan of Big Tone i have booked it for tomorrow at 13:00 hours, unfortunately the only time available. You have to read and understand the operation of said Time Tunnel before using. Don't know what time i will return, but you will be the first to get an answer to your question. So please be patient with me. 🤔😇

Martin talked to BBC Nottingham Sport regarding Monday's playoff final.

Another good read from BBC Sport. The build up to Monday's match continues.

BBC Sport

Interesting stuff @Robbie 

The results and votes are what they are. But something's awry if Aljofree can get 10 more votes than macari on 27 fewer appearances!! Macari should be far far higher on that list than he is. MP wouldn't have picked him 36 times until his injury, if he wasn't doing well.

I think MP described him as 'underrated' in one of his interviews. PON votes definitely point towards that.

Well, I guess you are likely to get more votes for having 2 outstanding games than 36 “steady” ones - and I vaguely recall Aljofree having a “stormer” early season but genuinely can’t remember the game itself. I agree that Macari has been a stalwart and has frequently been a contender but he’s been eclipsed because one of Iorpenda, Mc Donald, Platt, Jatta and Tsaroulla have usually attracted the bulk of the votes. Same applies to Palmer, tho’, quite frankly, that is astonishing. I voted fir him once only.

The number of votes for Palmer does actually surprise me greatly, given that there are generally only between c 7 - 15 votes for MOTM on here. He just hasn’t been all that good for most of the season, indeed he’s missed c 35% of it.

I think that it was great to see so many players (19) getting a Man of the Match award.

It's maybe surprising to some that Macari & Hall didn't get an award, but some players can perform steadily all season without standing out in a particular match. The fact that Martin kept picking them shows that he values their contribution.

Players like Grant & Bedeau with two awards & Bennetts with one were three other players that are valuable to the squad & played a large number of games.

Matt Palmer is a fans favourite so it's no surprise that he received a large number of votes, especially earlier on in the season when there were lots of members voting. As for Aljofree he started reasonably well in the first few games, but other defenders were deemed more solid & he lost his place.

I do believe that the players that stood out over the season finished near the top of the list, however if McDonald, Platt, Jatta, Robertson & Belshaw could have played many more games, I think we may have seen a close race for the most Gongs awarded.

I have reason to shout for Hull today, but I'll go the other way after their pathetic reaction to Southampton's expulsion.

They spin a positive like playing a team that didn't know they were even still in it, into a negative - whingeing and bleating about a really unfortunate but necessary set of actions. What an awful message to send to their players and fans

Hull have scored in the 94th minute

Hull have won. I'm really pleased about that. They deserve it after all the shenanigans.

This will be a better game. I'd say Kyle Wootton playing at centre-back might not be looking forward to facing some of Ruben's through balls. You have to fancy Bolton?

Just listened to the Radio Nottingham Sport Podcast, and according to them, Notts have sold just short of 20K tickets.

The window to buy tickets for the final is getting smaller.

I see the club/Wembley/EFL (whoever was responsible) have recognised what's gone wrong and are releasing some cheaper seats and keeping them on sale longer. Spread the word!

I thought we’d sold over 21,000 up to yesterday. Add another c 1,000 in the various hospitality areas……

It may have been anecdotal and not official but U’d be surprised if we don’t match 3 years ago tbh.

I've never heard of Kieran Maguire, but it's just a question about the level of 'interest'. So what? The decision would still have been the same. And I agree. he's probably way short on the amount.

Thank you, @StarkMallard and @Robbie. 🫶🏻

Happy Birthday @Chris hope you enjoyed the day. Nice to know there is another ageing person in the same month as myself, mine is on the 24th commonly known as Commonwealth Day. Sixty nine years young, where has the time gone. 🕰 😟

You have let the cat out of the bag there, @Michael D Pie. with regards to your birthday. Though, someone once told me all the best people are born in May and now I am more inclined to believe it. Thank you for taking the time to wish me a happy birthday. Time does fly by very quickly, but it's important we make the most of it. = )

2 hours ago, Chris said:

Dispite of his complaints that Notts playing on his birthday "messed up his day". He had a good time and enjoyed it. Did anyone notice the message I paid to have put up on the scoreboard? Or, even read out loud by Andy?

Thank you for the birthday messages for Jake, I will let him know.

Yes I said in the first post that I saw it,I tried to take a picture but it didn’t come out right. There was also a RIP message for an old fiend of mine, seeing it made me quite emotional, he should have been at the match, he’d be delighted to see Notts going to Wembley.

@Fan of Big Tone Sorry to read this. :(

Belated wishes for your birthday @super_pie hope everything went well. From myself and Mrs P.

I can message a fan that I believe can help you, with regards to value I think it's more about what people are willing to pay. Rather than them holding value, I have a signed home shirt by the full squad from the season we were relegated, and I couldn't even gift away. I had another, which had been donated to charity and a person came forward asking me to sell it for him. I just bought it to help them but nobody really seems all that interested in owning them. I gave one to my son's collection, and I gave the other to a friend.

The 07/08 might be of more interest to people, since I can't imagine many are around. Whereas Alan Hardy distributed signed shirts to people and charities as freely as a dentist gives out sugar free lollipops.

12 hours ago, Chris said:

I can message a fan that I believe can help you, with regards to value I think it's more about what people are willing to pay. Rather than them holding value, I have a signed home shirt by the full squad from the season we were relegated, and I couldn't even gift away. I had another, which had been donated to charity and a person came forward asking me to sell it for him. I just bought it to help them but nobody really seems all that interested in owning them. I gave one to my son's collection, and I gave the other to a friend.

The 07/08 might be of more interest to people, since I can't imagine many are around. Whereas Alan Hardy distributed signed shirts to people and charities as freely as a dentist gives out sugar free lollipops.

Thanks, really appreciate that — and thank you for the honest insight on value as well. That’s really useful context.

Just for a bit more context on the Tootle shirt, it’s from April 2019 with the Premier Facilities Maintenance sponsor, has Sky Bet sleeve patches, and “Tootle 2” on the back (size M), so I’m wondering if it might be a match-issued/prepared one from the last few league games.

If you’d be willing to ask the fan you mentioned, I’d really appreciate it 😁 I 'd also be happy to provide photos 🙂

The Match worn shirt I am told would be about £50-60, but both shirts are pretty much as I said open to pricing from the potential buyer. In the future, it might be worth more, as for the other shirt. I was told very similar, that it would need to be someone who really wants it that would pay above it. I have seen shirts sold for £100-150, usually with people more over the odds to get this because they want the shirt for their own collection or it's a reputable player. Nothing against Matt Tootle, I loved his time at Notts but a lot of fans blow hot and cold towards him.

I believe the white shirt worn by Jon Stead in the match against Aston Villa sold for a considerable amount.

I know when Notts have run an auction for signed shirts, that they tend to be the only way to gain more value from people. Matt Tootle may be interested in the shirt, but it's worth hanging onto.