Work was work. Never enjoyable.

Night out on Friday. Roxy's karaoke and Huddl darts. Saturday was Notts. Had a 20 minute service stop on the way back and managed to get 9 nuggets and a coke in less than 10 minutes, despite all the Norwich fans in the services.

Today I've been out celebrating my birthday with @Megan_Elizax. Tgi's, NQ64, Roxy's (again) and Slug & Lettuce.

5 hours ago, ARLukomski said:

Work was work. Never enjoyable.

Night out on Friday. Roxy's karaoke and Huddl darts. Saturday was Notts. Had a 20 minute service stop on the way back and managed to get 9 nuggets and a coke in less than 10 minutes, despite all the Norwich fans in the services.

Today I've been out celebrating my birthday with @Megan_Elizax. Tgi's, NQ64, Roxy's (again) and Slug & Lettuce.

I hope you had an enjoyable birthday @ARLukomski along with @Megan_Elizax .

Belated Happy Birthday @ARLukomski

Stoke City 1-1 Birmingham City

Wrexham 2-1 QPR

AFC Wimbledon 2-0 Rotherham United

Leyton Orient 1-0 Bolton Wanderers

Bristol Rovers 2-1 Barrow Joker

Fleetwood Town 1-1 Walsall

Hartlepool United 2-1 Brackley Town

Wealdstone 2-2 Gateshead

Stoke City 2-1 Birmingham City

Wrexham 0-3 QPR Joker

AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Rotherham United

Leyton Orient 1-2 Bolton Wanderers

Bristol Rovers 2-0 Barrow

Fleetwood Town 1-0 Walsall

Hartlepool United 1-1 Brackley Town

Wealdstone 0-0 Gateshead

The results:

Stoke City 1-0 Birmingham City
Wrexham 1-3 QPR
AFC Wimbledon 2-1 Rotherham United
Leyton Orient 1-1 Bolton Wanderers
Bristol Rovers 2-1 Barrow
Fleetwood Town 1-1 Walsall
Hartlepool United 0-0 Brackley Town
Wealdstone 2-2 Gateshead

No fewer than three of you equalled our season's best score of 13 points. Congrats @allardyces tash, @JustLikeJuve and @upthepies!

Overall, our three winners make big moves up the table, with @JustLikeJuve moving into first place ahead of @magpiejue and @gtownjohnno. But it's all to play for still, even for those of us languishing in 19th...

As we don't cover the prestigious tournament that is the National League Cup, the next round of fixtures will be on Saturday, so they'll be posted on Wednesday as usual. Thanks for playing and have a good week!

I used to be a big fan of possession based football, the theory being while you have the ball the opposition can't hurt you. Especially the Guardiola style played at Barcelona. The problem is to make it work you need players like Messi, Xavi and Iniesta. Now even Guardiola has tweaked his style at Man City as many teams have discovered how to nullify it. In recent years Klopp and now Slot have and other managers are adopting a much faster quick passing more direct style that is proving difficult to defend against because defending teams have less time to react to what is happening and get into shape. With this style you don't need Messi and co, but you do need players who can think quickly and pass accurately. I think that has become my preferred style, but not sure it's achievable with league two players. When that style doesn't work you tend to get long aimless balls up field. Sound familiar? It's possible that the brothers are thinking that Williams style leaves us too open at the back and Maynard's style was too pedestrian. Maybe they think Paterson's style is somewhere in between. Let's hope it works out that way. I suppose we will find out sooner or later!

I think it helps to think of keeping possession as just something good players and teams do rather than as a philosophy.

English club football had it's peak in the late 70s early 80s but the writing was on the wall before that. I watched decades of football where European teams full of 'technical players' dominated the ball and British players gave it away. It was always painful watching seeing England or English clubs chasing round the opposition unable to get the ball. Giving the ball away cheaply became the thing I hated most, even watching Notts, which could be torture over the years but you do it out of commitment and loyalty.

Saturday was a masterclass in giving the ball way cheaply, by both sides, and it was an awful watch. Over the decades, good technical play became embedded in the English game and trickled down the leagues to even reach the NL. I think that thuggish, physical teams only succeed down in L2 because of the way the game's officiated - it wouldn't wash in other countries. Generally though I don't think there's any going back with the direction of the game and we shouldn't deviate from trying to mirror the type of football played in the premiership. Sure it's got faster as @McPie said, but it's still based on great technical players able to keep the ball and find a man. I think that's what were trying to pull off at the moment. Good luck!

I agree with @theAnticlough - I think what we're being served up with now is the result of poor recruitment and MP being unable to convey his ideas (or both) rather than being our ultimate aim. The owners know this is not where we should be and that's what ultimately cost our DoF his job. They were aiming for a more incisive possession-based style with more pace from wide positions but it's not happening so far.

In general, there's more than one way to skin a cat! You just need to have a clear idea of what you want your team to be and recruit the players that fit it.

there is no arm in talking to him and seeing if the door can be left open for a return, even if other clubs are interested knowing that you are likely to fit back in and have a reasonably safe working environment is better than going somewhere unknown.

i dont want to speculate on if he will return as i really dont know, it depends on how the relationship was departed with.

Would the Brothers have him back? When Montague Departed it seemed a Strange Decision, he had after all known and worked with the Brothers for a number of years, and of course as always there was No Communication from the Club at the time of his leaving, was there a rift a Massive Failing Out or What? Did Montague wish to team up with Luke Williams again? But the Fan Base where once again, treated like Mushrooms, Kept In The Dark And Fed A Load Of B.S.

I don't know whether Montague would return here after the obvious change in footballing Philosophy at Notts.

Montague worked well with Williams & with Williams would Notts be playing the way they are playing now? I doubt it

The longer it goes on with an appointment the fear is that Notts could be struggling to get any interest.

Fair Point @Robbie players certainly wouldn't be happy sliding through Bird Guts after scoring a Goal. Imagine if it had been an Ostrich or a Vulture😂. But I remember back in the 70's when the Streaker Phase began and Football, Rugby and Cricket Matches were interrupted by Naked People. I bet it was Fun back then being a Steward, having to tackle a Buxsom young Lady as she sprinted across a Pitch. There was also the Famous photo of a Police Officer holding his helmet over a Young Man's Wedding Tackle after his Run across the Pitch at Twickenham. And then there was the guy who ran across the Field of play during an England Test Match, and jumped over the Wicket and a Commentator said it was Lucky he didn't catch the bails and poor Brian Johnstone couldn't talk for a few minutes for Laughing to much.

I remember that streaking incident @Wheelbarrow repair man at the Test match. Was it "Blowers" Henry Blofeld commentating? I'm sure it was.

I honestly can't remember @Robbie who was Commentating at the Time, just Brian Johnstone's Laughter. If I also remember right Morecambe & Wise did a Sketch about it. Eric was complaining about the Heat, then it cut to the guy jumping over the Wicket (giving the Impression it was Eric who had jumped the Stumps) then back to him sitting back down next to a Gob smacked Ernie.

Definitely well deserved! He looks the complete striker. His two goals against Bromley show that to me. His first a solo goal cutting in from the left and a great finish. The second, although not the tallest, timed his jump perfectly to head in against a very strong defensive Bromley back line. Well done Matt Dennis!

Some were sceptical about his arrival, with reason, due to his goalscoring record. But he's proving what he's capable of in front of goal so far hence being given this award which has been well deserved.

Long may this form of his continue.

Congrates Matt on a Well Deserved Award. I only hope the Player of the Month Jinx doesn't strike, as it seems to do when Players or Coaches are given an Award. Macca being the acceptance. Hope Matt goes on and scores many more goals in the Black & White Stripes (if he doesn't get Sold in January of Course)

I'm pleased for him. To his credit he did get Notts to sixth place and a playoff place. From January to May of 25 he was virtually on his own without much support.

We know that he was wanting in a few areas like EFL experience on the Management side & his substitution timings as an example, but he did give it his best shot, & if he had been given more support by the club hiring an experienced EFL Head of Football to help Stuart, & give advice who knows what the result could have been at season's end.

You might be right @Wheelbarrow repair man that Stuart was hamstrung by the perceived wishes of the owners regarding the Notts model then, but it looks like the owners have done a 90 Deg turn when it comes to Notts footballing model this season.

Pity they couldn't have given Stuart more of a reign over the style of play as they are appearing to give Paterson.

I haven’t been impressed with the recruitment, but I don’t think all the blame should fall on Roberto Gagliardi. Any failure is also the responsibility of those above him. We don’t even know if he left because of football reasons or something else entirely. If the club acted quickly after seeing he wasn’t the right fit, then fair play to them. But they also need to admit that hiring him might have been the wrong call from the start.

If we do get promoted and the loan players play a big part in that, it raises a question. What does that say about the long-term plan and how much credit goes to the short-term fixes?

Like I mentioned in the squad registration topic, there are signs pointing to a bigger plan. No major departures, space being cleared, and Paterson asking for new players all suggest January is the focus. Gagliardi leaving might be part of that, but it shouldn't cause too much disruption. It would help if the club explained the decision a bit more. Even if they don’t want to say too much, a little openness goes a long way with fans.

@allardyces tash . As I have said in other comments on the Site, the Communication by the Club to the Notts Fans is Very Poor, at Best and needs to be Addressed. As you say if they don't want to say to much, a little openness with the Fan Base, would be Welcome.

I want to be in the top ten at least @Chris, pretty much anyone can manage a title push with a couple of good rounds. You're right that relegation to the Vanarama Prediction League Conference must be avoided at all costs!

Shocked and Surprised feeling as though one weeks total eclipsed all other weeks combined

On 10/09/2025 at 14:52, Chris said:

I'm quite happy being where I am; there's room to climb, and provided I keep hitting the average points needed, I should be fine. I feel sorry for my better half; normally she's pretty good at this. Relegation must be avoided, @cheeky~k8, what happened to wanting to beat Super?

Its not super i want to be ahead of, not too fussed really on placement. Not last would be nice lol

Lifeline has always been key to helping the club do things that might not be possible otherwise. It’s worth every bit of support. For those who can’t join, I believe there’s still a way to donate and help out. Every contribution makes a difference.

love reading the comments about what lifeline means to people and what good it has done, i know it was started up to help the club operate if it was ever in need of money and that it has countless times helped with that but it is nice when owners are investing, that the money can be used to improve outdated or much needed areas.

I too, joined at the outset @Fan of Big Tone

I won £1,000 within the first year, a 50/50 maybe 15 years or so back and that's about it!

The new hand rails in the Pavis are appreciated. A necessary safety measure with our increased crowds in recent years

From this thread I take a simple view. Winning matters, but the way we win matters more. A team that shows resilience, shape, and shared purpose earns respect even on tough days. We need to see improvements in ball retention, transitions, and finishing. The fans notice when a team fights for every ball and sticks to its plan. If Notts can maintain that approach, the results will follow and the atmosphere will lift. It is not a sudden fix, but a steady build. That is how we become a strong side that people want to watch again and again.

Notts winning matters, but it isn’t everything. We need to win with a clear plan and solid football, not just hope for a late goal. The best teams combine grit with good play.

i am not sitting on the fence with writing this, but...

i think there is a time and place for winning ugly, and winning is very important but so is the level and consistency of good performances. it all depends on the factors and situation, but performances wont always be deserving of winning or all that good. you have to take into account why things happen, such as if we have injuries, backlog of fixtures and performances are not great, so be it. if we are playing a team in better form, win ugly. even local games like against chesterfield and grimsby i would not mind if we were not 100% in.

teams we should be doing well against, really should be good performance but winning is what gets promotions.

48 minutes ago, Dripsey3 said:

I wonder if Richard Montague will return to ML? He left Swansea yesterday. I know some PL clubs were looking at him but I wouldn't be shocked to see Richard return to ML.

I hope this happens Dripsey.

When the Bros got Burchnall and then Williams maybe we thought they had a conveyor belt of talent across all roles lined up to fit their philosophy and project.

We've since learned, from the appointments of Maynard, Gag, and maybe MP too that this isn't the case and recruitment for them is challenging. Lord Montague of Beaulieu driving back from Swansea in one of his vintage cars would be an easy and reliable solution. Gagliardi was obviously a mistake and we couldn't afford another

Good point @theAnticlough in maybe suspending the TB and just having informal meetings, while the football staff concentrate on helping the players to keep improving on the field.

It's vital that the players get as much support possible as they try to extend their unbeaten run.

i would like notts to give fans, at least season ticket holders updates on some of the inner working of the technical board. i dont think they should release sensitive information or anything opposition teams could use against us but at least some form of review as to what they are doing, looking at, working on and are implementing from what has been learned.

There's a good chance he could be on the bench at Gills @Randall. Jatta and Dennis did alright together, including defensively. Maybe MP will want to roll with that again meaning just 1 slot behind and JJ 's got nowhere near Iorpenda's level of performance on Saturday.

What a player JJ would be if he had 20% more strength and 20% more speed (he wouldn't be at Notts 😊) but since he doesn't, he gets a weekly battering playing inside. It's a shame but I feel the slot has been slipping away from him from the first game onwards.

If MP plays with two up front again, it's possible Jodi would play at wing back and replace Gordon. Although with it being an away game at the team top of the league he might go more cautious and just go with one striker.

Solid post. We need steadiness more than big signings. Notts must prioritise continuity under the Reedtz brothers.

I think Germany might be off the cards for a bit, especially if Jatta is still with us, he wasn't able to go first time he joined when we had a mini-trip over there too.

On the whole I think going away is good, it's great for team bonding as it forces the players to spend more time together and therefore they get to know each other that bit quicker. The massive issue was Jatta’s visa and that almost overshadowed the whole pre-season. It caused a right hoo-ha because his agent wasn’t happy, Jatta then didn’t play for the B team and we all freaked out expecting him to leave before the window shut.

The teams we played in Germany were equivalent to Championship sides and a League 2 side. We then played Port Vale and Cardiff League 1 sides and Alfreton a National League North side. I don’t think the level of opposition was too bad overall, as @DangerousSausage says maybe changing one of the better teams in Germany to a League 2 level side would’ve been better.

Agree with @magnum.p.i.e about Alfreton though, I think it’s just one of those that gets picked purely due to location.

Some things carry on for too long, and others just need a change. I think both of these apply to the club playing in Germany. At our level, it ends up being expensive for fans to travel. While it’s a unique experience, I feel like it’s had its time now.

It’s something the club should only do every few years. That way, the squad can be better prepared, and the staff can do more by staying local. We should focus on teams that are closer to our level. Port Vale and Cardiff were good choices and made more sense for where we are.

If the preparation is done properly and the recruitment is sorted in good time, I don’t really have a problem with it. The concern is that if you go too early, you might end up taking trialists just to fill the squad.

It could be a nice reward for some of the younger players, and it also gives new signings a chance to settle in and get used to the team. If we do go ahead with the tour, I just hope it starts a week or so later. That would give us time to organise friendlies around it and make sure everything runs smoothly.

I bet they’ll have to deal with the consequences much sooner than Manchester City. It always seems like the bigger clubs get more time or leeway.

It’s frustrating when people talk about making football fair, but teams still get away with dodgy behaviour. The punishments often come years later, when the damage is already done. If the rules are there, they should be followed properly and dealt with quickly. That’s the only way to keep things fair for everyone.

I agree @thommo about some teams getting away with dodgy behaviour. It's just so dissapointing that once again we have a cloud over another one of the big six Clubs in England.

It does seem to follow that the richer the club the bigger the chance of something untoward happening financially.

Chelsea may be able to prove their innocence & a club is innocent before being found guilty. But if the club is found guilty the severest sanctions have to be applied to set an example.

I don't expect it to be sorted anytime soon. In a way you almost need the rules to be simplified, even just reading some of the FA handbook is baffling. It's split into like 40 sections now. Some rules/regulations now sub divided so you end up with things like: Rule 3: 3.a (i), 3.a (ii), 3.a (iii), 3.b, 3.c (i), 3.c (ii), 3.d... There can be lots of parts to just one rule or regulation!

The lawyers can tie everyone in knots with all the legalese and loopholes. They can drag it on and on and make the whole thing more of mess than when it started.

Hope the delay in the Surrey game lasts until the end of the day!!!!!.

Latest League Table.

Title decider coming up very soon....Surrey v Nottinghamshire

@Wheelbarrow repair man: I think the correct story is that you were mistaken for Richard Stilgoe.

@NottsCountyKev, carefully looking at the options, I think meeting Alan Shearer is more likely than the others.

My five facts:

1) I once entered a pancake-making contest at a 5-star restaurant that I worked at and beat qualified chefs with my mix.
2) When my school was closing down, I did an interview for ITV Central News where I said that the school needed saving.
3) I took a penalty kick in the 90s at a home game and scored against Notts' reserve keeper.
4) My school selected me to take part in a local football competition at Harvey Hadden, where I was the top scorer for the team.
5) Two ex-Forest players once tried to talk me into signing a contract with their youth team after I was scouted at a school game.

@Wheelbarrow repair man

I think that your point four is false.

@NottsCountyKev

I think your point four is false.

@Chris

I think your point 5 is false.

1) When I was thirteen years old I used to go potato picking at the local farm earning Ten shillings a day.

2) When I was fourteen I bicycled to Skegness with four mates & we camped there over the weekend during the summer holidays.

3) When I was eleven years old I passed an entrance exam to go to a Private School in West Bridgford.

4) One of the many cars that I have owned was a bright red 1973 Triumph Spitfire in 1975.

5) When I was 12 years old my mate & I had our Bicycles stolen from outside Highfields Lido while we were swimming. The Police brought us home thankfully.

@Robbie, I reckon the fourth one is your lie. It just seems the least likely out of the bunch.

Now we just need to wait for WRM to share his. I’m curious to see what he comes up with. This is quite fun. I enjoy seeing what people choose and trying to guess which one isn’t true. It’s a good way to learn more about each other.

@Fan of Big Tone . In the words of the Great Spike Milligan, It's all Rather Confusing Really. But Thanks Appreciate You taking the Time to look up and Post your Findings.

This has come up a few times, and I think the club could be clearer with its communication. From what I can tell, there are only three people in the media team. I’m not sure what the person filming goals in portrait mode does exactly. One seems to focus on video content, and Nick appears to be responsible for all the written work.

It might help if they added another writer to the team. That way, the site could offer more updates and be more informative for fans.

Maybe the issue is planning. The old media team under Jamie Dixon felt much more focused on the fans and what they wanted to see.

On communication, I had written to Jason Turner several times over the years but not once got a reply or even acknowledgment.

He kept his Twitter profile locked too.

He was an excellent administrator but those updates I presume, were personally made only after a nudge from the Bros?

I would rather the money be spent on the squad rather than another public relations person.

However I do think the club could use help from retired Notts fans out there!

One year and one day on ( I was stuck in central London most of yesterday)

but valuable thoughts from Stan Collymore

Thoughts too, to @Fan of Big Tone

Thanks @Piethagoram its 13 years now since that awful day we lost our son to suicide, it changed our lives forever, I sometimes wonder how we got through those dark days, months and years but we had to carry on for our other son and our grandchildren. We had great support from our family and the charity Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, (SoBS), talking to others who have lost loved ones definitely helped.

It’s true what Stan Collymore says someone’s suicide affects not only family but friends and colleagues etc. it’s a ripple effect.

It can hit you like a fast train, and once it takes hold, it’s hard to see a way out. Depression is something we should all look out for in our friends and loved ones. If you’re struggling, don’t keep it to yourself. Speak up when you feel able, before the weight becomes too much to carry.

I have some very good friends, but it’s tough when you can’t get out and don’t see familiar faces often. It adds to the pain, especially when you’re dealing with loss after loss. That kind of heartbreak builds up and makes everything feel heavier.

I won’t speak too openly about my own experience. I’ve seen people I respect get attacked for talking about their mental health. I don’t need that. I don’t want to deal with people who show no support and no sympathy, only judgement. They act like it’s all for attention, and that narrow view makes it even harder for those who are struggling.

Looking forward to the next blog, they are an excellent read. 👏

Hot off the press! a fresh football pie blog served up for the PON crowd to tuck into. If it tickles your taste buds, feel free to leave a reaction or a comment.

My blog carries on, and I want to make it clear that I’m using this tone to lighten the mood a bit. Things aren’t unknown right now, so I’m trying to keep it quirky and different. It’s how I try to stand out. Last time, I saw a comment on the PON Facebook page that was a bit disheartening. I just want to say, I write every word myself, not to have a dig at the club, but as a way to deal with things. It helps me cope.

Hello, welcome to the Pride of Nottingham. 🙂 Nice start to life here.

Hello all, many thanks for the warm welcome - very much appreciated, and many thanks to anyone who has taken the time to read my article and leave a comment. To the fan of Big Tone, I would have bought you a pint but you're too late. I've already spent the winnings! 😉

45 minutes ago, Graham said:

Hello all, many thanks for the warm welcome - very much appreciated, and many thanks to anyone who has taken the time to read my article and leave a comment. To the fan of Big Tone, I would have bought you a pint but you're too late. I've already spent the winnings! 😉

It was a very good article. I enjoyed reading it. Well done

Hello, @ANTHONY PERKINS. Welcome to the site, you should see that it is well worth your time even if you post less often. Check back in, and if you get bit by the PON bug you might just become a regular.

A big Hello and Welcome @ANTHONY PERKINS. Do you own a Hotel or Fix Showers? I'll get my Coat.

Hello, @ANTHONY PERKINS. Welcome to PON. See you on the site. 🤞

Is there something you wish to share with the group, Tone? Have you bought a barge for future canal holidays?? 😂

I used to walk from The Embankment bus stop, through the small housing area, and over the bridge that connects to a path that goes under two homes. One of the times, Jake, Cal, and I were walking when a bloke started shouting abuse at us.

The person started throwing these pebbles at us; at first, none of us realised where the shouting was coming from. I just heard "who you looking at", "bunch of chavs". "I'll **** you up". We hadn't stopped; we didn't look back until Cal mentioned that a crazy guy was shouting at us. When I turned, that is when he started throwing pebbles at us. I asked him what the problem was, and if he wouldn't mind stopping swearing. He didn't; he went on to spout more abuse.

While claiming that we had been staring into his garden from over the bridge, still being targeted, I told Cal and Jake to wait beyond the footpath, as I didn't want them to be hit or for either of them to get annoyed. Not that Jake would, but Cal certainly would have said something back if provoked enough.

I asked why he was being so aggressive, and that we would have been gone now had he not acted in this manner. That we hadn't stopped and that he might have mistaken us for a different group.

He continued, so I told him I couldn't be bothered trying to reason with him.

Before I left, I told him that the bridge was a public right of way and, whilst I understand that it can be annoying when people look into his property, I reaffirmed that we were just walking over the bridge as we found it peaceful. This caused him to start. Acting like Hulk Hogan when he "hulked" up, he stood right at the edge of his garden, patio, or whatever.

Shouting "Come on then, I'll ave ya!" and "I'll take all three of you on."

My response, "You're offering to fight minors that haven't done anything wrong; you have been acting like an idiot and throwing pebbles at us." "You don't want people looking at your property?" "I would give you the advice to stay inside your home because if you act like this when you are out, people will look." He told me to **** off. I just replied, "Why would anyone want to look at your property?" "What garden?" "You have a little patio area; my bathroom is bigger."

I have never seen someone cause themselves to ventilate so much.

@Chris I often walk through that way, I think quite a few folk do, I hope that bloke doesn’t try to “take on” everyone who eyes happen to wander in the direction of his bathroom sized patio. 😂

Here's another tale of mine, but this time a rather funnier encounter.

My friend and his partner, who Notts refer to as Martin and Patrina. 😅 They kindly allowed me to join them, and this is the reason I managed to get back on the road to support Notts. On the way to Tranmere Rovers, we pulled into a service station. Mark (Martin, as Notts insists), myself, and Jake were all wearing this season's home shirt.

The doors to the service station were at an angle, which meant having to walk around, and as we did, a coach pulled up with a large number of Manchester United fans.

I instantly noticed a lot of angry, throwing faces directed towards us, and thinking quickly in my head, I said, "Nobody mention Grimsby Town," followed by, "We're Notts County fans." This cracked up several of the United fans, who surprisingly had a good sense of humour. A woman replied, "Don't worry, even you could probably beat us." There's a lot of laughing, and then another United fan goes, "Don't worry, lad. We are friendly," and another said, "Who do you have today?" then added, "You're in the wrong part of England if it's Grimsby Town."

I replied: "Tranmere Rovers, we are looking for our first win on the road." They all laughed and joked, "You know how we feel now." 🤣🤣