Just when we were all bracing ourselves for yet another trophy for Bayern, something delightful and unexpected happens. Recommended viewing (hope the video works in the UK).

This was Eintracht's first trophy in 30 years, so understandably there were absolute scenes!

What the video doesn't show is that fact that the referee consulted VAR twice. Once for Eintracht's second goal, as Bayern claimed a handball in the build-up. That was given as Kevin Prince Boateng attempted to move his hand away from the ball. Then the second time when Bayern claimed a penalty with the score at 2-1, which again wasn't given although Boateng (again) clearly took out Bayern's Martinez instead of the ball. No that I'm complaining  Eintracht then broke from the subsequent corner and scored the third with the last kick of the match - great stuff 

After the match the Bayern players and management through a massive mardy and disappeared without acknowledging the fans and before the trophy was presented. Only Manuel Neuer (to his credit) stayed to acknowledge the winners.

Just looked in the app for the shopping list and this popped up...

I assume Ben has done this. Need to sit down with him and have serious words about his choices !!!

So you have been asked to manage a Notts County Dream Team  past and present Notts County players against a Nottingham forest Dream team. You are allowed to pick 11 player to start and 6 players for the beach and the bench must contain i goalkeeper who would you pick.? 

Ok...so (for my sins, maybe!) I'm a 48-year Supporter of this club. I go 'way back' to a time when you could stand on the Kop terraces and have a convo with your mates in the Lane, end, during play!

We attended 'pea soup' night matches and (understandably) if you were close enough to see/recognise a lino/Ref's 'mistake'; then you excused them/it, simply because of the 'conditions' at the time.

This past Season, however, we've all watched what I consider to be some VERY UNFAIR and proper DOOZIES - from both linesmen and Ref's - that I'd go as far as to say, have a) cost us a Top Three/automatic place/promotion; in addition to (guesstimate) an additional 10 - 15 points that wrongful, abysmal, dire and not-fit-for-purpose calls, have robbed us of! (Not least (as beautifully explained in another article here, by Joe) the recently televised play-off's against CCFC, have demonstrated just how (many) wrong decisions, over two matches, turn EVERYTHING around!

I've heard the 'moans' - mostly from opponents and those who wish us ill-will - that KN, AH, all of us, who witness it and complain, weekly, should "just get over it, that's football"; but my questions now, in 2018 (not the 70's) are:-

1.   Should we expect less-than totally professional and CORRECT decisions from officials - part-time or otherwise?

2.   Should the FA and EFL be doing 'more' to ensure 'fairness' in football?

3.   With NO/NOT ONE/NONE of the Officials at the World Cup from the UK, is this downturn something we should be accepting of?

4.   Is the 'answer' for each Club to offer to pay for training/continuous 'education'/wages of officials (obvs not to officiates at their 'home clubs' games)?

5.   Are you happy to pay to watch 'more of the same' in the coming Season?

6.   What do you think should be done to change the situation?

Which retained players would make your team?

We can assume that the players offered contract will extend their stay, so it will be out of the following players.

Lewis Alessandra
Shaun Brisley
Terry Hawkridge
Elliott Hewitt
Noor Husin
Liam Noble
Jon Stead
Matt Tootle
--
Pierce Bird
Richard Duffy
Ross Fitzsimons
Dan Jones
Michael O'Connor
Branislav Pindroch

Well here it is folks...

https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/retainedlist

Under contract

Lewis Alessandra
Shaun Brisley
Terry Hawkridge
Elliott Hewitt
Noor Husin
Liam Noble
Jon Stead
Matt Tootle

Out of contract, offered new contract

Pierce Bird
Richard Duffy
Ross Fitzsimons
Dan Jones
Michael O'Connor
Branislav Pindroch

Out of contract, released

Shola Ameobi
Adam Collin
Carl Dickinson
Mike Edwards
Jonathan Forte
Elliot Hodge
Nicky Hunt
Rob Milsom
Callum Saunders
Alan Smith
Curtis Thompson

Loans expired

Mason Bennett
Jorge Grant
Ben Hall
Matty Virtue

Apprentices offered development contracts

Harry Bugg
Remaye Campbell
Declan Dunn
Alex Howes
Sam Osborne

Apprentices released

Dominic Brown-Hill
Peter Dearle
Ryan Ebanks
Curtis Hall
Jordon Richards
Joe Searson-Smithard
Edwin Towers

If you like the above songs feel free to discuss and click 'like'.

>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De5d1kiXnNY

My old Canadian friends

So on Saturday 26 May the Champions League final takes place, with an English team taking part for the first time since 2012 (when Chelsea won it).

The previous four years, Spanish teams have dominated proceedings - Barcelona and Real Madrid claiming all four trophies, with Atletico Madrid making it an all-Spanish final on two occasions.

Only Juventus have broken the Spanish stranglehold but both times they were heavily beaten by the El Clasico duo.

Atletico Madrid have won the Europa League this year - will the Spanish capital lay claim to both European trophies this year?

Or will Liverpool do what they did in Istanbul in 2005 and upset the odds?

Let's get your thoughts!

who do you fancy to win the world cup?

i think brazil are looking quite strong, i think they will make the final. argentina and germany also look pretty good for their money, so i think it will be between these three nations.

If anyone was thinking of moving their energy supply to a Nottingham company called Iresa, I've one word of advice for you.

DON'T

I moved to them a year ago from British Gas because at the time it was the cheapest deal, the move went through with no problems, everything was fine until the end of my contract when they put the price up, I started looking round for a cheaper supplier and found Bulb so I initiated a switch which should have been easy....nope. Bulb duly requested the switch but it was denied because "there was an outstanding debt" I couldn't understand this as the money is taken direct debit, so contact Iresa and told them just to take the money as normal, no reply, I tried to phone, after spending 40 minutes on the phone listening to horrible music I gave up. Finally after a couple of weeks of putting support tickets in on the website the objection was lifted and the gas supply was switched but the electric still had outstanding debt according to them, once again I put in a support ticket to tell them to just take the money that was owed by direct debit, then I had two DD's go out of my account one for the normal monthly amount and another significant amount, so I thought that was the money owed I tried to switch the electric again but it was denied again. By this time I was a raging bull and tried phoning again after what seemed a lifetime they answered and after I'd given them both barrels they finally lifted the objection and the switch will go through.

Looking online at my bills I believe I have paid too much God only knows when and if I will ever get it back, that's probably another battle I will have to fight.

So please, for your own sanity don't switch to Iresa, looking online at reviews they are awful, it's not just me someone said it was like the Hotel California you can never leave. 

Anyone who has an interest in Middle Eastern life and politics (as I do) I can highly recommend Tyrant from the American channel FX.

superb drama and a revealing look at middle eastern countries.

It is actually a few years old now and it’s shocking how close it has come to the truth when you look at Syria now.

With the release of Adam Collins and the new contract offer to Ross Fitzsimons will he be Notts County’s new number 1

Did anyone watch it way back when it was on TV? I used to enjoy watching it, as did my family. @super_ram used to chuckle his head off, but there's nothing like this on these days.

I know after ours stopped the show carried on in Australia (which is equally as funny).

Anywho, I'll share this video of Mark Dolan's top five moments.

Michael Petrasso, who had a bright loan spell at Notts County in the 2014-15 season, has found himself having a bit of a spat with Zlatan "Humble" Ibrahimovic.

The former QPR man is now at Montreal Impact and, during a game with LA Galaxy, he stepped on Zlatan's foot, and the big Swede retaliates with a clip round the ear, followed by a comical, synchronised going to ground between the two.

Petrasso was booked, but the Lion God or whatever he calls himself nowadays... sent off!

Alan Hardy posted a message of thanks to us fans following the end of the 2017-18 league campaign on the official website.

Quote

I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported us throughout the campaign.

Unfortunately there was to be no fairytale ending and, given some of the refereeing decisions we were subjected to over the course of our play-off semi-final tie, perhaps it simply wasn’t meant to be.

When the dust settles, we will be able to look back on an amazing season of progression on and off the field, culminating in a breathtaking occasion which attracted a record crowd this century.

It’s difficult to put into words the level of pride I felt looking around the stadium ahead of kick-off last night. Nearly every seat was filled and there was a terrific atmosphere swirling around Meadow Lane.

We are all united in our desire to have more nights like that and with your continued backing, I’m sure we will.

While the players will now have some well-deserved time off with their friends and family, behind the scenes the hard work begins straightaway to ensure we continue on our upward curve.

As always, I will keep you informed of the latest developments in our exciting journey.

Thank you once again.

Alan

https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/2018/may/chairman-end-of-season-message/

What would be your message to the club be in terms of this past season and going forward?

What other stadium or hospitality or general improvements would you like to see Alan Hardy make at medow Lane.?

He has not had the chance to get into the first team! Wish him all the best! Be a really good addition to a lower league two club. So far PON i think this retained list is going well. Thoughts?

I like him and always thought he gave his all to County I’m sad to see him leave.

So next season @Chris and myself were thinking about having a few Pon days. For example meeting for a drink pre and post match or upgrading to a executive box which myself and @Chris @super_pie and @super_ram @hissingdwarf @Fan of Big Tone and a few others. It was a great day Would anyone be interested in doing this next season or maybe something else all suggestions are welcome we would love to have a Pon group guys 

cheers guys 

According to a few sources, we have enquired about Chesterfield striker Kristian Dennis. An actual goalscorer. 

An actual goalscorer

https://mobile.twitter.com/SpireTweet/status/998541649553887232

https://mobile.twitter.com/EFLtransfers3/status/998584786741596163

Dane Arnold wrote a lengthy post on the PON Facebook page and I thought it was too good not to put up on here for discussion.

The squad needs an overhaul now some of the players past it and some not good enough

Gk Adam Collin not sure about him might be me I just don't like him as a player I'd get rid

Gk Branislav Pindroch not seen enough of him to decide worth keeping as third choice keeper keep

Gk Ross fitzsimons thought he looked good in goal till his moment of madness is have him fighting for number 1 jersey keep

Defender Matt tootle keep

Defender Carl Dickinson to inconsistent for me get rid

Defender Elliot Hewitt improved under nolan keep

Defender Richard Duffy I personally don't think he's good enough but think he will be sticking around one of nolans lads get rid

Defender shaun brisley worth another year chips in with the odd goal and assist keep

Defender Nicky hunt past it get rid

Defender Dan Jones on is day great worth another season keep

Defender pierce bird not seen enough of him will be on a low wage keep

Defender Mike Edwards still registered as a player although he's not played take him off the squad list

Midfielder Michael oconner come back from a long injury worth another year

Midfielder Terry hawkridge a bit light weight but on his day an impressive player keep

Midfielder Elliot Hodge low wage back up keep

Midfielder Curtis Thompson personally I like him but think his days are numbered get rid

Midfielder Alan Smith please please retire not been good enough for years just takes a spot on the bench off a youngster get rid

Midfielder Liam noble hopefully will see the best of him next season keep

Midfielder noor husin young lad showed glimpses of quality keep

Midfielder Robert Milson last year's player of the season not featured enough this year expect to see him go get rid

Midfielder Sam Osborne exciting young player want to see him on the bench more next year keep

Forward Lewis Alessandra to inconsistent for me when he's not having a good game we might aswell be playing with 10 players get rid

Forward shola ameobi probably past his best but we seem to play better with him in the squad think he's worth another year even if he can only mange 1 out of 2 matches expect him to retire but I'd keep him

Forward Jonathan forte worth another year on his form over the last month needs to be started more keep

Forward Callum Saunders not to fussed about him but if he dos stay get him on the bench personally I'd get rid

Forward john stead been a great servant to the club but I think it's time he goes not a goal scoring forward I know there hard to come by but his wage could help us bring a decent forward in get rid

What's everybody else's thoughts on the current squad not included loan players?

Alan Hardy is launching a new female team to be called Notts County Women to differentiate from the now defunct Notts County Ladies.

Thoughts?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44195466

should notts look to sign some players who are not available on frees like we did this past season?

if so, does it make a difference what positions these are or would you have a preference ideally?

I would definitely welcome him back with out a doubt he had a possitive impact on County and he played like he was a County player not on loan. 

With today, set to be the day the squad is announced for the World Cup, what would your England squad be?

Here's mine. Obviously some of these have been confirmed that they are not going e.g. Arnold, Wilshere etc. I changed my mind over who I would have taken. Ryan Sessegnon was originally in and Wilshere was out. But after seeing comments on Twitter and seeing that Sessegnon might get the Walcott 2006 effect, it would probably be better not to take him. Wilshere has shown he can be fit and be creative and we need that spark in midfield. Kyle Walker would play centre-back because that is where has been playing under Southgate in a 3-5-2. He also likes to use Raheem Sterling as a striker with Harry Kane. So if we're playing 3-5-,2 this is my Starting X1: Pope, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier, Henderson, Wilshere, Rose, Alli, Kane, Sterling

GK - Butland, Pickford, Pope

RB - Trippier, Arnold

CB - Stones, Walker, Tarkowski, Maguire, Dunk

LB - Rose, Bertrand

CM - Henderson, Shelvey, Dier, Wilshere, Loftus-Cheek

W/AM - Rashford, Sterling, Alli, Lingard

ST - Kane, Vardy