Hello, @Peter Speers. Do come back and join in when you have the time, you will get more from the site by contributing to it.

It's good to be welcoming another new member to the site, welcome to PON @Peter Speers.

Hello, welcome to the Pride of Notitngham @Peter Speers. I hope to see you join in with the Notts talk here on PoN.

I personally feel that Junior Morias wasn't utilised to his full potential while he was with us. His brief appearances showed glimpses of talent that perhaps needed a bit of nurturing with consistent playtime. The club’s decision to loan him out, at a time when we could have used a player like him upfront, still baffles me.

With his contract nearing its end, I think we’ve missed a trick here. He might just find the form elsewhere that makes us regret not giving him a fair shot. Signings sometimes don’t work out, but considering our ongoing struggles for goals, giving Junior more playtime could have been beneficial for both parties.

Going against the grain, Junior to me, appeared a panic signing when we were short up front.

Watching Junior Morias perform at Dagenham, I can’t help but wonder what might have been. His time with Notts was brief, yet the flashes of brilliance were unmistakable. It’s disappointing the club didn't invest more time into developing his skill set here.

I understand football is often a game of results and decisions sometimes veer towards immediate impact over potential. However, with our current form lacking, nurturing a player like Junior could have proved beneficial in the long run.

Every club has its share of might-have-beens, and for us, Junior stands out as one. It’s imperative we learn to not repeat such oversights with future talents.

Wishing you a wonderful birthday, Shaun. Many happy returns!

Wishing you a Happy Birthday Shaun. Have a great day. 

Happy Birthday to the one and only Shaun Derry!

Wishing Cedwyn Scott a happy birthday.

Wishing you a wonderful birthday, Cedwyn Scott. Many happy returns!

Happy Birthday to Cedwyn Scott. I hope he's feeling happier and getting the support he needs. I hope his birthday is a highlight and a turning point for him.

I agree, it would be between two of the names mentioned in the voting, and I have gone for the one who delivered much of the fight to keep Notts within a slight glimmer of salvaging a draw, which is David McGoldrick.

Matt Palmer all the way. I think he's getting his stride back in the team. Not that he hasn't been good, but now he's more like he was before his injury. He seems to have a drive that helps us play more calmly.

The poll has now closed.

Thank you all who voted & we have a popular winner tonight. The Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match for his outstanding performance against Walsall is Club Captain, Matty Palmer.

17 hours ago, Robbie said:

By the way @saddlesore, are you a season ticket holder at Walsall & do you travel to away matches too?

It's nice to see another Club's supporter on PON.

It's says on your account your a newbie. I wouldn't call you a newbie seeing you've been on here 9 years.

Lots of water under the bridge since then.

I think you need an up to date badge.

Yes, season ticket holder and attend most away games. Been to County many times since the 80s.

I think the Newbie badge is related to my number of posts. Only usually around when we play each other!

@saddlesore 

Even so it's good to have you visit & express an opinion from time to time

I do think that your team is one of the favourites for an automatic spot, although you just never know, which team below is going to hit some good form.

We are just hoping that once we get these injured players back, we'll start winning some games & put some pressure on yourselves & Port Vale.

Doncaster had a good win last night so we can't count them out either. Then there's MK Dons starting to play well too.

It's going to be a very competitive league this season. 

November and December are always tough, even without injuries. Fair play to Walsall for grabbing the win and making the most of their chances. I think there are points to be made about how Notts were slow to defend, but I accept this. I just hope we bounce back because I don't like when fans call for the manager's head during a promotion chase. We should be more unified, in my opinion.

Well done to George Abbott. I think he was brilliant during November, and it would be great to see him continue his fine form in December and into January. No doubt he is a big player for us, and having him for the full season is massive.

Congratulations to him. George Abbott has put together some excellent performances during November.

Who else? He deserves it. Exceptional month, and we need to see him continue the form in December.

yes, it was going to be tough but it would be a great experience for them and something that should help them learn. no shame in the result at all.

Agreed, there's no shame, and it was nice to see photos on my personal Facebook account of fans in attendance. Unfortunately, I wasn't there but will make sure to give my support to the youth team in the future. Fulham's calibre was always going to be difficult to play against, but very proud of our lads for being drawn against them.

Hard luck to the youth team. A 0-4 defeat might feel disappointing for them, but no doubt they will have earned praise from many fans who have been watching them regularly. Some of them might be the future of the club, so that will be their focus now. They should know we are proud of them for just drawing an academy like Fulham's.

The results:

Bolton Wanderers 3-1 Mansfield Town
Leyton Orient 3-0 Bristol Rovers
Stevenage 2-0 Northampton Town
Wrexham 1-0 Barnsley
Bradford City 1-1 Barrow
Colchester United 4-0 Swindon Town
Salford City 2-0 Harrogate Town
Tranmere Rovers 2-2 Morecambe

---

Congrats to @ARLukomski, this round's winner!

@ARLukomski - 10
@gtownjohnno - 8
@Fan of Big Tone - 7
@cheeky~k8, @Dan, @menzinho, @Robbie - 5
@4everapie, @DangerousSausage, @Megan_Elizax, @nottsnutter, @super_ram, @william1984 - 4
@liampie - 3
@Chris - 2

---

This is our table. We're nearly halfway now and it's close! @ARLukomski moves joint top with @Robbie, with @super_ram slipping a point behind. @william1984 is in triple figures and @Fan of Big Tone is almost in mid-table...

---

The next round is on Saturday, so the fixtures are online now! Thanks for playing and good luck in the next round!

9 minutes ago, DangerousSausage said:

@Fan of Big Tone is almost in mid-table

Whoop whoop, the great escape starts here. 

Celebrating two points in style!

Just 2 points, 2 points... ???? 

I’m in deep trouble thank goodness there isn’t a Division 2 Prediction League I’d surely be relegated. 

Don't get too giddy @liampie, just keep my place in the top four warm for me

@Fan of Big Tone chin up, the only way you can go is in that direction. some good rounds and you will be back in the mix easily. ????

On 02/12/2024 at 20:30, DangerousSausage said:

Don't get too giddy @liampie, just keep my place in the top four warm for me

i would, but i think you need to be worried about @thommo, @william1984 and @Megan_Elizax overtaking you.

Probably works out at around 16-18 home games as midweek Tuesday is awkward and will always miss a couple of because I’m away. Hopefully make a couple of away games, long gone are the days of going home and away every season.

i have not missed an away game or home match so far, so i am happy with that but the way notts are selling multiple games it makes it harder. i am lucky enough to be able to afford it, but it means scrambling to get the tickets.

I've attended most league games home and away , missed Crewe away and the FA Cup games... Burton away the only BSM I attended too

Looking forward to Fleetwood away... that will complete the current 92 clubs, all with #Notts 

i am not really watching anything right now but i will watch this topic for suggestions.

I have been watching excerpts of the Film Noir classic Double Indemnity on U tube.

I've watched it several times but always like these old films.

Edward G Robinson & Barbara Stanwyck stars with Fred McMurray as the insurance salesman 1944.

@menzinho I have the bad habit of scrolling through Facebook's 'reels', and a behind the scenes look at Day of the Jackal showed. It looked interesting, as at first I thought it was going to be some Johnny Knoxville type prank but turned out to show glimpses of how the main character changed his identity.

--

Yesterday, I watched Brian and Charles (2022) on Channel 4's on-demand app.

It's different, somewhat strange but very well produced. There's some very funny moments; it's like a mock documentary about Brian who has a quirk for inventing things.

Interesting move for Leicester City, but as a Notts fan, I’ve seen enough managerial turnover to know stability is key. I am not exactly sure how this appointment will turn out, I half expect it to end in tears, but he could do well. They need someone who they will stand by, so hopefully it won't end in disaster for them.

i am not sure i see the sense in it either, but i wish leicester city all the best. i would feel hugely disappointed if this was notts, but it does seem like an appointment someone like ah would have made. i am not sure its a good thing for them.

I really don't understand the sense of the appointment, it's not like he's earned a reputation as being a good manager in any other league, and it seems to be a very reckless appointment. If they wanted to give someone inexperienced the chance to shine, they should have tried to get Frank Lampard before he went to Coventry. It might have given them some chance to poach some good youngsters from Chelsea, instead of the other way around. Had they gone for Lampard, I would have laughed.

Good luck to them against West Ham tonight, they'll be hoping the hammer doesn't fall on van Noodlehead.

I thought you were congratulating him on having the same user name for a year @Robbie  he's a bit of a jinx that one...

Seriously though, well done - we'll teach you the secret handshake in due course.

2 hours ago, DangerousSausage said:

we'll teach you the secret handshake in due course.

He’ll have to pass the initiation ceremony first. 
 

Well done, @KingMaynard. Congratulations on reaching the grand master milestone! That's such an amazing achievement! ????

It's sad news, but his spirit will live on and in a way, at least he's no longer suffering. I couldn't imagine living with the illness he did; it's a scary thought.

Rest in Peace, Ralph McClure.

Very sad news.

Rest in peace Ralph McClure.

Happy birthday, Neil! Your passion and commitment to Notts County made us all believe again. We’ll always remember the incredible journey you took us on.

Wishing Neil Warnock a very happy birthday, a true Notts County legend!

Neil Warnock the man who gave us hope and belief. You were exactly what the club needed during your time here. Happy birthday, and here’s to many more!

4 minutes ago, NiftyNick said:

Dutch players often adapt well to our system, so scouting there makes sense.

Bring back snijders and Jenner!

Will you be posting about potential strikers or other positions we might strengthen @ARLukomski?

Notts should focus on players who are versatile enough to cover multiple positions. For instance, a winger who can also slot in as a wing-back would give us more flexibility, especially during those inevitable injury crises. The January window’s tricky because good deals can be rare, but the recruitment team has been spot on lately.

Hopefully, they’ve already identified targets who fit into our style of play and can hit the ground running. It’d also be smart to look for younger players with potential resale value.

@NottsTastic @JIMBO The toughest targets to get will depend on the fee needed to get certain players. I imagine after his stellar season in Ireland and St Pats' resurgence under Stephen Kenny, it'll take a decent fee to prize away Brandon Kavanagh. Harvey Vale has been Chelsea U21 captain and so I imagine that'll be difficult, especially as he had a good loan spell in League 1 last season.

On the flip side, Ellis Taylor is possible because Harrogate could do with a bit of money and Taylor is good enough to step up to a top end League 2 side. Jack Holmes would most likely be available for loan, as will Dylan Duffy. Jacob Mendy and Anthony Forde haven't had the game time they would have probably wanted and I imagine they could be tempted away. I would like us to spend a bit of money in January and look at young talent available and not try and go down the player resurrection route. For every Jodi Jones, there's a Charlie Colkett.

The poll has now closed.

Thank you to all those who contributed to a record vote.

I am pleased to announce that by an overwhelming majority, George Abbott is your Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match against Peterborough, for his outstanding performance,, topped off by his sensational goal. 

His performance really was a top-draw effort, one which continues to impress me just how his quality shines. Congratulations to George Abbott on a job well done! If my memory serves me this will be his third Pride of Nottingham Man of the Match of the season.

And, he's even in the running for the Player of the Month for November!

Well done to George Abbott, he did put in a fine performance against a very good Posh team.

Peterborough United looked strong in attack but reminded me of last season's Notts defensively. They were quite poor at the back, and their goalkeeper seemed clumsy and easily beaten. This isn't to take away from our efforts, but he looked awful.

I thought Notts would go on to win the game, despite Peterborough growing into it. The timing and number of substitutions didn't help us, but the squad worked hard and represented the club well. Some of The Posh players had big egos, and I wanted us to humble them, but it wasn't to be.

The game deserved a draw, as both teams put in a solid effort. It's a shame we couldn't secure that fourth goal to take it to penalties, where I fancied our chances of clinching the win. The Peterborough players appeared to assume they had already won, based on their premature celebrations after their first goal. I was heartened when the referee quickly intervened, urging them to move on. Notts showed great resilience and determination, making it an evenly matched contest right until the end. This determination and fight deserved more than the final score reflected.

Morning @Robbie morning everyone, it’s raining here too and very dismal.

We won’t be putting our tree up just yet to be honest we probably wouldn’t bother if the family weren’t coming to stay, we only have one tree in the lounge, I couldn’t cope with one in the bedroom. 

This morning we’ve been preparing our loft bedroom ready for the carpet fitters who are coming tomorrow, I’m hoping the weather will cheer up this afternoon so we can have a walk without getting wet through.

Have a great Sunday everyone whatever you are doing.

Looking forward to this afternoons Rams game v the Owls.I hope we start the game better than last Wednesday's game  against Notts last manager's team,Swansea and the Rams can find their shooting boots and be clinical with their finishing.Wishful thinking.

3 hours ago, super_ram said:

Looking forward to this afternoons Rams game v the Owls.

I imagine that wasn’t the result you wanted @super_ram 

Manchester City aren't undefeatable. They are a great league team, but even with all their spending, they struggle in Europe and that's their true measure. I think a lot of English clubs are figuring them out and have game plans that allow them to be more expressive and restrict what City can do. I wouldn't be surprised if there's more going on behind the scenes, but I haven't heard anything. Not even rumours, which I would imagine there would be.

Losing five games on the trot and then following it up by blowing a 3-0 lead at home is pretty extraordinary, especially when you consider that City have wiped the floor with the Premier League for the last five years or so. Against Spurs they were lacklustre and second best in every department. I don't mind it at all as it's about time we saw another name on the trophy, but you do wonder if there's been a bust-up behind the scenes.

A note of caution though: they remind me a lot of Bayern in Germany. Every season, they tend to have a poor run which is seized on by the press and everybody talks about the Bayern "crisis". They then bounce back and win the league regardless because nobody can touch them. I wouldn't bet against City doing the same.

Big match for Pep today as Man City meet league leaders Liverpool at Anfield. Another defeat will put Pep under even more pressure.

Sorry @super_ram, beforehand if this is something you disagree with.

Frank Lampard only succeeded at Derby County at a point where their chairman was spending money, and wanting to buy young Premier League talent as a way to force themselves back into the Premier League. Mel Morris, seemed to start off with good intentions but quickly seemed to enjoy rubbing shoulders with the bigger players/clubs. He reminds me of Alan Hardy to some extent. Although, one I would say is Temu and the other Wish.com (Morris/Hardly).

Lampard had good foundations at Derby, an ambitious club, and he managed to use his connections to bring in good players from Chelsea on loan.

Jumping to Chelsea was the wrong decision, and that has impacted his career ever since. Everton seemed a sillier decision considering how they had dropped off since selling players like James Rodríguez, and the downfall since it is largely due to Lampard being the wrong appointment.

I can't see him succeeding at Coventry City, not even if he has his uncle Harry Rednapp on speed dial.

I don't have any sympathy for him, he seems to choose clubs based on how desperate he is and how big of a club they are. He doesn't seem interested in working at a level where he could truly learn and improve over time. Being a good player doesn't make you a great manager. To some extent, I feel the same way about Steven Gerrard.

"Being a good player doesn't make you a great manager. " Spot on @Chris

I can’t help feeling that this appointment will end in tears.

I struggle to leave Didzy out. A better option than Grant if you ask me. I`m impressed by Ness and at this moment I do prefer him slighly ahead of Macari.

I prefer Tsaroulla on the right and Jones on the left.

Bass,

Ness, Platt, Bedeau,

Tsaroulla, Abbott, Palmer, Jones,

Crowley, Didzy,

Jatta.

I think there's room for rotation among the striker department. Jatta is an excellent player, but sometimes he's better coming off the bench on rare occasions. He would make my first team if I wrote it down on paper. Scott Robertson could easily come into the team, allowing us to play Matt Palmer further up and still leave room for George Abbott. What strikes me is the amount of room for rotation. Plus, if we sign quality players in January, we should be onto a winner.

I think if we sign players in January, the squad could look a bit different. Bass, Macari, Platt, Bedeau, Abbott, Palmer, Crowley, Jones, and Tsaroulla make a great team to support Jatta or a new striker. I still hope we give Cedwyn Scott a chance to play in his natural position. Both Scott and Scott Robertson could easily fit into the first team, but they also make the bench stronger.

Didzy’s been the heartbeat of our attack this season. What stands out most is his ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s converting a penalty or threading the perfect assist, he rarely puts a foot wrong. His age might make some think he’s nearing the end, but his performances suggest otherwise. He’s shown incredible fitness levels, and you can see he genuinely loves playing for Notts. It’s also clear that his presence boosts the squad's morale. Younger players must learn loads from him, and his experience is helping us keep pace at the top of the league. If he stays fit, I wouldn’t bet against him being pivotal in a potential promotion push this year.

McGoldrick’s impact is unreal, he seems to turn up when it matters most. We’re lucky to have him.

McGoldrick has been a revelation this season. You’d expect a player his age to be winding down, but he’s been the opposite – leading from the front and delivering in crucial moments. His ability to link up play, create space, and score when it matters has turned potential draws into wins, keeping us competitive at the top of the table.

It’s not just about the goals, his influence on the younger lads and his knack for reading the game are invaluable. If he keeps this level up, retirement seems like a distant prospect. The Magpies are lucky to have someone with his calibre and dedication.