When I was a boy we lived in a two up-two down terraced house within about half a mile from the ground.

Dad was a postman and worked an afternoon shift, mam was a home help and would visit old people’s homes. I had two brother both older than me I was the baby the nearest in age to me was my brother David, he was five years older and had to take me everywhere with him mam used to say “look after your little brother David”. I’m sure I was a burden and I know I used to torment him and be a pest but he always did take care of me.

Saturdays mam would go to Victoria market shopping and told us if we were good she bring us an orange, apple and banana each as a treat and it was in those days. She also bring some meat for Sunday dinner, beef or lamb normally which she’d cook on Sundays with roast potatoes, greens and Yorkshire puddings, Dad always got up first on Sunday to put a rice pudding in the oven to slow cook, I used to love the burnt skin on top. For tea we would have tinned fruit and evaporated milk.

One Saturday my brothers friend came and said he was going to watch Notts and asked if I wanted to go, my brother didn’t go he was a Forest supporter. I went with his friend and that was the start of my long allegiance to the magpies, I was around 8 or 9 maybe so it would be around the early 60s I can’t remember who we played but I think we were in the fourth division, players I remember like George Smith in goal, Ivan Hampton one of the full backs, Centre half Alex Gibson etc.

It maybe a surprise to many, but I had a geographically split childhood. Most of my childhood like schooling was in SW London / Surrey borders. From about the age of 9, every half term, I would be put on the train at St Pancras and travel on my own to Nottingham to be met by my grand parents and then take the bus to the first stop on Farnborough Road Clifton.

Neither my parents nor grand parents had a car so everywhere was by train or bus.

My grandfather took me to #Notts games. Clifton memories was loving Midland Counties ice creams, fish and chips, sitting on the wall at the Fairham pub in the beer garden, my grand mother cooking chicken thighs on the stove. Sundays, off to the catholic church be it in Clifton or in town , St Patricks, London Road ( sadly demolished) or to the cathedral. Although Latin mass at St Patricks went over my head, as I was never taught latin at school.

Burnley 2-2 Bristol City

Millwall 1-1 Bolton Wanderers

Barnsley 1-1 Stevenage (Joker)

Burton Albion 1-2 Cambridge United

Accrington Stanley 1-2 Crawley Town

Bristol Rovers 2-1 Rotherham United

Fylde 2-2 Worthing

Wealdstone 2-1 Kidderminster Harriers

Burnley 2-1 Bristol City

Millwall 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

Barnsley 1-1 Stevenage 🃏

Burton Albion 1-1 Cambridge United

Accrington Stanley 0-2 Crawley Town

Bristol Rovers 3-1 Rotherham United

Fylde 1-2 Worthing

Wealdstone 1-0 Kidderminster Harriers

The results:

Congratulations to @Fan of Big Tone and @nottsnutter who share the honours this round!

Thus, @4everapie leads the way for another round ahead of @Paris Sandwich Man and @Megan_Elizax. But it's only round 5 - it's a marathon, not a sprint...

That gets us up to date again in terms of scores. The next round will be on Saturday, with the fixtures posted here tomorror evening. Thanks for playing everyone, but please let me win next time!

Yes, I was there. Fantastic atmosphere

Quite a season looking back. Losing to Forest on penalties, the Juventus game, a bit of an FA Cup run, Martin Allen sacked after a terrible December and January, then a great run and missing out on the play-offs on goal difference. Average attendance about 6,800.

I have heard Lee Dixon in interviews/podcasts claim that it wasn't his fault. He bloody lobbed David Seaman; what was he supposed to do? Quite a funny own goal.

He scored some belters at the other end mind.

This round is Tuesday's, so it's over now - I'll post the results once I've got my PC and my magic spreadsheet back on Monday. @Megan_Elizax, go to the thread for round 5 for Saturday's round (if you haven't already (edit - apologies, for some reason I thought you'd submitted your predictions a day late, but you were actually just in time)).

I've relocated my laptop, my abacus and my magic spreadsheet, and here are Tuesday's results! A lot of teams "respected the point" on Tuesday night...

@Paris Sandwich Man will be dancing around the Eiffel Tower as he has absolutely nailed this round with 17 points! Well done also to @Chris, @ARLukomski and @menzinho - it's pretty rare that four of you score in the teens.

@4everapie stays top of the table, with @Paris Sandwich Man and @ARLukomski making big jumps to join the top three.

The bad news is that this is already out of date! I'll add up for scores for last Saturday's round tomorrow or on Wednesday to bring us back up to date. Meanwhile, the next round of fixtures will be posted on Wednesday night. Thanks for playing!

Two-point deduction for @Paris Sandwich Man, re count, re count. 😂 Well done👏🏻👏🏻

I think that our defensive prowess has improved out of all recognition under Martin Paterson. When you consider how Notts used to be susceptible to crosses in open play, corners, free kicks into the box, & long throws. This has changed during the 5 games played this season.

I thought that Ness was the pick of the back line on Saturday, he was a rock at the back, especially in the air, although Gibbons, Bedeau & later Baker played well too. All of the squad who played on Saturday played their part but for me Ness just edged it over Cooper who would have been my 2nd choice .

If Gibbons hadn't gone off injured he'd have probably been my choice as he was having a great game. I am going to follow the crowd and vote for Ness, they made me worry with their long throw but I think Ness repelled nearly every one!

The poll has closed.

Lucas Ness has won the PON Man of the Match award v Huddersfield.

3 hours ago, theAnticlough said:

Jack Evans, anyone? Might that have been ihs best game yet?

I think he's more suited to the matches where we have less of the ball and our out of possession play and press is more important. That said he wasn't too shabby in possession either, but he seems to thrive more when he's chasing down and getting stuck into opposition players.

2 hours ago, Chris said:

Firstly, Huddersfield are too good for this league, but their downfall is more the greediness that some of their players have.

I know it's early days but they are the best side we've faced this season, they edged it terms of play and chances, not saying we didn’t deserve the draw because I think it was a fair result, but they have a lot of top-level League 1 players and at times it really showed. We got a tad lucky with the double goal-bound blocks first half, but credit to Ness and then Gibbons for being alert and stopping what looked a certain goal.

In that middle period of the second half, we were under a lot of pressure and struggled to get out and I just thought there’s a goal coming for them here, but credit to the lads we defended really well and the subs of Smyth, Mustapha, Grant and Ishe helped us re-energise and relieve a bit of the pressure.

To still be unbeaten is really impressive, we've adjusted to life in League 1 better than I imagined!

16 hours ago, menzinho said:

I know it's early days but they are the best side we've faced this season, they edged it terms of play and chances, not saying we didn’t deserve the draw because I think it was a fair result, but they have a lot of top-level League 1 players and at times it really showed. We got a tad lucky with the double goal-bound blocks first half, but credit to Ness and then Gibbons for being alert and stopping what looked a certain goal.

I feel the same way; they are clearly a good team.

We had to time our time to build chances, and it was a very good defensive performance. James Belshaw made some remarkable saves which made up for his poor clearance earlier in the game and for being beaten near post (which he was right near). If we can play like this against sides that clearly can outplay us, then we should be able to keep ourselves away from the bottom end of the table. I think mid-table, based on what I have seen, is achievable; but if things further click and results come, who knows?

It's a very promising start, but we must be prepared for if things change, as last season we didn't have the best of starts and bumps can form at any point. We have to be strong and focused.

What a committed, well-organised display that was. We won't have many tougher tests than Huddersfield away, yet we made life really hard for them. Now let's turn some of these draws into wins.

Finneran's set pieces surprised me, he has a knack of putting the ball into the kinds of areas that give defences a dilemma, and we score from one of them. Evans had his best game for us so far IMO, and I'd mention Ness too but I'd rather other clubs didn't notice him!

Very happy with this start, especially when you consider that we've had about seven new signings to bed in most games. It's quite the achievement to get such a new team performing like a well-drilled unit so soon, and a big contrast from last season!

This is brilliant news; I need to remind myself to keep an eye out for the loan players. As I do want to see how they are getting on, for Notts it’s such an important part of our future to develop our own players. I'm pleased Harrison Iwunze is doing well; I hope he's enjoying his time out on loan.

It is vital to have first-team experience.

5 goals in 7 matches, if he carries on in that sort of form he'll be the leagues top scorer! Clearly been a great start for him there, let's hope it continues.

This is the benefit of the loan system. We have improved a lot of young players for premier league clubs when they come to us. Now it's our turn to benefit. Lets hope when Kanu goes back to Charlton, we have a ready made replacement!

Notts have missed a trick not bringing Archie back to ML, but I do wish him luck at Morecambe. I think he will do a good job for them between the sticks.

One of my habits after work is go to this bar order a pint of heineken and a big bottle of Magners at the same time.

I neck the heineken, then half empty the glass they give full of ice, and pour in the Magners. Does the trick for me!

Years ago I would say my favourite was Murphys Irish stout, but also enjoyable real ales, ciders and lagers with no particular favourite. For past 7/8 years when we meet up before a game my drink of choice is Soda Water and orange cordial ( for some reason most pubs in town no longer sell orange cordial) or blackcurrant cordial. Why I couldn’t really say but ale just doesn’t interest me anymore, so boring I go for Fanta lemon when on holiday 🤷🏻‍♂️

Thinking back to childhood, drinking

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peardrax and its apple equivalent Cydrax

One naturally progressed to cider and perry as first proper drink of choice. Also recall cans of Bass Shandy too

I’m unable to attend - due to holiday - but should be a very positive vibe, I’d think. I

Good PR, maybe, but I’m never convinced of the real value, above “cosmetic good will” tbh. Fans tend to learn very little that isn’t already in the public domain and details, in depth insights and exclusives are very rare in my experience.

It’s ok to hear from the hierarchy but they are never going to reveal the stuff that many fans want to hear. Thus, not sure I’d have attended even if I was here.

I won't be attending, but if the club streams it, I will watch. I know quite a few fans who want to know why the club says players who are being sold are labelled as injured. I am sure Jodi and other things will come up. It's the club's opportunity to be a little more transparent, but we must focus on the benefits that the club is moving forward.

For me, I don't see the worth of holding a fans forum at the beginning of a season and aside from hearing reassurences that the club won't actively mislead supporters I don't think there's all that much to ask.

I am not sure there is much else to be asked or said at this point, other than maybe hearing about how things off the pitch are improving and how we went about the recruitment this past summer. I am sure it will be a good night, and I do hope the club considers its transparency, along with not hiding things from us fans, as I feel we have the right to know certain things without rumours taking their toll, as it does no club any good.

i got the email and played, i like it. its difficult to think of players off the top of your head, but once going the challenge is fun. i did not use the hint but i think it would be best to not allow its use early on.

does the share encourage people to post their score onto social media?

i hope more members have a laugh and go, because it is a fun idea and it would be a shame to not see it supported. more people should be able to play it with it being notts related and not just a random word.

@Chris this just isn’t good enough I am shocked and saddened that Tony Hateley’s surname is not in the PONdle dictionary. This is very remiss of you, I expect a full and unreserved apology. 🤣

On 05/09/2026 at 11:09, Fan of Big Tone said:

@Chris this just isn’t good enough I am shocked and saddened that Tony Hateley’s surname is not in the PONdle dictionary. This is very remiss of you, I expect a full and unreserved apology. 🤣

There's a bug with some of the names not being recognised; he's in my CSV file and within the database.

Maybe avoid typing it during every guess you make. 😂

It will be fixed soon.

I wasn't aware Andy Legg was back in management, though I am pleased to see this. I enjoyed watching him as a youngster, with his long throw and flair out wide. It's also nice to see him looking to bring success to the town named after my father. 😂

Those were good times with Legg on one wing and Devlin on the other. Did Legg invent the long throw in? I think it was pretty rare in those days.

The defensive area hasn't seen too many changes, Gibbons looks solid from his initial appearances, Baker will likely get his chance at some point, I think he's likely to be either LCB or RCB.

In the wingbacks we've only really seen Lipsuic, he certainly doesn't lack in terms of effort of fitness but he does look a tad awkward at times (understandable as he is right-footed playing on the left). I have got high hopes for Ishe, because he looks super athletic and comes with lots of good reviews.

We've really shaken-up the midfield, it's just such a shame we've had a bit of injury crisis here. I think the new players all bring something different, but they all seem to be lively and capable of pressing which is a big positive. On the more attacking side Cooper looks fantastic, I've been surprised how nicely Roberts has slotted in and Mustapha has impressed me too.

As for the new forwards I think Smyth and Kanu will be fighting to lead the line, but I think they could form a good partnership too if we decide to play more of a 3-5-2 over a 3-4-2-1. It's a real shame Acquah suffered a bad injury, because he had a great pre-season and again in the little I've seen of him he certainly can be of use to the team.

12 hours ago, Sheffield Pie said:

The club should release the list of 22 registered players soon.

By my count (I could be wrong!) we've got 23, excluding Reynolds, the two keepers and six U21s. Presumably Macari would not be named.

To fit in Flint or any other outfield free agent we'd need to leave out someone else I think.

I think we'll see Beck Ray, Platt and Macari omitted.

The transfers in have all been pleasing; I think we have lent in on loans as a means to top us up, but I think they bring the quality we otherwise wouldn't have been able to bring to the club.

It's also always sad to see players depart, but you always will, and at least we aren't having a whole new team every season. We have a stable squad, which can be improved with quality signings, and each season should see this continue. It's hard to be disappointed when several of the captures look like solid candidates for the XI, and the rest look easily pushing to start.

Defensively we are robust enough; with Lewis Macari, Matty Platt and Rod McDonald back, we will have good options.

The midfield looks much better in depth and quality.

Attacking-wise we have done well too.

Luka Smyth looks to be a cracking signing; I know some still have doubts, but I think once fully match-fit we'll see more from him. He makes good movements; he's just always being heavily marked. I just wish we had signed another keeper, as I would like more experience in League One, but then if we play Harry Griffiths I hope he will show his potential.

I would have thought that last season he would have been given a bit more of a shot, what with Kelle Roos being so erratic.

17 hours ago, Mapperley Pie said:

In yesterday's training video highlighting two of the new signings, is Flint still training with Notts?

I would hope not; he was rubbish in the pre-season games I watched.

He's also been a massive idiot when he's played against us, and I hold this over him. If he wasn't good enough to earn a new deal with Walsall, then we certainly don't need him. We have far better young players who deserve a chance, one of which has Championship clubs watching his progress.

I bumped into him during the period when the released list came up, and he told me he was looking to sign for a non-league team and build his career from there. I think he might have had a trial with Basford United.

Unfortunately, he did mention something which saddened me and it shouldn't be me to repeat it.

Though having just watched K-Ci's interview with Jodi, it does add to the disappointment from the club's perspective. Does anyone know when James Sanderson was released? I always rated him, but he seems to be without a club now. Best of luck to Milai Perrott.

@Chris "Does anyone know when James Sanderson was released? I always rated him, but he seems to be without a club now. Best of luck to Milai Perrott."

James was released 30 June 2026

I was disappointed that Milai was released. I thought he was worth a try ahead of Roos

4 hours ago, Piethagoram said:

@Chris "Does anyone know when James Sanderson was released? I always rated him, but he seems to be without a club now. Best of luck to Milai Perrott."

James was released 30 June 2026

I was disappointed that Milai was released. I thought he was worth a try ahead of Roos

I don't remember James being released.

No offense to Milai Perott, but promotions were likely destined to seal his fate, especially since we had signed Harry Griffiths. He didn't seem comfortable in training or practicing when the players were shooting. I do think he will come good, so it's probably for the better that he's going to gain experience.

I like Tom Crawford, he was unlikely to stay with Hartlepool United for longer. He might not look like your usual footballer, but he always stood out as someone with natural talent and a good eye for goal. He somewhat reminds me of Conor Grant, but not in terms of goalscoring/assists, but in the way they play and try to link in others.

Nonselfish but an excellent team player. I hope he continues to do well for Altrincham.

If I were Anthony Patterson I would have kept my options open, because he's done well at the Championship and in the Premier League, Wrexham have made a good signing but I can't help but feel it's a backwards move for Patterson. I know he spent some time out on loan at Millwall, but he should have attracted interest from teams that are above the Championship.

He should do just fine, and that might put him in good stead for making a return to the Prmeier League, but at the price paid, I am not sure it will be for a fee. Unless Wrexham do the unthinkable and gain promotion.

I don't think they are ready for that just yet.

It's not 1995 or the early 00s. Players aren’t being sold for a few million anymore.

Every team has a price, and if someone isn’t on the market, you have to be ready to spend wisely when the chance comes. Anthony Patterson is an investment in a key position, one that should help us keep moving in the right direction. I can also say that Sunderland asked for much more in the early talks, which was never going to happen. The final fee reached a premium, but that’s football. We have long‑term hopes for Patterson.

On 12/08/2026 at 22:31, Chris said:

I can't help but feel it's a backwards move for Patterson. I know he spent some time out on loan at Millwall, but he should have attracted interest from teams that are above the Championship.

What makes it a backward move for Anthony Patterson, Chris? We are an ambitious club, and we wouldn’t bring in a player of his level if we didn’t believe in the direction we’re heading.

1 hour ago, Dry Nelson Ray said:

What makes it a backward move for Anthony Patterson, Chris? We are an ambitious club, and we wouldn’t bring in a player of his level if we didn’t believe in the direction we’re heading.

Any championship team would be considered a backward step for a bright, young, talented keeper who has expressed interest in representing his country. He has done well for Sunderland in the Premier League, and as a player who is quite clearly highly regarded, stepping down beyond a loan move is quite risky.

Wrexham is ambitious, and for a keeper like Anthony Patterson, regular football will help him in the long run.

Southampton and Wolves were linked around the same time as Wrexham; they would have been the same for me. I think Wolves will likely go back to the Premier League. Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have also been linked to watching his progress; both would be risky, but they are likely to remain where other top-flight teams would have interest in him. What young keeper would get the light of day at United? Jordan Pickford almost dropped to the Championship back in the day, but secured a move to Everton. Backward steps aren't always a bad thing. It's just not the direction usually attached to ambition when you want to play for your nationality.

Considering they are likely to end up with a points penalty for their misbehaviour, and rampant signings breaking EFL rules I highly doubt this. However, I personally think we could cope provided we reinvested in strength. Jodi Jones is a good player, but last season he blew hot and cold. I know some fans who thought he only turned up the final at Wembley last season, which is harsh, but he was lagrely inconsistent.

I would rather have him, but at the same time I don't think he's always someone valid to start every game based on performances. I love Jodi, he's very loyal and his leaving I think would be more Notts moving on than him.

He didn't want to leave Coventry, and lives in the area so moving might prove to be a dealbreaker.

He's got a year left on his contract and I don't see that Notts should be rushing to break the bank at this stage. He's had a lot of injury problems and we've worked really well with him to look after him physically.

There were a number of underwhelming games last season and the standard of opposition will be better this year.

More performance like Wembley, and I'm sure he'll be getting offers which match what he feels he deserves, whether from Notts or someone else.

On 22/07/2026 at 12:15, Piethagoram said:

Was there any truth in this @Dry Nelson Ray

No, not at all. No offer has ever been made, and no talks have ever taken place between Wrexham and Jodi Jones’ agent. That account is spreading false news to make Hollywood look good.

1 hour ago, Chris said:

I'm mindful that there's always two sides to a story, but Jodi's side is very different from what is being portrayed and it comes across as genuine.

Absolutely. Completely credible IMO. Different to the suggestion on Magpie Circle that he wanted to move on.

There's pride involved obviously, and loved lost because of the long silence and the eventual answer, but the most important point is that he's a 28 year-old player with a terrible injury history who needed more job security for a young family. He didn't even asked for a rise!

Re: another version about JJ's departure; sometimes people listen to the wrong one. Paul may be misadvised or listening to the wrong source. It's why I am tight-lipped about things I know, even if they come directly from a player. Dean Leacock once told me some insights after a fans’ forum, and they turned out to be valid, but I would never have repeated them.

There are other areas of our fan base who are quick to seem in the know or spread rumours.

Nobody is perfect, not even I, but I wouldn't risk the reputation I have built over the years for some quick attention or gossip.

12 minutes ago, theAnticlough said:

There's pride involved obviously, and loved lost because of the long silence and the eventual answer, but the most important point is that he's a 28 year-old player with a terrible injury history who needed more job security for a young family. He didn't even asked for a rise!

The part about him travelling makes me appreciate that a move to Bromley would allow him not only to cut down the distance but also have more quality time with his family. I don't feel disappointed with the club. A big talking point before the Doncaster game was transparency from the club, and we do seem to always say players are injured when we are selling them. This isn't the way to treat your supporters; it's not a good image, and I think it's misleading, but I am mindful of the two sides to each story.

Sometimes there's truth in both parties, but we are unlikely to know Notts' side because I doubt a reporter will ask.

Jodi Jones’ agent might have mentioned Wrexham, but there were no talks at all with the club. There was some reported interest when he became a free agent after his loan with you ended and his contract at Oxford United ran out, but we never showed any real interest. It wasn’t because Jones isn’t a good player. Phil Parkinson already had his own list, and the belief that Jones would return to you kept any interest on our side completely still.

If it had worked, it would have been a meaningful signing, but it didn't. I think the loan was a good move last season, but I suspected he would end up being released. Some of the comments from our fans, while they are funny at times, do become personal, and I think those types should remind themselves that he didn't really do anything wrong.

I had very limited belief in his ability, and he had me on the edge of my seat for all the wrong reasons, but is it his fault he signed?

With the right team, he could be the right choice, but for us it isn't to be.

I appreciate what he tried and did during his time. I heard a lot of personal comments directed at him on match days; I disagree with that, but I do understand why many simply felt he wasn't a good fit for Notts. Best of luck in his next move.

I've said previously that Kelle was a good shot stopper but lacking when commanding his box & his distribution was poor.

But when you look at the League 2 stats they tell us that in the 24 matches that Roos played in the first half of the season, Notts accumulated 39 points.

In the 22 matches that Belshaw played, Notts accumulated 41 points. So Roos did play a reasonable part in Notts getting to the playoffs, & by doing that, he played his part in a successful season.

But I do believe that Notts made the right decision to replace him because it gave Notts that extra boost that got us over the line.

Roos had a bad first match against Newport that basically showed up his biggest flaw from the off, dealing with crosses and balls into his box. Commanding his 6 yard box was a monumental struggle and he was just terrified of coming off his line. It put the onus on the defenders to deal with a lot more and that was relieved when Belshaw joined.

I felt bad for Roos in the end, we had no real other option so we soldiered on with him even when his confidence was shot. The decision for him to go is best for both parties, especially as he had no real future here.

I’m very excited by this signing, I’m really pleased and impressed the club have got this over the line especially with other clubs interested, it does show that Notts have a good reputation of looking after young loan players.

As others have said Kanu brings another dimension to our attacking arsenal, I can’t wait to see him in action.

Very optimistic re: Kanu. He is agile, energetic and scores goals…… Good luck to him, welcome aboard.

Finneran’s debut was spectacular. For a young, inexperienced and extremely “new boy” he showed skill, vision, composure & strength on the ball beyond his years. If he can maintain that standard he’s an absolute gem.

tough debut to come on at a difficult spell and be asked to chase everything with limited service, i think he needs match time and i dont think we can judge him without seeing a run of games but his finishing looks to be quality. i am excited about the signing, it takes pressure off the injured strikers.