Its been a windy and rainy day here today. Totally different from the previous day's spring like weather.

Pleased that Notts won yesterday. They probably didn't deserve it on the play but wins like this one can prove vital at the season's end.

Good news for the Notts women too. They scored five goals in a 5:2 win over Worcester City.

Last week, I went with @cheeky~k8 to a physio appointment, but unlike normal, it wasn't for me.

Tuesday, it was a strange day. First part felt rather empty, though I was looking forward to going to Wilford Cemetery. I also felt encouraged to go see Notts even though I wasn't really wanting to be around people. My friend had done the crossbar challenge and had won executive box tickets, which were for the Colchester game. We took a Uber up to the cemetery, spent a while with Granny Pie, my grandparents, and my aunt Jean's (young baby) when she passed away. Then a short walk to our daughter's grave, which brought some laughter from Jake/Ava's antics. 😛

After we went to the Wolds Pub for a family meal. None of us were feeling all that great; I felt quite rough with the bug I am still trying to shake off.

I had lasagna and shared a bowl of chips with Ellie.

After eating, we spoke a little about memories and Jake making kettle sounds as a baby. To which, Granny would often tell me to leave him alone when I joked about it, but would always ask Jake if he had put it on for her. 😂

The Colchester game was frustrating, soulless, and disappointing. I enjoyed the company, very thankful that my friend had Jake and me join him. I enjoyed the match as much as I did the chicken & mushroom pie that had been pre-ordered weeks before the postponed game. I never got it! They said they had run out of them, which is baffling when you pre-ordered. Pretty typical of Notts, and quite poor on their catering front. I've worked in places that would be ashamed if this had happened, but I did enjoy my box of chips. Jake, on the other hand, had a chicken balti pie and hated everything but the few pieces of chicken it contained. Others who were supposed to have potatoes in theirs had none; some didn't even contain gravy!!!

@Piethagoram: I think we could get a fair amount of fans who want Pukka Pies back!!!

Tranmere are usually a good lot, who respect football and I am glad to read this.

A little off subject, but...

I felt a bit disappointed by how some of our fans turned Mick's death into something disrespectful, Jake (@super_pie) showed me some comments on Notts' Facebook page, and honestly, there was no need for them.

Notts did pay respect to Mick, the half-time segment was a good listen.

I realise many might have missed it, due to drinking, socialising, trying to stay warm, etc. Yet it was still done; it might have been an idea to record it, and put a video tribute up on the club's YouTube channel.

Suggesting the club didn't care, rushed it, or disrespected Mick, I feel is the wrong view.

Clubs must obtain EFL approval for memorials and moments of silence. I also recall being told rules about why it had to be done before the game, but honestly, I think Notts just wanted to pay their respects. The backlash to some petty comments about it being postponed, and announced for Tranmere might have come due to the club managing to line up more for the memorial. I don't know if more people, family, etc, attended the game against Tranmere, but I would imagine the club reached out to them.

The biggest disappointment is how I got the feeling some fans just took the frustration of losing to Port Vale as an excuse to blow off steam about this subject. It's embarrassing and disrespectful. Unpopular view, I imagine, but I speak with sense and freely cringe at some of our fanbase.

23 minutes ago, Chris said:

I felt a bit disappointed by how some of our fans turned Mick's death into something disrespectful, Jake (@super_pie) showed me some comments on Notts' Facebook page, and honestly, there was no need for them.

Thankfully I haven’t seen any of those comments on Facebook but I do take less and less notice of social media these days. I don’t know why people would want to turn Micks sad demise into a weapon to criticise the club. It’s very sad and shows disrespect.

I don't read social media because there is always a minority who like to be negative and share opinions that make little sense. That's why I don't use X or Facebook, though I have an account to keep in touch with family via Messenger. I know full well what the pathetic portion of our fan base can be like; it's always the usual suspects.

Who can forget the slug celebration. 

Great EFL goalkeeper, with a few years in the Premier League, but by far outshone most in the Championship. A bit hotheaded, but quite funny too. I remember watching a cup match where two pitch invaders came on, one of whom was acting aggressively, and Kenny just kicked him to the goal line. 😂

I think he would have also been better off staying with Sheffield United instead of joining QPR. His career really did reach highs and then lows.

I wonder what his management style is like? If he gained anything from Neil Warnock, combined with his no-nonsense playing style, I wouldn't want to upset him. Great keeper!

Less than two hours before this latest poll closes. Don't miss out.

@Chris  @True Magpie @cheeky~k8 @KB1862

@CliftonMagpie

The poll has now closed. Thanks to all who voted.

I'm pleased to announce that Alex Bass has been voted Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match for his match winning performance against Tranmere.

Well done Alex.

Sorry, Robbie, I didn't make the game due to being unwell, and I haven't seen any highlights. Keen to get back into doing what PON needs, so I apologise for missing this.

The 3 points was probably the only good thing to come out of that game, other than the performances of Bedeau and Bass. 

Fans had the right to be annoyed by our opening 45 minutes. The lack of urgency continued from Tuesday's game. A lack of running into open space, quick tempo combined with an inability to take a good first touch (from any player) and complete 3 successful passes, made for one of the worst opening 45's of the season. Tranmere should have been 3-0 up.

I remember away at Port Vale, when I shouted for the team to press, someone stood 2 rows in front of me responding "There's no pass on that's why." Funny that because that should be more incentive to press, forcing a turnover. Vale then just went straight through our midfield. The same happened yesterday, when Tranmere had no pass on, we didn't press and then suddenly they were in our half. 

We were marginally better after the break, but still lacking. Funny that the first time a player ran with the ball into open space we scored from it. Bringing Traore on freed up Chaz a bit more. Would start Jatta, Traore and Whits against Fleetwood. Johnson had a better game than he did on Tuesday and it's good to see him wanting to bring the ball out from the back at every opportunity. 

Performances need to improve. Results are papering over them at the moment. Maynard has said before that performances are important. Fair play to him for calling out how bad it was. I look at us not doing the fist pumps at the end and there I see the players realising how poor it was and that they know the mentality that's needed. However, I then watch us during games and we've got zero urgency, no ruthlessness. It's more of a "that'll do" mindset and when you're going for promotion, you can't have that as a mindset. There has to be more of a will to win, dominate and be ruthless.

Bass - 9 - Kept us in it, some very decent saves. Berated our lacklustre play.

Johnson - 6 - Decent today.

Platt - 7 - Wins a lot

Bedau - 7.5 - He's a defensive monster.

Gordon - 5 - Incapable of beating a man, but puts some quality balls in - only Jatta to aim for normally.

Jarvis - 3 - He's not a wing back as he can't defend. Takes stupid risks at the back and didn't seem up for a fight.

Palmer - 3.5 - Completely lost the midfield battle.

Abbott - 3.5 - As above

Grant - 3.5 - Still no idea what he does.

Whittaker - 6 - He was one of the few to at least try in an attacking sense. For the most part, nothing came off, until it did.

Jatta - 6 - Starved.

Tsaroulla - 6 - Improved us.

Traore - 6 - Looks exciting in the small flashes we've seen him. 

Edwards - 3 - That fall to the floor when the pass to Jatta was so obviously on - is unforgivable. 

Alex Bass 8

Zak Johnson 6

Jacob Bedeau 7

Matty Platt 6

Kellan Gordon 6.5

William Jarvis  6.5

George Abbott 6

Matt Palmer 6

Conor Grant 5

Charlie Whitaker 7

Alassana Jatta 7.5

Maï Traoré 7

Nick Tsaroulla 6.5

Jack Hinchy 6

Curtis Edwards 5

Player of the match goes to Lily Stevenson. Well done Lily.

WPL Division 1 League table after today's matches. Notts go up to six place after their win today.

You match report👇

I don't read papers anymore, but it's a good headline..

Can remember going down to the news agents every Saturday at 6 : 30 pm to buy the Football post. Those were the days. 

I’m glad he’s got another club, time will tell whether we’ve got the best deal or not.

Baldwin was a bit of a strange one, at times he looked outstanding, but as Stallard said he always had a mistake in him, and often an infuriating one too. And he definitely needed new boots! I'm glad he's staying in League Two, but maybe he can gift us a goal or two for old time's sake

Nice to see Baldwin doing well. Their style probably suits him.

Both players are very good, but we will never know who is better. It's all down to opinions, and there isn't one right answer. I personally enjoy watching them both, especially during their prime. However, I don't think I can choose who is better based on their time in the Spanish leagues. It would have been interesting to see them compete more closely for a longer period, though.

On 20/02/2025 at 22:43, Fozzy said:

Absolutely, Maradona’s skill was just on another level and you cannot argue with his ability to raise average teams to greatness, he was definitely the most skilful that I have seen

Absolutely, people tend to discredit him in this type of conversation due to him playing in teams that have won less than that of Messi or Ronaldo but you can't judge players too much based on team performances. However, as you mentioned, he raised average teams rather than the other 2 mentioned already playing in great teams. 

Maradona manged to showcase how skilful he was on pitches that ripped up at his feet and having defenders trying to hack him down. That was the goings on during his time. Imagine if he was around during Ronaldo and Messi era where the tackling isn't as hard as it was, defenders aren't able to hack you down and pitches are smooth to play on.

On 20/02/2025 at 22:43, Fozzy said:

I suppose the article though does state “Complete” player and you would find it difficult to argue against Ronaldo.

Messi is the more skilful of the two but when you compare individual attributes, Ronaldo is definitely the more complete player when comparing them. 

On 21/02/2025 at 14:17, TheSkipper said:

It's all down to opinions, and there isn't one right answer.

I agree with this. Some prefer Messi while others back Ronaldo. They both have their positives and negatives but they have both been a joy to watch with the "rivalry" and have both achieved greatness during their careers. 

There is no fact about one being better than the other, it is as you said all about opinions. 

A very disappointing and disjointed performance against a poor side. It was plain to see that we had important players missing, and the ones we've signed to bolster the squad haven't properly been bedded in yet. Saturday must be better, otherwise the top three will quickly be out of reach.

Gordon was tenacious and the better of the two wingers. If I won a competition to play for Notts, I would stumble around a lot like Edwards did on Tuesday night - he looked a decent signing before his injury and clearly needed the match practice, but I'd have taken him and others off sooner. 

the annoying thing is how brightly notts started and how quickly we rendered the advantage of having the ball in our favour. the result is not the end of the world, just as much as the performance but i was disappointed. conor grant did well, as did kellan gordon but there was not enough quality from others. i thought curtis edwards was poor, he has not seemed the same since he returned and i could not help but think he should have been on the bench. its not just edwards, george abbott had a quiet game by his standards and i keep seeing him getting involved with opposition players which is just ugly to see. one of these days he will see a red card for it, so he needs to get on with the game and kick bickering or lashing out at players.

defensively was the weakest area, notts missed jacob bedeau and i thought zak johnson and rod mcdonald were very poor. hardly marking their man but did improve nearer the end of the game. just disappointing really, as we started so well.

i know our goal came out of the blue but for about 5 to 10 minutes, it looked like we wanted to get a second and we never had that mentality after. just wasted chances and a lack of creativity.

Is that post intended for the Tranmere thread @Super_Danny_Allsopp?

Remembering Granny Pie always fills me with a mix of sadness and fondness. Her contributions to the community were immense, and she had a unique way of making everyone feel welcome. When I think of her, I can't help but smile at the memories of her joking about her walking sticks. Her legacy goes beyond players and staff; she holds a special place in our hearts. Her impact on us and the joy she brought will never be forgotten. She was truly a wonderful lady who is deeply missed.

Just reading through the comments is enough to remind us of this.

You could certainly have a laugh and joke with Granny Pie. I was never much on the other side of her comments, but I agree she's a big loss and came across as a lovely woman. And while we take the time to remember her, it's so nice to see many of her grandchildren and family as members, even if some do not post. We also have Super Ram, which is a blessing nonetheless. I send my thoughts to all the family.

On 18/02/2025 at 21:43, super_ram said:

She took a special interest in @liampie with him being a young member and was always asking me to make sure he was ok and was thrilled to exchange chats in person with him.That was  @GrannyPie though ,always more concerned about others even though she had problems of her own.I miss her.

i always felt very much appreciated by granny pie, i came here on the back of being hounded on twitter by some fans who would mock and be unpleasant. the opposite to pon and all it took was for me to learn about the site, join and take part for me to find a level of acceptance i have never known.

the chats i had with granny was always good, i should remind myself to drop a message to you more.

On 18/02/2025 at 21:50, super_ram said:

She thought a lot of you, @liampie.I remember her saying to me that she was going to get her walking sticks on to you because you didn't call her by her real name.

i know, i feel lucky to have known her but i was never going to call her by first name. she was always granny pie to me and the only time i felt it was acceptable to say anything different was in goodbye. she had my highest respect and i liked to tease her a bit with it.

just a bit, every time granny pie thought i might say her first name i would insist otherwise. 

EFL teams often scout Scottish and Irish players, while Premier League clubs tend to poach from the EFL and the best players from all UK leagues. Walsall appears to be benefiting from its ownership, but there are some hidden talents that wouldn't be discovered if lower clubs didn't recruit from the Irish leagues. You don't see much success the other way around, with clubs signing from League Two, except for a few cases.

there is a good chance young players will be able to get first team experience and where there is that exposure then talent will be found. scotland has had bursts of it in recent years, so the uk does have talented players which league one and two teams are looking to invest in.

Sad to see it go. It had a good reputation & helped start many Journalists careers.

Wonder why they haven't considered going online which would reduce costs?

its sad, i never watched it because i thought the quality lacked but some of the shows which highlighted nottingham were promising. i think if it was around for another 5-10 years it would be a lot better, which is a shame because i think it does offer a lot for people 40+. i am not of the generation that sat around the tv all day, i do watch a fair bit but never enough to really commit.

i can understand why a lot of people would feel disappointed in this decision and as said before me, it would have helped journalists, videographers and a lot of students.

A great idea 

i believe certain cinemas have a scheme where they allow residents of care homes with disabilities access to screenings.

yet i think this is brilliant, people should not miss out on the experience just because they are disabled and things like this helps to be inclusive. it must be horrible for some not to be in a position to see the latest films and living the same day. this must make a huge difference to the lives it supports.

Looks like Steve Cooper may be emerging as a favourite to take over from Luke Williams at Swansea.

Richard Montague working with an ex Forest Head Coach.

Andy Robinson wants Steve Cooper back at Swans after Williams exit

WWW.BBC.CO.UK

---

Andy Robinson says Swansea City chairman Andy Coleman has "just...

I think Steve Coopers name will crop up for every managerial vacancy in the championship or lower prem until he gets a job.

Luke Williams played a major role in his downfall at Swansea City. While some Notts fans might feel he's been treated unfairly, criticising the players publicly and failing to replace some of the bigger influences in the dressing room, and then stating that you avoid them on match days, only leads in one direction. I wonder if Richard Montague knew, when he took on his role, that one of his first major decisions would be to sack Williams? I thank both for what they have done for our club, but both apparently felt they were bigger, and when the first opportunity came to leave, they did.

I understand football and know there is little loyalty, but I think we can say Williams never seemed to get a grip on any defensive issues. A lot of what Stuart Maynard needed to address came as a result of how Williams set Notts up. The decisions to extend the contracts of players who perhaps should have been let go sooner, and the failures we have had in recruitment, might mean that whoever takes over from Montague is a blessing. I don't wish any manager to be sacked, and I hold no hard feelings towards either Williams or Montague, but I feel they have made poor decisions that led to this. If Montague thinks he can survive at a club that clearly has no idea, it won't be long before he's a casualty of this game.

The results:

Blackburn Rovers 2-0 Plymouth Argyle 

Middlesbrough 0-1 Watford

Blackpool 3-3 Mansfield Town

Stevenage 1-1 Peterborough United

Carlisle United 0-0 Colchester United

Morecambe 2-0 Accrington Stanley

Gateshead 0-1 Altrincham

Woking 1-1 Tamworth

---

We all struggled this week, but the clear winner was @william1984!

@william1984 - 9

@super_ram, @nottsnutter, @Megan_Elizax, @magpiejue, @cheeky~k8 - 4

@ARLukomski, @Dan, @menzinho - 3

@4everapie - 2

@DangerousSausage, @Robbie, @gtownjohnno, @Fan of Big Tone - 1

---

This is our current table! @william1984 rejoins the top five and @super_ram had passed 200 points.

So now we're up to date ahead of Saturday's fixtures. Thanks for your patience, I'd love to see you all in round 33!

I'm doing myself out of a place, but shouldn't william1984 be above me on 166 me on 164, recheck needed 🤣

8 minutes ago, 4everapie said:

I'm doing myself out of a place, but shouldn't william1984 be above me on 166 me on 164, recheck needed 🤣

The points are right, I just forgot to sort the table before doing the screenshot. I'll let you enjoy being fifth for a little while longer 😁

Burton Albion 2-1 Blackpool

Huddersfield Town 2-0 Reading

Barrow 1-0 Gillingham

Fleetwood Town 1-1 Cheltenham Town

Salford City 2-0 Tranmere Rovers (joker)

Aldershot 1-1 AFC Fylde

Dagenham & Redbridge 2-1 Yeovil Town

Solihull Moors 1-2 Oldham Athletic

The results for round 31:

Burton Albion 1-1 Blackpool

Huddersfield Town 0-0 Reading

Barrow 3-0 Gillingham

Fleetwood Town 2-0 Cheltenham Town

Salford City 2-0 Tranmere Rovers

Aldershot p-p AFC Fylde

Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Yeovil Town

Solihull Moors 0-1 Oldham Athletic

---

@Fan of Big Tone is really up and running now, and four others made double figures too!

@Fan of Big Tone - 12

@ARLukomski, @super_ram, @william1984, @menzinho - 11

@Robbie, @Megan_Elizax - 9

@DangerousSausage, @Dan - 8

@liampie - 7

@4everapie - 6

@nottsnutter, @gtownjohnno, @magpiejue, @cheeky~k8 - 4

---

It's as you were at the top, but @ARLukomski is the first player to pass 200 points. Meanwhile, @Fan of Big Tone and @william1984 are on the move...

So that's us slightly more up to date. The results for round 32 will drop sometime soon, and Saturday's round is already up and running. Have a go, you know you want to! 

Oh wow, 

Sorry to see only 5 people voted. 😢

I listened on the radio and nobody really stood out one way or the other.So didn't think I should vote.

9 hours ago, super_ram said:

I listened on the radio and nobody really stood out one way or the other.So didn't think I should vote.

It’s hard to pick a MoM when you’ve listened and not seen, I watched on the Sky+ as I find night matches too cold, in fact some day matches have been too cold just lately.

Hull City 1-0 Stoke City

Millwall 1 - 1 QPR

Leyton Orient 2 - 1 Stockport 

Reading 2 - 1 

Wimbledon 3 - 1 Bradford 🤡

Newport  1 - 1 Barrow

Braintree  2 - 0 Hartlepool 

Wealdstone 0 -1 Solihull 

Hull City 1-0 Stoke City

Millwall 2-2 QPR

Leyton Orient 1-2 Stockport County (Joker)

Reading 0-1 Bolton Wanderers

AFC Wimbledon 1-2 Bradford City

Newport County 0-0 Barrow

Braintree Town 1-0 Hartlepool United

Wealdstone 0-1 Solihull Moors

Thanks for bearing with me - here are the points for round 30!

The results:

Hull City 1-2 Stoke City

Millwall 2-1 QPR

Leyton Orient 0-1 Stockport County

Reading 1-0 Bolton Wanderers

AFC Wimbledon 1-0 Bradford City

Newport County 1-0 Barrow

Braintree Town 1-1 Hartlepool United

Wealdstone 1-1 Solihull Moors

---

Well done to this round's winner @TheSkipper!

@TheSkipper - 7

@liampie, @magpiejue - 6

@ARLukomski, @cheeky~k8, @nottsnutter - 4

@gtownjohnno, @Robbie - 3

@4everapie, @Dan, @Fan of Big Tone, @Megan_Elizax, @super_ram - 2

@DangerousSausage, @menzinho, @william1984 - 1

---

So here is our league table. @ARLukomski holds on to top spot, while @nottsnutter joins the top ten...

I've just posted Saturday's prediction league fixtures, it would be great to see you there! Apologies again for being late with the results in the last few weeks - I'll post the scores for the following rounds over the next day or two. 

5 hours ago, liampie said:

does nobody think its weird that john eustace has left a team 5th in the championship for a team struggling at the bottom? i hope for derby and @super_ram the decision works out but it does seem weird to me. if eustace is feeling like he has done all he can with them, and therefore sees derby as a challenge i would get it. i feel its good for derby, but questionable on eustaces side.

@liampie John Eustace feels that he hasn't had the backing from the Blackburn board that he hoped for.Although the Blackburn board sanctioned 6 signings during the recent transfer window John  Eustace feels their quality isn't up to the quality he was hoping for.He asked the board for an assurance as to his future which he didn't get.I must admit though that I was surprised with the turn of events.I wonder if a major financial backer is lurking in the background at Derby.

Not the greatest start to a Manager's career at a new club, as Derby are emphatically beaten by QPR in John Eustace's first game in charge of Derby.

Can he save them from relegation?

Queens Park Rangers 4-0 Derby County: QPR rip Rams apart in John Eustace's first game as boss

WWW.BBC.CO.UK

---

Derby County are emphatically beaten at QPR in John Eustace's first...

On 15/02/2025 at 07:17, Robbie said:

Not the greatest start to a Manager's career at a new club, as Derby are emphatically beaten by QPR in John Eustace's first game in charge of Derby.

Can he save them from relegation?

Queens Park Rangers 4-0 Derby County: QPR rip Rams apart in John Eustace's first game as boss

WWW.BBC.CO.UK

---

Derby County are emphatically beaten at QPR in John Eustace's first...

 

The Rams started the game OK and there wasn't much between the two sides until their really good goal,although the shot came about due to a poor throw in by the Rams.This seemed to deflate the entire team and they gradually got worse as QPR gained confidence..The worst performance of the season.I'm not blaming John Eustace(yet) but it's down to the players to stop feeling sorry for themselves and regain confidence.The juries still out and will be for a few more games.

3 minutes ago, Robbie said:

@Fan of Big Tone If Richard hasn't started his job yet, maybe time to reconsider & ask for his old job at back at Notts. I'm sure he would be welcomed back.

 

It would be a bit embarrassing for him though, would his pride let him? Plus as @Piethagoram has pointed out he’s not a director at Notts now.

1 minute ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

It would be a bit embarrassing for him though, would his pride let him? Plus as @Piethagoram has pointed out he’s not a director at Notts now.

You are probably right. We may not know for sure, but Luke may have had something to do with Richard making the move to Swansea.

Richard will be heavily involved in who the next head-coach will be, if he gets it wrong their owners and directors will just blame him… A really tough start to his new job.

I really am surprised they’ve sacked Luke Williams this early though, maybe he wasn’t the right fit but there’s a lot more wrong at Swansea than just the head coach. Surely the plan was for Luke and Richard to link up and look at how they can improve the squad over the summer. That’s all out the window now.

It shows Swansea owners and directors will no way be as patient as Chris and Alex and I think Richard will be fighting against them a whole lot more than he’ll expect. I wish him all the best in his new job, because I think he'll need it!

Definitely no vote from me for Alex Bass.    Shocking  decision making.     In my day any ball coming into the 6yard box should always be claimed by the keeper!!!!!!!

.

The poll has now closed.

Thanks to those who took the time to vote. 

I am pleased to announce that Jacob Bedeau is the Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match against Port Vale.

sorry been a bit busy and forgot to vote. ☹️

It's a shame the Wrexham one is the return game and not here, I still need to try to find time to go support the youth team. Fingers crossed if things improve, I will get that chance. Otherwise, I will try to find another way.