other teams do make mistakes, if you watch the efl show you will see it. we tend to score good goals, which are build from good attacking play. there is little room for defenders to gift us goals when we play like this. to say that we are the only team making these mistakes is a bit odd. it happens even in the premier league.

@liampie you are right.

In the recent home match, the MK Dons goalie passed the ball straight to Chicksen on the left, who then ran down the line & crossed for Jatta to score our 2nd goal.

@Robbie 

the goalkeeper was put under pressure and distributed a poor ball for suttons first goal.

defensively everyone stood ball watching in the swindon defence, with some players hoping it was offside. not much defending here.

their second what was the swindon keeper doing again?

the third goal for sutton comes from a lack of defending too.

if we needed further proof of defences just standing still when they are needed, this 100% proves that.

10 hours ago, Robbie said:

@liampie I don't have a problem with teams spending money but transfer fees and wages  should be capped to a maximum amount for each league, to stop two or three clubs with massive turnovers spending much more than the rest.

 

Any wage cap would be measured against turnover rather than an absolute figure. The wage cap in Leagues One and Two used to specify that a club can spend 65% of its turnover on wages, and last season Wrexham seemed to be in line with that. It's obvious that a club getting crowds of 10,000 with a load of merchandising revenue on top is going to have more money to burn than one that is barely managing four-figure crowds.

The idea of an absolute top limit on spending is interesting, but probably not feasible - a club that goes straight down from the PL to L1 will automatically be spending much more than other L1 clubs simply because of the PL-era players it still has under contract.

2 minutes ago, DangerousSausage said:

Any wage cap would be measured against turnover rather than an absolute figure. The wage cap in Leagues One and Two used to specify that a club can spend 65% of its turnover on wages, and last season Wrexham seemed to be in line with that. It's obvious that a club getting crowds of 10,000 with a load of merchandising revenue on top is going to have more money to burn than one that is barely managing four-figure crowds.

The idea of an absolute top limit on spending is interesting, but probably not feasible - a club that goes straight down from the PL to L1 will automatically be spending much more than other L1 clubs simply because of the PL-era players it still has under contract.

That's the problem with the present cap on turnover, it benefits the richer clubs and also protects, for instance the top six clubs in the PL and allows them to continue to play in Europe, thus making them richer year on year. Wrexham, for example, are up there solely because of the finance they are receiving and I believe it is grossly unfair to other clubs in league 2.

On 01/04/2024 at 23:44, Robbie said:

@liampie I don't have a problem with teams spending money but transfer fees and wages  should be capped to a maximum amount for each league, to stop two or three clubs with massive turnovers spending much more than the rest.

 

no dig at anyone here robbie, i do agree with you that expenditure should be capped.

37 minutes ago, Ohh Tommy Johnson said:

 

Then up front I think we will be good with Crowley, Austin, Scott and Jatta, with Didzy providing experience and impact off the bench.

You didn't mention Macaulay, I assume then you believe he's moving on?

I assumed that both Macca and Jones will not be here next year.  If they are happy days, but I would hope that they are able to showcase their skills at a higher level as they deserve it.

i think when we look at defenders who come we need to make sure that they can self motivate themselves, show a good level of awareness and strong with dealing with issues. this is our main area provided that we dont lose any of our good attacking players.

it might be worth keeping an eye on some of the promoted teams to see if they release any defenders.

charlie raglan would have been a good option i feel, but he moved from cheltenham to oldham. hes a pretty non nonsense centre back who defensively copes well with pressure. upcoming mason o malley did well with scunthorpe. hes now at bradford park avenue but is young, which does not quite fit the need for experience but hes a good tackler. so in terms of experience, liam shephard could be a good call.

Can’t argue with that @ARLukomski, good post and I see it broadly the same.

See how Munakandafa goes at Truro, and unless he starts every game and gets good reviews then release him. He has not shown enough to warrant another year.

Baldwin I originally thought to keep, but he’s an accident waiting to happen as a centre back, could be better perhaps as a sweeper/ DM in front (a bit like Don O’ many years ago). But definitely release as a CB.

We need to get more physical presence and also pace in the side, but I can’t see us bringing in 9 players (only if Macca JJ and Dan go), more like 6 or 7. It’ll take us 3 or 4 seasons to be good enough to go up, but as long as we prioritise the defence and centre midfield then at least we will be a solid in and around the playoffs type of team.

Excellent analysis from @ARLukomski No room for sentiment in football.

I am exactly in sync with @ARLukomski bar Crowley. He is a lynchpin that comes and offers to collect the ball and can spin his man. 

Brooks and a new GK, Slocombe and Stone can go

i am only really bothered about retaining cedwyn scott and aden baldwin, i do think kyle cameron can prove himself with more defensive minds around him. having a good centre back that can go forward might be a luxury but hes a decent captain despite what some fans say.

I believe another big positive this first season in League 1 was our match attendances which could see the total reach close to £250K by the seasons end.

Of course there are several factors why the attendances have been good. Notts play attractive football and score plenty of goals, 80 goals scored already this season and spectators do like to be entertained, and we certainly get entertained at meadow lane.

Another reason is we have attracted many families that may have gone to watch Forest but cannot due to them being sold out every game. Personally, I hope Forest stay in the PL, because those families will most likely still come to watch Notts, and that good for Notts's revenue.

It will be interesting to see if Notts reward fans loyalty by giving discounts for renewal of season tickets for next season. I believe that would be a good move too.

I think it is far better to go into the close season looking at the positives, whilst being mindful of the negatives.  Momentum for 24 / 25 can start at the end of 23/24, so 5 good results and looking at the glass half full component of the season are important. The glass half empty component can be focussed on at the start of the close season going into pre-season. There are loads of positives both on and off the field. 

The investment in the Fans Zone, new bar, the pitch, Padel (?) courts suggest that the owners are here  for the long term. 

The Owners are steady and not reactive, but will take action when they think it is appropriate.  I think this will pay dividends in the long term.

Our attack is devastating when we get it going - and it appears to have depth such that losing Jones and Macca still leaves us very strong position

We have learned a lot about league football vs non-league which will give us a more stable base to develop from than going up and then struggling next year (better to be a top L2 side moving forwards, than a struggling L1 side moving backwards).  Our development  plan as a club sees to be the same as our on field tactics; slow, steady and methodical.

Having Matty Palmer back will be like a new signing!

Our defence has also been so bad, that it has clearly highlighted what needs to be done to improve!! We have a pretty good track record on recruiting attackers, now we know what's needed for defence it should be possible to replicate that.  I also get the feeling SM has a bigger input into what he wants.

So, lots of good... but let's not forget to work on the gaps.

2 hours ago, Ohh Tommy Johnson said:

Having Matty Palmer back will be like a new signing!

its very cliche but matt palmer really will make such a big difference when he returns.

our first goal was to remain in the efl, we had high hopes on the back of promotion but perhaps the fact chesterfield were the better team on the day and what issues they gave us could have been a sign of how this campaign might end.

going top showed we had the class and quality, unfortunately injuries meant and other things did not see it last but its  good achievement in its own.

the earlier part of our home form was special, it felt like meadow lane was a fortress and that made attending games exciting.

It ends in defeat to a very good team who will most likely be promoted.

Manager, Brian Dunleavy speaks following the defeat at home to Loughborough.

If Macca really wanted to leave he would've turned our contract offer down and either asked the club to sell him or he'd just wait until he could leave on a free. So I too think he's quite happy to stay for the time being.

No-one knows if his contract has a release clause in or what the valuation is. The £1.5m figure was banded about over the summer, he's likely to finish the season on 25 goals (hopefully more) so yes there probably will be interest in him and I think the valuation won't be far off that. However we're under no pressure to sell him and he won't be cheap if clubs are serious about signing him. We won't sell to league 2 club and the only way most league 1 clubs will be able to sign him is if they sell a player for a couple of million. And it's probably still a bit of risk for Championship clubs with him jumping two levels. I think a lot of it all comes down to who moves where over the summer, and which clubs ultimately have the finances to buy him.

I would be amazed if we got a £2m offer for Macca, well not without a lot of add ons such as appearances and goals scored. He’s 27 now, not proven above League 2 and doesn’t have a great goal scoring record against the top sides this season, in fact I don’t remember him scoring against any of the top 7 sides this season in the league.

I can see him staying as Notts won’t get the money they’ll want.

Jodi could possibly go to a league 1 club, but I doubt he would go higher as he doesn’t have the pace needed now. I think he enjoys playing every week rather than warming a bench, so he might also stay.

@Fozzy it would give me much pleasure to see Macaulay sign an extension to his contract with Notts & for Jodi and Dan to stay too.

In the attacking department including the Strikers & attacking Midfielders we have no problem if they all stay.

That makes recruitment much easier with a new goalie, who can command his area, good at distributing & a good shot stopper in addition to Stone & Brooks.

Two tall, strong and physical defenders in addition to a strong, tenacious & hard defensive midfielder.

Out of the defenders we have I'd keep Cameron, Chicksen, Baldwin & of course we have Macari too.

In midfield I'd retain, Palmer,  Austin, Bostock, O'Brien as player coach and Robertson.

Those players, including Nemane, Jones, Scott, Langstaff, Jatta, Didzy and Crowley would make the basis of a good side to make a challenge next season.

On another aspect, Jaden Warner isn't the "star" he was made out to be. I believe he played them on for their 3rd goal and although he has pace, L2 physicality has shown him wanting. 

If Norwich observers are onlooking, they may decide that he is not what they thought they had, as a player

The team must function as a unit. We launch attacks collectively, but our defence is often disorganised. It’s simple to pinpoint errors, but there’s a lack of quick reaction to prevent the recurring mistakes that Notts commit. MK Dons wouldn’t have been close to a point had there been more awareness in the game.

I heard numerous complaints about the defence that led to their first goal, but it was an excellent piece of play. I believe we allow too much space behind the ball, with players content to leave the defending to those ahead of the ball, which is part of the problem we encounter. However, there was nothing that the goalkeeper could have done about it and defensively, you have to accept these types of goals.

The second goal for MK Dons was a bit unfortunate due to the deflection and bounce of the ball. However, there was a lack of defending and their third goal was extremely straightforward considering their player was clean through. Notts should show resilience in getting back into the game.

I found the game enjoyable. MK Dons took their opportunities, even though they didn’t seem particularly impressive until they scored. Their goal was beautiful, but it was a pity that their player behaved so unprofessionally with his celebrations and antics. He should have been sent off, not just for that, but also for several fouls he committed during the game.

I didn’t see them causing us any trouble, and I thought that us scoring a goal just before the end of the first half would give us a boost going into the second half. It seemed like the players had been spoken to, as they came out with more determination. I also disagree with Stuart Maynard. I thought we performed better in the second half than in the first, but overall it was a good performance.

Aaron Nemane can be a shadow of himself, but when he gets into the game, he’s unstoppable. I wish Jodi Jones would work on his crossing, as many of them tend to be overhit and end up being wasteful. Adam Chicksen setting up Jatta was a real highlight. That was a great goal to celebrate.

It was typical of Notts to collapse at crucial moments, with individual mistakes costing us the full amount of points. The players should take confidence from having played well against MK Dons, a team that believes they are much bigger than they actually are.

Interesting because Rock Band Kiss had to change the double S in their logo while on tour in Germany for more or less the same reason, the two S's it was stated looked like the double lightning bolt emblem used by German combat units during the War. Despite the fact two members of Kiss being Jewish and they said they had No Problem with the original Logo.

The shirt appears very nice, though the font used for the numbers is quite unsatisfactory. I don’t believe this was done intentionally. What would be the point of that? I attribute it to a simple mistake, human error.

There seems to be a lot of people stating this was An April Fools Joke! If that's the case there must be One Twisted S.O.B working at Adidas.

The press conference is usually the day before the match, but yesterday was Easter Sunday. There's also no fancy matchday pic on Facebook today.

There would have been no point sacking anyone in the middle of the Easter weekend. If we lose again today, I wouldn't be surprised if something happened during the week though. 

Usually, press conferences take place on a Wednesday or Thursday, and sometimes it’s up to the reporters rather than the club itself. However, since Notts’ form has declined, their media team has delayed them. The club should continue to operate as usual, as deviating from this only diminishes the openness and unity that the club emphasised at the beginning of this season.

Very revealing data @Piethagoram Does put it into context how Notts did so well to push Wrexham as far as they did last season.

Also interesting that another on the list Chesterfield, has won the National League by a cantor too this season.

Southend were docked points so should have been in the playoff positions too without that deduction.

Oldham have disappointed this season but still have an outside chance of making the playoffs.

It does look as though investment in a club with good crowds and good sponsorship does pay when wanting success.

But a good Manager can add to that success to and that's why Notts did so well last season even though Wrexham had a big financial advantage.

18 hours ago, Robbie said:

I've got a feeling now that the brothers will stick with Maynard if the last 5 games have positive outcomes.

I think you are spot on and I think they will stick with him for a good 3 months next season, regardless of results. 

18 points gained though @Robbie instead of 9. 9 points in 14 games, you can’t get away from the fact that is an awful return and a damning verdict on the head coach, it is not just relegation form, it is cast adrift form and has made Notts the worst EFL side in the country.
If a new coach cannot make a side better (or at least as good) after a third of the season, look for someone better. 

4 minutes ago, Fozzy said:

18 points gained though @Robbie instead of 9. 9 points in 14 games, you can’t get away from the fact that is an awful return and a damning verdict on the head coach, it is not just relegation form, it is cast adrift form and has made Notts the worst EFL side in the country.
If a new coach cannot make a side better (or at least as good) after a third of the season, look for someone better. 

I totally understand what you are saying @Fozzy and statistics don't lie. I'm just putting my self in the shoes of the Reedtz brothers who always seem to take the pragmatic approach to things.

I just think they will keep Maynard till the end of the season and through the summer, to build a changed side, and will give him 10 games at the beginning of next season. 

The results:

Plymouth Argyle 0-1 Bristol City
Stoke City 1-1 Huddersfield Town
Bristol Rovers 0-0 Shrewsbury Town
Charlton Athletic 0-0 Stevenage
Newport County 0-4 Crawley Town
Sutton United 3-1 Swindon Town
Altrincham 1-0 Oldham Athletic
Eastleigh 2-3 Maidenhead United

---

For the second time in four rounds, our winner is @Megan_Elizax! Congrats!

@Megan_Elizax - 7
@DangerousSausage - 6
@super_ram - 5
@cheeky~k8, @Robbie - 4
@ARLukomski, @Fan of Big Tone, @liampie, @magpiejue, @william1984 - 3
@4everapie, @Dan, @DonnyNotts, @gtownjohnno, @nottsnutter - 2
@Harry Buckley - 1

---

With four rounds to go, it's pretty much as you were at the top, while @super_ram rises to fourth...

ARLukomski - 198
gtownjohnno - 194
william1984 - 186
super_ram - 180
cheeky~k8 - 179
Fan of Big Tone - 179
magpiejue - 175
4everapie - 174
DangerousSausage - 170
Dan - 162
Megan_Elizax - 156
DonnyNotts - 136
nottsnutter - 131
liampie - 126
Chris - 123
upthepies - 90
Joshua - 86
Robbie - 73
allardyces tash - 70
TheSkipper - 67
KingWilliams - 66
Harry Buckley - 60
CliftonMagpie - 55
thommo - 49
OoooooTommy - 45
NottsCountyKev - 41
JIMBO - 40
jimbob - 38
Nocturnal-Magpie - 38
AmericanPie - 36
KB1862 - 22
George L - 6
Canadian - 4

---

We're back to Saturday afternoons now, so next weekend's fixtures will be posted tomorrow. Thanks for playing, see you all then!

Pleased with how things are going. Bottom of the league late December now safe in the middle.

43 minutes ago, DangerousSausage said:

With four rounds to go, it's pretty much as you were at the top, while @super_ram rises to fourth...

What! He’s above me? We can’t have that, time to get serious.  

I'd prefer to highlight the fact that after 41 games we have scored 80 goals which is currently the highest in league 2.

Notts have now scored 197 league goals and are on course to score over 200 league goals in two consecutive seasons.

That is a phenomenal effort from the Notts County Team.

Well done Jodi.

Supporting Notts for 57 years is a remarkable accomplishment, demonstrating both loyalty and commitment. I’m pleased you’ve returned. Your influence and conversational abilities are much needed on this site.

i have been worried @Piethagoram, but i am glad you are back. i understood you had more going on but i was really hoping we would see you return. seeing you online made me happier because i really appreciate what you do for pon.

please take care.  

Just catching up as I’ve been away, on my return I was so happy to read that you are back @Piethagoram you have been missed. It’s no doubt been a very worrying time for you but I’m glad to hear the cysts were non cancerous.

Let's hear from the hat trick hero Takiah Burnett.

Let's here what Manager Adam Dunleavy made of the huge win.

i will be sleeping for an extra hour to make up for the one lost. ????

i am hoping we have more sunnier days soon because today was the first time in awhile i managed to get out on my bike and just enjoy the day without it turning gloomy.

I woke up at my usual Time this Morning . Then Oh Gosh I Forgot To Put The Clocks Forward. What a Silly Billy I am the wife said the same, But Not in so many Words.

I've been good this year and changed all the clocks already. Some years I just leave them - they'll be correct again in six months anyway

Cardiff City 2-0 Sunderland

Queens Park Rangers 1-0 Birmingham City Joker

Fleetwood Town 0-0 Cheltenham Town

Lincoln City 2-1 Leyton Orient

Gillingham 0-1 Crewe Alexandra

Wrexham 3-1 Mansfield Town

Solihull Moors 0-1 Barnet

Woking 1-1 Eastleigh

Here are my predictions. By the way, keep your eyes peeled for Easter Monday's round, which will go live after the final whistle today!

Cardiff City 2-1 Sunderland

Queens Park Rangers 2-0 Birmingham City

Fleetwood Town 1-1 Cheltenham Town

Lincoln City 3-1 Leyton Orient

Gillingham 2-0 Crewe Alexandra

Wrexham 2-2 Mansfield Town

Solihull Moors 1-2 Barnet

Woking 2-0 Eastleigh (joker)

Good Friday's results:

Cardiff City 0-2 Sunderland
Queens Park Rangers 2-1 Birmingham City
Fleetwood Town 1-2 Cheltenham Town
Lincoln City 1-0 Leyton Orient
Gillingham 0-0 Crewe Alexandra
Wrexham 2-0 Mansfield Town
Solihull Moors 2-2 Barnet
Woking 0-1 Eastleigh

---

Congrats to Friday's winners @gtownjohnno and @william1984!

@gtownjohnno, @william1984 - 8
@Dan - 7
@DonnyNotts, @magpiejue, @Megan_Elizax - 6
@Harry Buckley - 5
@ARLukomski, @Fan of Big Tone, @liampie, @super_ram - 4
@cheeky~k8, @Robbie - 3
@4everapie, @DangerousSausage - 2

---

Things are getting tighter at the top again...

ARLukomski - 195
gtownjohnno - 192
william1984 - 183
Fan of Big Tone - 176
cheeky~k8 - 175
super_ram - 175
4everapie - 172
magpiejue - 172
DangerousSausage - 164
Dan - 160
Megan_Elizax - 149
DonnyNotts - 134
nottsnutter - 129
Chris - 123
liampie - 123
upthepies - 90
Joshua - 86
allardyces tash - 70
Robbie - 69
TheSkipper - 67
KingWilliams - 66
Harry Buckley - 59
CliftonMagpie - 55
thommo - 49
OoooooTommy - 45
NottsCountyKev - 41
JIMBO - 40
jimbob - 38
Nocturnal-Magpie - 38
AmericanPie - 36
KB1862 - 22
George L - 6
Canadian - 4

---

If you haven't already, pop over here to predict Easter Monday's games. Thanks for playing everyone!

Maynard has destroyed our attackers and actually done the impossible, he has made the defence worse.
If a question of sport was still on, Notts could fill a whole series with “what happens next”. The side has become a laughing stock of the league and they’re really not trying to do anything to address it.

It would be nice for our Chief Exec to actually open his office door, and watch what is happening. We have heard nothing from him in months but I bet we will when it comes to the club wanting us to renew our season tickets!

its all confidence at this stage and the fact the season is one we must grind out, i see errors and issues happening. i still dont blame stuart maynard, the players cant help themselves and until we have the time to really strengthen and sort out some of the obvious gaps then things are what they are. its really disappointing to see some fans, a very small minority seem to take joy at away games that we are so poor. maybe its their way of coping but its just hostile and very atmosphere ruining to hear silly comments throughout a game. I enjoyed the game itself more than hearing them.

the goals we gave away were extremely poor, i dont think we should be too harsh on scott robertson because hes still young and has largely done well.

if we were winning people would be overlooking some of these mistakes and the majority i think would be less critical, its a real shame how this season has ended up but sometimes it happens when you realise you are not good enough for the higher end. the fact some people still believe we should be we are good enough for promotion to league one, but say we are rubbish makes me want to pull my hair out.

we are not ready, there is a chance we could have been but not since luke williams left and even then we seemed to coasting out of the frame of it.

Good evening,

Hope you are all well.

I thought your away following was excellent yesterday but you were given little to enthuse over. It made me smile when your were cheering back passes to your own keeper culminating in our second goal.

Previous post mentions Scott Robertson who seemed to just run around whilst in posession without any real purpose. Generally sideways and back. We have been playing like that for seasons ironically starting under Luke Williams.

Our demise this season began at Meadow Lane when our then manager "bigged" you up so much that our unbeaten start would inevitably end. We have sunk slowly to what is probably going to be our lowest ever league finish.

Having said that we put together our best team performance for ages yesterday but you still showed up our frailties and could (should?) easily have got something from the match.

It is what it is and let's all hope for better times next season.

Best wishes,

Mickey

AMEN.

i still feel we are seeing the different jason turner made around the club, the fact players are still mentioning him says a lot too.

RIP Jason Turner.????

i caught this but forgot to look to see if it had been mentioned here, its great to see two of our youngsters get selected and i hope it gets them some experience. it makes it promising from our front because international football can be a huge benefit to moulding all rounded players.