The club conducted a commendable interview with Matt Palmer. He seems eager to return, even though it might take some time. However, he should be ready by the start of the season. I’m excited to see him don the Notts shirt again.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic to have a team filled with players like Matt Palmer? It’s great to see him back, focusing on his fitness and working towards rejoining the starting line-up. He exudes quality, so I’m eager to see Palmer back in the squad on match days.

I've always been a big fan of Matt Palmer's. When we signed him I was over the moon because I knew what sort of quality he would bring. It surprised me that he stepped down to the National League to join us, especially when he was still only like, what 26-years-old? He really could have joined a League One/Two team and found himself back higher up the football pyramid quite easily.

I also genuinely believe he arrived here because he liked the project which was being built and could see Notts creating a team where he would thrive and most importantly enjoy his football. He's like that as a player, when he enjoys his football nothing can unsettle him or put him off his game. I don't remotely think he joined us because we offered the best wages, as that's not the type of person he seems to be. Having him back will be a massive boost to our squad, because players not only know what he brings but what to expect from him when he is in the team.

There's a reason why he's always in the squad selection on match days, and it's not just because he's consistent or hard-working.

@Chris @Wheelbarrow repair man

I just don't think that the excuse of parachute payments as a lifeline for clubs being relegated stands at all.

Parachute payments clearly stifles competition in the lower league and encourages the phenomenon of yo yo clubs. We've seen it in the Championship year after year.

It is simply not fair and that fact should override any justification for keeping parachute payments.

Football needs fixing and the first priority is to make football more exciting and less predictable.

That means stopping Parachute Payments & putting a cap on transfers and players wages.

It is a lifeline, but not for every club.

It offers the majority of teams financial stability, with the modern game the way it is - it isn't uncommon for owners to sell up (or try) leaving the club in difficult circumstances. In our own case, without the payments to ourselves, our first season in the National League could have been much harder.

The funds helped the club operate between Alan Hardy's exit and the arrival of the Reedtz brothers who acted quickly, but the parachute payments meant we were able to do stuff before. Against his credit, Neal Ardley worked tirelessly to keep Notts in a good position, and it's something that tends to be overlooked due to him being the manager who unfortunately was at the helm when we got relegated. Alan Hardy took Notts down, him, along with Kevin Nolan and Harry 'useless' Kewell.

Clubs need to take into consideration what their finances might look like without the parachute payments, making sure players wages are affordable. Yet, a lot rely on being able to afford their talent. In some cases, players would want to move on due to a large drop in wages. Other than them wanting to return to their previous playing level, due to chasing the international dream, better wages etc.

Numerous teams have been saved from administration due to the induction of the parachute payments, which was part of their intended design.

However, I believe it's three more times likely that teams who receive them end up being promoted back the following season.

We don't know how this number would change if abolished, nor how many teams may find themselves in Bury's situation. Personally, I think football should be fairer, but the removal of it could cause further implications to our game.

Not a fan of parachute payments, it should absolutely be abolished. 

As it has been mentioned, it gives teams an unfair advantage when getting relegated which is why we see so many teams become Yo-Yo clubs. They're too good for the Championship but not good enough for the Premier League.

Parachute payments also mean that clubs spend outside of their means which then results in them going into administration. Now more than ever clubs are being more cautious about what they spend due to implications of over spending due to their being a crack down on losses, ffp etc. 

Parachute payments don't last forever so if clubs spend outside their means but don't get promoted and stay where they are or even get relegated, finances become a real issue. 

Lunch

Notts are 293/1

Slater 123 n/o

Stone 53 n/o

Tea

Notts are 396/2

Slater is 159 n/o

Young is 49 n/o

Stone the only man out today, was out for 63.

Looks like the game is going to end in a draw.

It's a very benign pitch, a batsmen's paradise.

The Match is drawn.

Notts finish on 425 for 2

Slater 168 n/o

Young 66 n/o

13 bonus points for Notts 

It's saddening to learn about Frank Duckworth, I can't say I am into cricket at all but I appreciate people within the sports.

rest in peace, frank duckworth.

Gareth Southgate was upbeat about England's performance against Slovenia after the match.

Have you consulted a doctor? It’s crucial not to underestimate the significance of regular health check-ups. The Notts community genuinely cares about your well-being, so please reassure me that you’ve sought professional advice. While anxiety is undoubtedly serious, I hope the issue isn’t more concerning.

Imagine, if you will, that I donned a doctor’s coat (alas, it’s purely imaginary). In my whimsical office, adorned with rubber chickens and a stethoscope that plays jazz tunes, I’d address your health concerns with utmost seriousness.  

I recommend visiting your GP first. They can assess your situation, and if it seems more serious, then consider going to A&E. Speaking to a doctor is essential, as going directly to the hospital might be unnecessary if it’s related to anxiety.

@ARLukomski Have you visited the doctor for a check-up?

Please disregard my light-hearted humour. I’m genuinely worried about you, as are many in the PON community. I hope you start feeling better soon!

Selling Macca wouldn't make any sense at all now, & as I have said before, you don't sell arguably the best player of your team to a Manager who ran out on Notts & left with Notts having existing defensive problems, then causing so much disruption that Notts failed to make the playoffs 

Doesn't anyone feel that when Notts were holding negotiations with these new players that they subsequently signed, that those players would ask the question about the elite players futures, and that Notts would have assured them that no essential players were going to be sold in the short term?

Some of those players we've signed would have come because of the players we have, if Notts then weaken the team by selling Macca or Jodi, I don't think that would go down well.

Even the BEEB have picked up on this Topic. Of course it's all On Line Talk according to them. But when Luke Williams was questioned about it He said 

That's a Different Question. I think it should have Read That's a Difficult Question.

But the article Ends On A Positive Note For Notts Fans. Macca said It would Take Something Incredible For Him To Leave The Lane.

@Robbie You have some Excellent Points There Buddy.

I sincerely doubt there’s any genuine interest. If there were, I’d expect more than just Swansea City showing interest in him. Numerous teams would likely enquire about Macaulay Langstaff, given his striking abilities. If teams like Peterborough, Lincoln City, Blackburn, and Plymouth Argyle were also mentioned, then I’d be more inclined to believe there’s substance to it. As it stands, it’s only Swansea City and a few casual remarks made when Luke Williams first took over.

i did not rate him, i thought he looked lost on the pitch and never really did much with his time i felt frustrated because we could have given the game time to someone else who might have been productive. i hope hes improved a lot since his days here.

He came with the promise of being very good but didn't do much. Despite the hype of him being Liverpool's academy captain, we didn't see much leadership from him. However, he must have improved.

Virtue was unnoticeable with us, leaving no significant impact. To me, he seemed like a young player who needed to move down the football pyramid. Alternatively, he might have thought he was above our level. Although he did some positive things, his performances were not sufficient.

Isn’t it a misuse of funds? Are they so desperate to sign a goalkeeper that they’re essentially offering him a free holiday? It’s odd. If Notts did this, I’d be disheartened by the squandered fees involved.

18 hours ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

Perhaps he fancied a trip to Spain. 

For free? I don't blame him. I hope Chesterfield didn't take him out of their own budget. ????

14 hours ago, CliftonMagpie said:

Isn’t it a misuse of funds? Are they so desperate to sign a goalkeeper that they’re essentially offering him a free holiday? It’s odd. If Notts did this, I’d be disheartened by the squandered fees involved.

I would dislike Notts doing a similar thing, even if it was an ex-well known Premier League keeper, it could be Joe Hart for all I care - it's not something I think makes financial sense. If they have done it to stop him going on trials elsewhere, or just to make sure he signs for them then it's even weirder.

chesterfield are a weird club, they probably will have it as part of his signing on fee.

one free holiday to spain...

I honestly can't see any teams coming in for Connell Rawlinson and Aiden Stone, not even if they are transfer-listed for free. There might have been interest already, we won't know, but I think those two would be best trying to mutually agree release terms with.

Connell Rawlinson is a great guy. I have a lot of respect for him and many memories, but we can't keep players for sentimental reasons - not at this level.

I also feel somewhat sorry for Aiden Stone, he tried and seems to lack confidence, but I just don't see anyone in League Two wanting him. I think he should consider dropping to the National League North/South.

Will Randall should attract some form of interest, even if it's just from within the National League. There's a player in him, but it hasn't worked, and I don't think he integrated himself well into our squad. He always comes across as a loner, that might be his personality but when I have encountered him - including when I gave him a print I did of him, he sort of seemed rude and uninterested in anything but himself. He could be shy, but hasn't left a good impression on the field or off it.

the club are probably trying to work on this, but i can see one or two going out on loan. randall and rawlinson, but i think we will be stuck with stone.

they all need to be playing, rawlinson has done his job and will be remembered for all his efforts.

I’m not sure when the transfer deadline is but I’m sure there’s still time for them to move on, it normally gets busier nearer the deadline.

The BBC are supposed to verify other news stories but obviously do not verify there own.

Typical BBC. 

I won't go on rant about the BBC but it simply needs defunding & the licence fee abolished in my opinion.

@Robbie

Yes I know it was just I was commenting on the Inept  Reporting by the Head Football Writer of the B.B.C who in a Report Declared that England were playing Slovakia.

 Which shows like most Media their articles are Never Proof read. I remember some kid who wrote for Nottingham Live that Derek PARVIS once owned Notts County.

i must admit i less bothered about watching england than notts, but i do like watching important games and i am hopeful they can put together a good performance. i will be watching.

His performance for Crawley Town last season and the goal which he scored at Meadow Lane, it was him at his best. I still feel a bit of resentment for the way he acted once he knew he wasn't going to be offered a deal by Notts. Good player, especially at this level and should do really well for Hartlepool United.

He was in and out of our squad during his final season, and personally I think he gave up.

I hope he serves Hartlepool well because I have a lot of respect for the club.

good player, decent turn of skill and pace. i prefer him as a striker than midfield but he has done well since leaving us.

What the price of some of our players in this Notts rebuilt team get an EFL award next season? If the new season goes well I am sure we will see some. Agree?????

Notts could potentially see a few more of their players making it into the team of the year for the forthcoming season. I reckon we stand a good chance of securing a few spots but we will have to wait to see.

It’s fantastic to see Macaulay Langstaff and Jodi Jones in the team of the year. It would be wonderful to see a few more players make it next season. Regardless of what happens, I just want all the players to excel for themselves.

Thanks for that @Fan of Big Tone. Apparently an Argentinian B.B.Q is the the type of Grill the Meat is cooked on. 

I would think that the B.B.Q  will be outside, otherwise wouldn't the Smoke set off the Sprinkler System in the Nest?

@Fan of Big Tone I didn't know about the PON emojis either, I've been using my keyboard emojis

19 minutes ago, Robbie said:

@Fan of Big Tone I didn't know about the PON emojis either, I've been using my keyboard emojis

Yeah that’s another option of course but I like the PoN ones. 

It depends on who else is available, but I will add that Tom Crawford had some magical moments with us and during a time when others lack his spirit. Tom would do a decent job in the defensive duties, but he's better at the attacking side IMO. I would happily welcome him back, if the club deemed him as someone that fits us.

He did very well for Hartlepool, I felt surprised when I learned that they had released him.

Notts could do far worse, so it will be interesting but in terms of what Tom Crawford would bring to us. I think he's good enough and would fit various roles we might require. However, he wouldn't be guaranteed to start and that for me, means we need to find players who would make a strong contest for this. I feel Crawford might get overlooked in this scenario, but I do rate him as a player.

I don’t remember him setting the world on fire when he was with us but if he’s improved and has gained more experience then why not, if the recruitment team/data deems him a good fit for us.

@Fan of Big Tone he had spells when he would come on and get chances away, there was a few games after he scored where he was class. i would welcome him back. i was disappointed we let him go because his potential seemed good.

i would welcome him back, but i think the club may be looking elsewhere.

@Wheelbarrow repair man

I don't think Southgate is a good motivator, but if the England team or individual players aren't motivated to represent their Country in the 2nd most predigeous tournament in the World they shouldn't be playing for England full stop.

It may also be a case of some players thinking they are too good to be dropped from the side, & the scourge of player power is not far behind, ready to rear it's ugly head.

Tomorrow the excuses need to be put aside, and the team must put on a strong performance.

Unless this is all a ruse by Gareth Southgate to control who we might get in the knock-out stages and for teams to think we will be push overs. It seems unlikely, but I just want to see England put in the effort. I'll be watching the game with @super_ram and @super_pie.

A change of scenery and some more company might make it easier to watch. ????

England's next match is against Slovenia ranked 57th by FIFA.

Nothing less than an England win will do against Slovenia and if they don't win, no excuses will be accepted.

Agree with you @Wheelbarrow repair man.

I don't know about anyone else and correct me if I have missed it, but I haven't heard anyone from the England camp apologise to the Nation for the performance of the team against Denmark.

And instead of criticising pundits for their negative comments, I want to hear from the England camp a positive message that the team are going to show bags of energy, commitment, work till they drop, press & hassle the opposition, don't give them a minute on the ball.

And when we get the ball back England are quick to attack with pace and movement with either quick short & incisive passing to get the ball up front asap.

None of this passing from side to side and backwards, no standing still with the ball.

And if the first team players can't do that, replace them with the squad players. Nothing less than that will be acceptable against Slovenia.

I point his move to the German league as part of the reason why he's been disappointing: he really doesn't have to do much or move at all. This said, it's not like he's been getting any support. We really haven't been very attacking minded, so that puts some perspective, but I just don't think he should be dropping back. At times, I see no reason but for the majority of the game, well its negative and players know that if they try to get the ball forward there won't be anyone there.

All the comments directed to Harry Kane, and the England team, have been fair and justified in my opinion.

That said, I am still hoping that we can pick up in terms of performance and just put all this behind us. It's just a distraction and something that makes for talking points, but it's not helpful for the players (to be making excuses).

Another point that may or may not have been brought up.

The England players that have been selected are good players, we know that, but many of these players may not be exceptional players, they stand out more because at their clubs, they are surrounded by exceptional international players which makes them look better than they actually are.

We know, Bellingham, Walker, Stones, Foden, Saka, & Kane are very good players but they do play in exceptional club sides surrounded by great players.

When placed in the England side the other England players look to them to lead & more than often it doesn't play out to well.

If those five players are not on their game 100%, it has a negative affect on the other six & the structure of the team suffers.

I've always thought that the England team could do better with a team full of players of equal skill, that are team players with just one or two exceptional players in the side, that the team is built around.

Personally I’m not that fussed he’s gone there, sounds like he is left footed and we now have Bedeau and Cameron on the left, it’s the right side we need to concentrate on now.

If we have signed four or five quality starting XI players by the beginning of July I think we will be well placed. There will still be two months of the window left in order to finalise the squad, but some will depend on Rawlo, Stone and the day tripping shopper finding clubs.

we dont want to overdo the defenders we sign but this could have been another good signing and one that may have secured the defensive additions notts needed. i am not that bothered we did not sign him, but carlisle securing it says a lot about their ambitions to attract good defenders themselves. i trust notts to ensure we sign the right players, so i dont see this as a major loss.

as others have said, we dont know if any talks were held or even if a contract was offered from us.

On 17/06/2024 at 21:33, Pies79 said:

If Notts were in talks with Terell Thomas but lost out to Carlisle, are Notts struggling to attract players due to how they finished in the league last season?

In an interview towards the end of last season Maynard said that it was important to finish well to remain an attractive option during the off season, is this having an impact maybe? Or is it early days and the that the transfer window has only just opened.

I was surprised that he chose Carlisle which will be some of the longest away games in the football league. Notts always have the fact they are East Midlands based, on the M1 which is a selling point for some.

Then again, the cynic in thinks, because the news of Notts' interest in TT was via media speculation, it only underlines the notion that Agents release information about interest, offers and counter offers - speculative or fake - to the media to make serious parties increase offers, bids alongside terms and conditions. 

we could all do with an excellent agent. Like TT.

That's great news. Really pleased that Alan is out of hospital.

Hoping that Alan has a full & complete recovery.

I was talking to my dad about it this past Monday, it wasn't looking good for him. The most recent pictures, you could see he's taken a decline, but I hope he recovers further. It's not nice seeing someone's face go like that and very rarely do you see them put the weight back on at that age.

He's a good pundit, and I have been told in the past he was a very good footballer, but he was well before my time.

I do miss watching him on Match of the Day, mind. He was one of them you may not agree with, but you could see his reasoning and generally he just seemed to love football. Whereas the standard these days it's much poorer, despite the better pay.

I saw the topic and thought the good news was they were not flying back to the chaos at Manchester airport!????

With respect, always liked Alan Hanson ...glad to see him discharged from hospital

You certainly get around @Piethagoram. Lovely pictures, Trentham Gardens is a place I think I ought to visit.

Today I’ve been gardening clearing out weeds, cutting back shrubs etc because it’s brown bin day tomorrow.

The trouble is I’ll suffer for it tomorrow with aching joints etc.

We've got a couple of chicken legs I’m going to bbq later, Mrs. T is prepping a salad to go with it and I’ll have a nice cool drink while I’m cooking.

Who else would s enjoying the sunshine?
 

It's been a lovely day today after a bit of a misty start this morning. 24 Deg C here.

Walked my couple of miles this morning,15 miles for the week. 

No football this afternoon at the Euros. Both matches tonite at 8 pm, Looking forward to watching Scotland to see if they can qualify.

Helped the wife with a bit of housework. Trying to do my bit since retiring.

During this election watching no TV news channels or election broadcasts, sometimes there are better things to do.

@Robbie

I know what you mean about  helping  out the Trouble and Strife. I was once asked if I was a Considerate Lover.

Oh Yes I Always Lift My Feet When She's Hoovering.

i have never heard of him but reading his wiki, hes 23 and does not have many starts to his name. hes certainly an unknown to me, but i do wish burton well. forests academy is pretty decent, so i am sure he will be capable.

i think we can all see it when they have played, hope that we can start to silence the doubters and improve with stronger performances. this is a funny tweet tho. ????

@Wheelbarrow repair man

Found this on Sam's Wiki page and I quote.

"Some analysts have labelled Allardyce a long ball manager, though he has disputed this perception as "totally & utterly wrong." He takes a modern technology & statistics-centred approach to tactics & coaching & has been praised for his organisational & man-management skills".

I think he has learned a lot over his 33 years of Football management and people do change.

I can remember being upset when Warnock left Notts, I was upset when Big Sam left, the same feeling when Luke left, I'm not quite over Luke leaving yet, but I will be sooner, rather than later.

All three are legends as far as I'm concerned.

I would also like to thank all PON members who have contributed with different opinions on this subject.

We may see things differently on occasions but we always respect everyone else's view. That's what makes our community special.

@Robbie

This is what I mean an awful lot of Fans are under the I illusion that Managers such as Big Sam and Neil Warnock despite their Massive experience  at  Club Management level, Can Not Adopt to the Modern Game. Really? The Strange thing is when a Club is in Trouble and face Relegation, it's this type of Manager/Head Coach they turn to and once they achieve Safety, they're usually Let Go.

And Fans Moan they're only in it for the Money, regardless of them Saving their Club from Going Down. If they're offered a good wage then they are going to take up the Offer after all if you're Good At Something Never Do It For Free.  Look at David Moyes saves West Ham from the drop, gets the Hammers regular top Half Finishes in the Premier League, qualifies for Europe three seasons in succession, Wins West Ham a Trophy for the first time in 43 years and he's Sacked. Why? They don't like the way his Team Play Football. The Mind Boggles. Apologies for going slightly off Topic.

i still dont see him being suited to wales, that is nothing against his management style but if he is to return to management. he needs to find a league team that he can build and stick around with. did he takeover mark hughes at blackburn? if i am right he did okay with them but he has never come close to repeating his success at bolton.

@Piethagoram I think we all know the answer to that! I don't think any of them would even know where Barrow is.

13 hours ago, Wheelbarrow repair man said:

 

Newfoundland and Labrador possibly couldn't Afford to Sponsor a Premier League or Championship Side. Or they may have been Sold the Story that like Wrexham they are Team on the Up.

there are better teams in the national league they could sponsor, maybe even league one/two.

If Newfoundland & Labrador have sponsored Barrow good luck to Barrow. It is a good thing that some money is going to a club that needs it, and it gets Barrow some publicity too.

California or Texas can come sponsor Notts front of shirt if they want  for several million pounds, I wouldn't say no 

I remember when Dave signed for Derby. I think Cloughie built the team around him and got Dave to play as sweeper. Funny that today they expect the goalie to do that????

Dave went to Swindon after his Derby days for a year.

14 minutes ago, Robbie said:

@super_ram Did Dave Mackay have a nickname. Was it Big Dave?

@Robbie , I'm not aware of a nickname that stuck(apart from miracle man after breaking his leg twice) I just remember him as 'Mighty Mac)

@super_ram

One of the most Vivid things I remember about Dave Mackay was that photo of him and Billy Bremner, where Dave's got Bremner by the front of his shirt and is almost lifting him off the Ground in Shear Anger. What had happened Dave wasn't long back after Breaking a Leg and Bremner had Fouled him, and Dave didn't like it which was understandable remembering the Dirty Leeds Side of the 1970's.