It’s good to see Luke smiling again, he will undoubtedly be proud and pleased by the response. Next, we face Morecambe. It would be great to secure another home victory, which will hopefully lead to improved performances away.

I'm sure Luke will get us through this rough patch and get us in a position to challenge for automatic promotion.

I'm sure at the beginning of the season we would have settled for where we are now.

A few good wins into the new year will be back on track.

12 hours ago, Fozzy said:

I think he watched a different game to most of us. Rovers had hardly touched the ball up until the penalty, apart from a couple of half chances. Penalty was never a penalty anyway, so justice was served.

but that 20% of the ball they had, they used it well. ????????

i have no idea what he witnessed but he will be thinking about his job, one which i am surprised he still has.

I feel sorry for the bloke, and judging what I've seen of them in two games they're doing well to be seven points clear of the relegation zone. For them it's about finishing above two other teams, I don't think they've got the players to do any better than that. That said, calling it a "good start" is wishful thinking.

Not many post match opposition  manager's interviews are as honest as LW's.

The build up play today was truely sensational and back to what we have been used to over the last 12 months. Let's keep it going lads.

Dan Crowley, what an acquisition he has turned out be. His nack of being at the right place at the right time is another great aspect of his game. Didzy & Macca at their best today too.

Was good to get the win, Donny are leaking goals so I expected the win to be fair.  Good all the same.

it does not get much better the 2nd or 3rd time, but rewatching the goals makes me happier knowing that notts got a well earned win.

A Merry Christmas to all and here's hoping for a fantastic New Year. Well Done to everyone who keeps this forum alive with great discussions.

Merry Christmas to one and all, even if I am a bit late! Hoping we see Notts County rise to new heights in the coming year.

A tad late to the party but wanted to spread some festive cheer nonetheless. Christmas may be over, but the goodwill needn't be. Cheers.

20 hours ago, Piethagoram said:

@Joshua "I don’t particularly enjoy bringing budgets into the conversation as they don’t provide a fair basis for comparison."

In the National League, Stockport's budget was nearly twice the size of Notts. Perhaps the quality of Stockport's bench reflected that last night

Both of Stockport's goals scored by ex Notts players????

Jayden Richardson didn’t take the penalty, he merely fell over and then alleged he had been fouled. I understand your point though.

Regarding the budget, I’ve tried to investigate this and all the data seems very inconsistent. I don’t think Notts has the poorest budget and I’m interested in how expenditure affects the money we have for players’ wages. So, it might not be exactly like comparing two identical apples, but I suspect our budget might not be as robust as others.  

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/league-two/startseite/wettbewerb/GB4

In my opinion, the penalty decision was rather lenient given the way Jayden Richardson fell. He collapsed as if he had been tripped, then protested once his teammates started calling for it. I thought they were overly physical, almost to the point of excess. The number of times Kyle Wootton seemed to be wrestling with Aden Baldwin was notable. We had three excellent opportunities, the shot David McGoldrick took, perhaps it would have been better to pass to Macaulay Langstaff. Macca himself had that attempt where his aim just needed a bit more precision and Jodi Jones who shot wide of the goal. It was a very entertaining match between two top teams. Notts may lack a bit of quality, but they demonstrated unity and determination against Stockport.

I think it was a penalty, Richardson was about to pull the trigger and would certainly have scored. Cameron took his heels with no attempt to play the ball. Stockport would have scored either way.

Richardson looked a right handful after he came on, but did he spend as much time whingeing and provoking the opposition when he was in a Notts shirt?

On 13/12/2023 at 19:03, Chris said:

He could be a good Alumni to write about.

Indeed Chris, I mentioned him back in the summer on people who could be added to the Alumni. I only just remember him playing as I think he was injured quite a bit towards the end of his time with Notts. He died when only in his 50s as well from memory.

3 hours ago, Fozzy said:

Indeed Chris, I mentioned him back in the summer on people who could be added to the Alumni. I only just remember him playing as I think he was injured quite a bit towards the end of his time with Notts. He died when only in his 50s as well from memory.

I will definitely make sure I cover an Alumni on him.

It's a shame about the end of his career and early death, it will be good to continue his legacy which is something I want to focus on doing more. Our history deserves this, as do the players who represented us.

On 13/12/2023 at 14:46, liampie said:

no idea, not heard the name before i dont think so.

did he prove to be a good signing?

Yes he was. Eric came to us from Burnley after being a really good youth prospect. He spent 5 years with us and I remember him playing very well in many games for us. He was a regular fit in midfield for the first 3 years, but his appearances reduced due to injuries in his last 2 years at Notts. In all he played 122 games and scored 24 goals for us before going to Darlington.

the national lampoons christmas vacation has become a favourite of mine over the years. i like silly movies quite a lot.

I’ve never been particularly fond of Christmas films. While I can watch and find enjoyment in them with others, there aren’t any that I eagerly anticipate each December. My preference leans more towards westerns.

Showing my age but my top three are:-

It's a Wonderful Life.

Holiday Inn.

The Santa Clause.

Recruitment will solve most problems. It’s not too hard and some players might leave. I believe we can manage with the team we have, but we need changes. Any new additions will push someone down the order. I value all players and it’s sad to see anyone go, but to improve, there are one or two defenders who aren’t necessary.

Luke Williams isn't going anywhere.

Yes, I have seen serious calls for his position, but I think that is mostly caused by frustration. It's not really needed, but it's part of the game. I think there are many factors as to why we are struggling, injuries, pressure, a lack of fortune, Williams being linked to vacant positions.

It's how we handle these disruptions and with a small squad, it will always be difficult.

The January transfer window is a perfect opportunity to get this right, signing players to fill what we are currently lacking would go along way to allowing us to kick on.

Luke Williams is the best man to get us challenging for promotion.

Don't forget, we are still in a position to challenge for promotion in 2024.

We have to take note that we have stepped up a level. We have to compete with every team in this league no matter where that team is in this league they will all be tough. We've already seen it in the first half of the season. All the teams are capable of beating each other in this league.

Teams have studied us and they have their plans to exploit any weakness we have. We just have to ensure their plans don't succeed.

I've no doubt Luke will sort things out in the new year with the right recruitment to strengthen our squad.

I think Aidan Stone just lacks confidence, our defending doesn't help and how any keeper can be relied upon when we can't even pressure, or attempt to defend it becomes incredibly hard to stop goals going in.

i have noticed that the praise from our own media team has stopped because of the moaning. its a shame because its nice to see players praised rightly. i thought harrogate looked a good team. they must be a bit hit and miss to be in their position but hopefully with a new keeper they can push on.

I agree with others. Aidan just lacks confidence, just as other members of the team do. 

It will pass after a set of good results.

If it was genuinely driven by a desire to create a better European club tournament, I’d be for it, but it’s just greed. Football is in a right mess at the moment, FIFA and UEFA are just as bad at the minute, the whole thing needs a massive shake up but a European Super League just isn’t the answer.

Hurray for EU competition law. Having a pretend market comes above all else once again.

It's obviously a terrible idea, but it'll only happen if clubs agree to take part in it and they're mindful of a PR disaster. It's immaterial right now, anyway, as UEFA are turning the Champions League into an ESL anyway. What happened to Europe's premier knock-out competition?

Of course, the burning question on everyone's mind is whether Yeovil Town would take part. Well now you can rest easy!

I believe the Champions league should be for one set of Clubs, Champions only of their national Premier leagues.

When they increased the number of clubs that could qualify they devalued the competition & it became just a money making exercise, and it also finished up devaluing the Cup completions because the big clubs field their weaker teams now.

19 hours ago, thommo said:

Steve Cooper’s dismissal doesn’t matter to me, I believe he’s better off. It was always going to be a challenge for him, especially as the club’s recruitment is essentially whoever their owner prefers. I think Cooper will find a suitable project. He performed a miracle by taking them from almost certain relegation to League One to the Premier League. That’s the gratitude he receives.

Cooper's sacking is just an example of the way Football is going since the Premier League was formed.

A Manager has a bad run of 10 games or less & there's a clamour, pushed by the media, & pundits to replace him.

On the other hand, in the lower leagues of the EFL, Managers are poached by higher league clubs to the detriment of those lower clubs.

The rest are always playing catch up, & it's difficult enough to climb through the leagues, without losing a good Manager & then appoint a good replacement.

Luke has done wonders for our club & I'm sure there are other clubs keeping their eye on his progress.

It would be hard for Notts to replace him if he moved on.

I actually feel sympathy for Steve Cooper.I didn't like him at one time but I get the feeling he's been made the scapegoat for other 's mistakes.

1 minute ago, super_ram said:

I actually feel sympathy for Steve Cooper.I didn't like him at one time but I get the feeling he's been made the scapegoat for other 's mistakes.

Definitely. And another important change that has crept into the game is the Head Coach not picking the players to bring in to his club. It's  right that the Manager should consult others over recruitment, but the Manager should have the final say over who to recruit.

I don't have time for it either, I dislike how people go on about Kens and Karens. I would hate Ken to be my name, knowing people are itching to say it.

We’re unaware of the mental condition of some of these individuals, they might simply require assistance. I don’t believe filming people merely because they’re impolite, noisy or otherwise irritating is beneficial or productive. This doesn’t excuse their behaviour, but I think those who attempt to claim moral superiority are equally at fault for seeking attention.

absolutely, i remember seeing videos of random people just giving those in videos labelled Karen's hugs. It seemed effective, because clearly something related. i know some people just like to bark, but nothing beats genuine human kindness.

very big move for him, i liked him as a player and thought he did well for us. only issue is the way he was used. he should have been played outright as a striker. good luck to him.

I wasn’t aware he had transitioned into coaching. Working in an academy requires a lot of dedication and a passion for shaping talent. His message suggests he’s well-suited for this. I wish him all the best.

I had memorable away trips to Brescia and Ascoli

Paul Devlin's equaliser at Ascoli is as clear in my mind as if it was yesterday. Turning his man and volleying a bullet  in to the top right hand corner from 25 yards

I also remember lunchtime drinks in the piazza in Ascoli with Derek Pavis and John Mountney.. talking about the madness of the Brescia final, when we needed a goal, Mick Walker took off McSwegan for Agana!

Yes Piethagoram, I think the best team lost when we played Brescia in our first Anglo-Italian final at Wembley.

McSwegan should have buried that chance in the 1st half, the handball by their player that should have been a pen & Charlie Palmer's effort that was blocked on their line in the dying seconds of the match from another long throw from Andy Legg. 

Then of course there was Steve Cherry's unfortunate mistake that led to their winning goal.

before my time too. ????

i have watched videos on youtube and i remember the notts county film that the old media team put out that mentioned it.

i do like reading about peoples experiences and memories of games tho, as it tells you so much more about the clubs history. i would welcome it back.

Even then, Neil Warnock comes across as a genuine bloke. It’s unfortunate he didn’t stay here longer.

I absolutely adore it! Neil Warnock is a unique character, blending humour and seriousness. He gives off the vibe of a zany uncle, or should I say, grandfather now.

Neil Is one of the great managers that this Country has produced and we were blessed to have him as our Manager between 1989 & 93.

Leading us from the 3rd Division to the Ist in successive seasons was a tremendous feat,

I remember it well. It was an exciting time for our club.

And he's still passionate for our club too.

I know some people seem a bit baffled by it reaching number one, but personally I think it's a decent Christmas song which should have won it the first time round. Ladbaby and his cringeworthy partner are the worst. Charity or not, those types of songs get the spotlight more due to the willingness of people wanting to help.

Albeit Band-Aid is far more credible with many real musicians coming together, I still think he shouldn't have been included in the charts.

Let's make Mr Blobby and Bob the Builder number one! Oh wait, they did already.

When was the last time the Christmas charts had a few decent songs related to the day? Now it’s all trashy pop and singers who can’t compose songs.

4 minutes ago, Countyman said:

When was the last time the Christmas charts had a few decent songs related to the day? Now it’s all trashy pop and singers who can’t compose songs.

The only decent one I've heard is

Ed Sheeran & Sir Elton John - 'Merry Christmas'

Elton is an oldie & Ed is one of the few excellent modern artists in my opinion.

But these old Xmas songs from yester year keep coming back every year. There is still a big market for them.

It’s confirmed, @DangerousSausage will be the villain in the PON pantomime.
@super_ram and @Fan of Big Tone to be dames.  

Good job everyone, keep sharing your predictions!

1 hour ago, CliftonMagpie said:

It’s confirmed, @DangerousSausage will be the villain in the PON pantomime.
@super_ram and @Fan of Big Tone to be dames.  

Good job everyone, keep sharing your predictions!

I used to be addicted to panto, but it's behind me now. 

It doesn’t exactly seem like you’ve ‘Let it go’, @DangerousSausage. I wager that every Friday night, you find a bar in Germany where you can sing all your favourite Disney tunes, with memories of your pantomime days at the forefront of your mind.

Johnny Bostock!  

In the distant past there was a certain Tom Keetley who became a prolific goalscorer for both Doncaster Rovers and Notts County 

From 1923 to 1929 Tom played for Rovers scoring 180 goals from 231 appearances.

Tom moved to Notts in 1929 till 1933 where he scored 94 goals from 103 appearances.

Nathan Tyson: 2014 and Notts 2019/20, Doncaster Rovers 2014/16.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Tyson

On 19/12/2023 at 10:45, Piethagoram said:

For an accountant, I don't think one would necessarily raise questions over an investment of £200k? @Chris

I know football is a multimillion pound sport, but £200k is a considerable amount for a team like ours.

It's basically a player's annual wage.

https://footystats.org/england/efl-league-two/salaries

Some company chief financial officers / accountants can be on 150k, 200k a year... a £200k investment would not be questioned in general

I doubt the club would be liable for this - the accountants in question sold their stake again and probably got "their" money back, either from Ray Trew or whoever bought the stake off them. If they no longer have a stake in the club, I don't see how it could be claimed back from the club.

It’s about time for such a minor change, it’s nice to see the club taking the initiative to make improvements.

I welcome these improvements to our ground.With attendances increasing its great to know that the club are doing all they can to enhance the safety of the fans.

The modifications at Meadow Lane are indeed a positive development. With the club drawing more supporters, the investments should easily recoup their costs, if they haven’t already. The better the experience, the happier the fans will be. Safety is paramount.

It’s a great poem and very relatable. I believe this was presented in school when I was in Year 7.

It’s important to remember, Christmas can quickly become a time of stress and worry, when it should simply be a time to spend with family and loved ones.

Nice Poem.

i really like the darkness song dont let the bells end.

My number one Christmas  song Has to be Bing Crosby's White Christmas.

Neil Warnock is unique, his antics could easily be a comedy sketch for a late-night show. I believe he’ll return to management at some point, I can’t imagine him fully retiring.

He can be a bit annoying sometimes but there's no doubting his passion and he is very funny  and a proper character.

7 hours ago, super_ram said:

He can be a bit annoying sometimes but there's no doubting his passion and he is very funny  and a proper character.

I understand what you’re saying, but I believe that’s just his nature. He’s become less grumpy over the years and more humorous, he seems to have ceased being resentful around the mid 00s.

This is the first time I have seen the highlights, wow... We are defending blindly and have become very lazy, no pressuring and so much that could have been done. I want to know what was in Adam Chicksen's boots that made him so slow to react, the decision to slide in seems silly because staying on his feet would have been more practical.

The Simpson's Comic Book Guy would say... 'Worst defending ever'. I'm not sure it's 100% true, but it's shocking.

i want an angry face as the second goal sealed the game and i felt very much deflated, i wanted to leave there and then. its not a feel i like but we put so much effort in and we cant even defend against a team we should have done better against. i loved jodi jones passion but everyone else it was missing.

The sad part is, our defence has been poorer on many occasions this season. Hats off to Harrogate for their impressive play.