Chris

Kim has a very good heart, hidden inside one of the best characters you could ever wish to meet. Her battle with cancer has been nothing short of heroic, and the determination she has shown is inspiring. There's a side to her you don't often see at games, and while I might not be the closest person to her, I am very thankful for the kindness she not only showed me over the years but also showed my son, Jake.

We used to travel via Iris's and Malc's coach, and you will see the family feel that those fans have amongst themselves; it's very much unmatched, but Kim is a big part of bringing people together.

This last picture was taken at Swindon Town away. After losing, Jake hoped he could get some of the players signatures. Kim made it her personal mission to make it happen, captured by @Dan. Kim encouraged the then-manager, Chris Kiwomya, to get all the players to sign his shirt. It was a very special moment, and just one of the many things that Kim does for those she cares about.

6 minutes ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

It was a good game for the neutral fan, Notts had 77% possession in the first half but only one shot at goal from Jatta, the second half was much better, we deserved a goal early on but as usual we didn’t take our chances and Walsall did and went 2-0 up, the penalty gave us hope but that was soon dashed when they went 3-1 up but once again Notts fought back to 3-2 but too little too late, we nearly got an equaliser from Tsaroulla  but it wasn’t to be. Unlucky maybe but we were the architects of our own downfall.

We are missing the injured players without a doubt.

Google, and Notts have it closer to 76%. So, I kept it rounded up.

12 minutes ago, True Magpie said:

Chris has been kindly giving fans prints, often just to make someone’s day. I think there’s room to reward dedication and fans who are part of the community, so I’m speaking with him about ideas. This came up, and I think it’s going to be nice to see fans rewarded for being part of the community.

Notts has a vibrant fan base, with many good people representing the club. Our gaffer goes above and beyond.

I have done similar things in the past via social media, and just because I have seen fans take to a certain player. It's really no fuss, I like seeing the reaction and how it pleases people. A kind gesture can make somebodies day, seeing comments, interactions lifts mine, and I am pleased to have something to focus on. I'm sure the majority of fans will appreciate this, as I am delighted that our subscribers are happy to also be a part of them. Without these kind members, it would be difficult to rely on donations or sales from our store.

6 minutes ago, CliftonMagpie said:

This is a very good idea. It might not be for everyone, but no one needs to change their habits just for a print. It’s not for that reason; it’s to give back. I know this is something @Chris feels strongly about. It’s clear he cares about Notts and us fans, so I think it’s super cool that he’s gifting some of his work to fans. I hope those who end up winning appreciate it.

Thanks, mate. I do feel strongly about it. It might be something small, but once they are signed I do know fans cherish them.

5 minutes ago, TheSkipper said:

Allowing the subscribers to be the judges should help make sure that the right people are rewarded. I am pleased to see this. The artwork is incredible, such a talent there! I think fans will love the prints. A lot of effort must go into them, and if some fans get acknowledged for their support, then I think it’s a very kind gesture. I also agree with what @True Magpie said. Well done to him and @Chris.

I wanted the subscribers to have the say on this, as it shows their involvement and how important it is. Most of them don't want anything in return, which is very heart-warming. Yet, I want them to see how their support makes a difference and I think this idea will show the community spirit side of things. Thanks for the kind comment, Lewis.

I am more in favour of young players coming in, who their parent club see them as having a future with them. Sometimes we get players who aren't wanted and they just become squad fillers. I suspect, someone of the better loans we have had to contribute a fair amount towards their wages (well what we can). Some players are not often seen, but it's very rare to find talented players like Jack Grealish, Callum McGregor, Ryan Yates, and Jorge Grant.

Certainly, I believe we should be looking out for them and willing to incorporate good talented loan players. Had Lewis Macari not been given a chance, it's highly unlikely we would be including him in this and the fact we managed to secure his services full time - it's a positive sign of how the loan system can compliment your squad.

I would say very near the logo in the corner @Fan of Big Tone. 5 or so rows up.  

Having listened to the BBC Radio Nottingham's coverage and seeing various highlights, I thought Notts did well but getting efforts on target is the next thing we need to focus on in training. Things are coming along, I would rather talk a goalless draw than a defeat having played well.

The fact Notts is having such a high amount of possession speaks volumes for the squad.

I am also included to agree and appreciate the views of Lewis here. He's really provided some fantastic in-depth analysis and I thank him for having written this in my absence.

Whilst I will forever be thankful that my mum's father, my Granddad Ray, took me to see Notts. I will always be thankful for the connection I share with my dad (@super_ram) and his love for my team. I have a soft spot for Derby through this and whilst I will always be a Notts fan, just like he will be a Derby County fan at heart. There's nothing stopping us from cheering on the other club and, fingers crossed, I can drag him to Meadow Lane this upcoming season.

I am sure he wouldn't mind an excuse to catch up with his mate, @Fan of Big Tone. ????

@TheCalFoster are any of these in your plans?

I want to make sure I get back on the road, it will be good for me. I think Bradford City is one of the games I want to make for sure. I am less interested in the Stockport County's, Barrow and Harrogate. Yet. some of these may make themselves into my plans. It would be more the likes of AFC Wimbledon and Tranmere Rovers.

Nice write up, @Simon Clark.

Ian Richardson is a truly remarkable figure in our history. We deeply appreciate everything he has done for the club. Throughout his time here, he has not only become a fan favourite but also elevated himself to the status of a true hero.

All his efforts on the pitch are very memorable to me, and I am thankful his deal to Wimbledon collapsed, as he served us for longer. Those days when the club seemed to be on his knees, I am grateful to have some like Ian in our clubs corner and his presence around the club for me is missed.

Thank you, Ian Richardson.

Sutton will be ready and up for the game; it's for us to show we have learned and improved since the last time we played them. Yes, we are a different team, but they have changed too. They know how to stop teams playing, so we'll need to be at our best. I also think the fixtures have formed a nice group of games that leads to the next phrase quite nicely for us. I don't think we will be looking at any fixture and thinking, we can't beat them.

At the same time, the coaching staff and Luke Williams won't allow the squad to underestimate them.

I would be happy 9–12 points from the opening games.

53 minutes ago, CliftonMagpie said:

It’s nice to read into the background of fans. If Nigel reads this and can jump on board with PON, it’s a fantastic story!

Nigel is a member, but he tends to be busy. He has written for PON too, in the past under his account. @Natty.

51 minutes ago, KingWilliams said:

Reading Nigel's story, I can't help but be proud of also being a Notts County fan. Best of luck to you, Nigel, and may our club continue to have dedicated supporters like you!

See the above, @Fan of Big Tone suggested asking Nigel to come on board and he has helped in the past. I believe he goes to Nottingham Panthers games too, which takes a lot of dedication and time too.

We did well in our first season, but we had a hard time with the physical teams in the National League who knew how to stop us from playing. Ian Burchnall's appointment went a long way to improving the standard of football. I liked Neal Ardley, but I felt we were quite complacent at times.

The appointment of Luke Williams proved to be the catalyst to propel the club into a real promotion fight.

I value the effort of all the players in each season and our recruitment has helped us to become stronger. Superb feature. @Magpie Bill. Thank you for your contribution.

I remember when Tony was pitched side and his wife proposed to him, I didn't know him by name then, but I have grown to know him quite well. He's a great guy, I wasn't aware of his hospital visit, but I thought it's good of the club to take that step to go show their support. It's really something that boosts fans, I bet he never expected it.

I'm assuming this was when Aileen Trew was at the club, as she often sent the players out to do good deeds and be a part of the community.

That was one of the positive things of that era. ????????

This for me, played a part in what made me feel it was a good move. I felt a little sceptical before and I  didn't really believe the rumour. Like some others, I thought it wasn't much truth but now he's signed I think we can look forward to having a bit more experience in the right departments.

Stepping down to League Two, he should be able to make a big impact and, I think if Ruben leaves this would be where McGoldricks prime position would be for us. As he can drop deeper, come back and support the attacking play.

Really happy with the recruitment so far, Jodi and Randall, now Big Dave.

The signing of Jodi Jones was a pleasant surprise for me. Despite not being fully familiar with his injury history, I had a strong feeling that he would bring tremendous value to the team. Whilst Wrexham fans became excited about signing ex-Palmer League keeper, Ben Foster, at the age of 40? It was a good signing, but in comparison Jodi gave us an edge we needed to go forward.

I think it was a very smart decision to bring him in and, whilst I initially felt like we needed to make it known to him that we would like to retain him. It wasn't until he kindly signed my prints, that I realised just how much he liked being at Meadow Lane.

It's good to see players with a smile on their faces, even when struggling because it's a sign of confidence and also that they're still in the game and haven't given up.

Against Boreham Wood, the moment he came on he had that smile and tried to influence the play. Likewise, in the playoff final against Chesterfield. He seemed a bit cautious when he stepped up for the penalty, but his reaction after and in the celebrations was great.

Going back to the opening day of the 2017 season, I made the trip to Coventry and sat watching him rip us apart. As he did in the playoffs against Coventry. He's not a super sub, although he does well. He's a promotion hero if anything!

We must steer clear of the danger of being just an average team that will have a hard time succeeding. At the same time, we don't want to articulate anything that sets excessively high expectations or puts undue pressure on the players.

I think we have a good squad, thankfully with many of the players renewing so far and that gives a good level of morale going into a new campaign. So, on paper we should do well and I do believe we will. I think under the Reedtz stewardship, we will be a forward-thinking club.

However, if for some reason we do end up struggling at any point. I will try my hardest, as I always do, to encourage fight and belief.

46 minutes ago, liampie said:

he pride of nottingham stood behind forte, i think @Chris and @Joe Jones sponsored him as a sign of support.

True, @Joe Jones thought it would be nice to back a player. We had a difficult time doing it, as we were only offered youth players which we didn't mind, but there was an option being held back for some reason. I asked Joe to enquire about Jonthan Forte after his previous sponsor hadn't picked him up because he wasn't expected to play.

We felt Forte offered good value, and we wanted to support him. I wrote an article at the time. No surprise that he improved our team once he did start getting game time.

Jonathan Forte was a good servant for the club, who thankfully helped to improve our season and did well against Coventry when we lacked firepower. His spells with the club are prime examples of something who wanted to succeed, give his all and just get on the scoresheet whenever he could.

I am thankful to Joe for sponsoring him for the Pride of Nottingham.

I think I could be the head of the Matt Palmer appreciation society! He's a class act; when he signed I couldn't believe it. I thought why would someone of his ability and reputation drop down to the National League.

By far he could be playing in the Championship, most certainly League One.

It's proven to be one of the best free signings the club has ever made. I fully believe Matt is on course to become a legend at our club. He's sometimes a bit unappreciated, but fans are realising just how much he does in midfield. It's difficult to picture Notts without Matt Palmer as he is an integral part of the team.

He's been great this season, and his midfield partnership with John Bostock is the best we've had since Neal Bishop and Ricky Ravenhill.

Now, this is a video you can rewatch over and over again! From a fan perspective, it's great, and I love every minute of @ARLukomski vlogs!

This is absolute class and, I am pleased to see him smiling more! ????????????????????????

@super_ram It looks like Ryan will have to share Notts with Rob after all! Attending the game would be a remarkable gesture on their part, signifying their unswerving commitment to football and complete indifference towards any rivalry, as they relish the experience of owning Wrexham and simply savour the game. It will be interesting to see 'Welcome to Wrexham' if it features Notts in the playoff final. 

A remarkable turnabout was always within reach. I know people thought I were deluded for suggesting it or questioned my faith, but I always felt that an early goal would give us that spark. I couldn't stop shaking after the game. I also still feel slightly concussed after being hit in the head twice by accident, but it's worth every moment.

Our fans were class from pre-match to the moments after the final whistle, so pleased for us all that we're going to Wembley.

My personal thoughts that the league and previous games go out of the window when it comes to the playoffs, usually the winner simply wants to win more than the other. Sometimes it's because of other factors, but generally I think it's all about coping with the game and settling nerves as quickly as possible. If our players enjoy their football, chances should come, and I think it will be a good game.

I am in agreement with every comment before mine. @Joshua's point about shining a light is valid. Although Wrexham fans and others may believe that the pressure is on us, if we concentrate on the positives and strive for promotion, I don't think the expectations will only be on us, but also on those we compete against.

Just a joy to see the players expressing them, despite what looked like an absoultely awful pitch. I praise Luke Williams for provoking this reaction from the team and, I encourage all of them to continue this. Winning 5-2 is awesome, but we have 2 very big games coming, we must make it a 3rd and win at Wembley.

I know, we'll look back on the defeats and think those are the games which could've won the league - yet nobody could imagine how dominant ourselves or Wrexham would be. It appears that our prior setbacks gave Notts an extra push to succeed. We had a stretch where our play seemed overthought during away games, causing us to struggle.

This season has been incredible. If you're to gain promotion you want to be gaining records and causing pressure to your rivals. I think both clubs have benefitted from the close competition.

I felt a little unsure leading into the season, until I saw the Alfreton game. I then posted my thoughts about how I felt we would do, I wasn't far off, but I had predicted that we would fall back around Christmas. The Notts players did their utmost to keep it going for much longer than that and even now, they're doing the unthinkable.

I feel quite positive about the playoffs, although that's me in a nutshell. I always try to see the bright side!