Chris

Facebook and BlueSKy it will be then. ????

Today, I am firmly in work mode ahead of tomorrow's game. Things are progressing very nicely, even managed to start a bit earlier than normal. I haven't really done much around the house, other than on my laptop and PON related. I'll be setting off for The Magpie Circles live podcast at some point. I'll be taking pictures of the event. I'm glad today is much better than yesterday, I had to go out when it was pouring it down and whilst the rain doesn't bother me - I am glad it's just dull today.

Happy Birthday to Shaun Derry, former player and manager of Notts County!

I think it's important to remember that we do have injuries, but a strong team can navigate that problem, and I am hoping the close-knit group will start to see that we just need to convert the chances that are created. It's a cliché, but goals change games, and we are good enough. I don't think we have been bad, certainly the performances have largely been positive. The news today of Dan Crowley being close to returning, George Abbott and Matty Platt back in contention to play against Colchester is great news. There's always valid points to be made around the club, and it's important that some perspective on the positive side is looked at. It's good that we can keep an interesting discussion focused on this point. Even with downsides, there's always something to encourage.

@Fan of Big Tone I certainly hope not! ????‍???? He should be able to give some different insights into the daily chat.

Welcome to the Pride of Nottingham, @k9muers. I hope you enjoy being a part of our Notts County community.

If Cedwyn reads this (which some players do), I hope you have a wonderful birthday! I am still working on the print I made the mistake with your name, but I have also done another one which focuses on all your time at Notts. So, I wish you a Happy birthday!

Yes, yes I did. ???? Day by day I am edging closer to being more like my dad!!

We do have to take into consideration the injuries, but we are only now starting to feel that burden - which is a shame because we had been told a lot were close to returning back when we played Carlisle United. Excluding Jodi Jones and Curtis Edwards, who immediately come to mind, there were others facing similar challenges, including Cedwyn Scott, who took a break for mental health reasons. It hasn't seen us nose dive in form like we did last year, when we lost Matt Palmer. I do think we have done well so far. I know David McGoldrick has got us out of jail at times (among others) but I consider the progress to be slow but steady. As for the blog, I see nothing wrong with it. A bit of light humour can be good, not that the moaners will agree, but I think it's harmless. It is a very good read, so I am sure most fans would agree. Thank you for writing this.

I am hoping Notts can continue their progress, and clinch another win. There is still resentment towards Notts for taking the original Lincoln team, and rebranding them as Notts County. However, it shouldn't be the case with this squad because it's been rebuilt from the ground up and has no connection to the franchise that Ray Trew started, and Alan Hardy folded. Some Notts fans on the other hand won't accept this team simply because AH folded the franchise team even though it wasn't sustainable. I hope our women's team does well; they earned my support by attending the playoff semi-final as a team for the men as a way to show unity - even though they are not exactly treated the same.

Do you want me to promote the blog within the PON social media, @allardyces tash? If you prefer to leave it as something in-house, that's fine. I am going to read it shortly, but I wouldn't want you to feel discouraged if some of the more vocal fans don't like it. I am sure it's fine, but I am mindful and would prefer to do as you would want.

We must catch a break sooner rather than later, surely? Colchester United are a real Jekyll and Hyde team. We can outplay them and then let them back into the game, or they can simply outplay us. Even though they are 17th, I wouldn't write them off, and we can't rely on being at home. With the injuries, whoever plays will have to dig deep to ensure we leave everything on the pitch. I hope Notts play encouragingly enough to make it easier for fans to get behind them; otherwise, it could get quite vocal with dissatisfaction about our play. We also can't rely on the officials, so fingers crossed that whoever starts brings their shooting boots. I'll be nice and snug in an executive box, so the crowd might not be as audible for me. Still, we need to play in a way that gets people onside.

Celebrating two points in style! Just 2 points, 2 points... ????

Today's been a pretty shoddy day for me, but I won't go into details. But if Granny Pie was still with us, she'd threaten to put me into a sack and shake me up. Or one of the many wise things she used to say. It's always disappointing when things improve late on. There's not been much to say, Super is currently away. My children have all been to Uni, college and school. It seemed a bit "too quiet" earlier, but that soon changed once they were all home. ???? I found time to watch 'Face/Off', when I didn't feel sleepy or tired. It was alright, not the best film, but I felt amazed that I didn't recall ever seeing it before until today. I quite like finding those rarer films I haven't seen.

Having now watched the full match highlights, I think David McGoldrick is the player that deserves my vote the most. There are a few who come close, such as Matty Palmer and Jack Hinchy. I just feel McGoldrick's drive and contributions warrant the vote.

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

A lot of fans are saying we clearly missed Matty Platt, problem is we seemed to have crumbled upon conceding. Pleased that David McGoldrick scored the penalty, and now that Jack Hinchy has scored. 3-2 doesn't sound all that bad, but really we need to start making possession count. Walsall have shown us why an inform team can hold its own, when a team tries to control the game. I'm disappointed that we conceded 3 goals before scoring but pleased that we kept fighting.It's really a case of balancing this, and realising that we need to get to January to further improve. Heading in the right direction, but not the finished product yet.

I am pleased to say, the results are in and George Abbot has won the Pride of Nottingham Player of the Month. This includes votes from our Facebook group and, Twitter (X). (I forgot due to time to promote this on Threads and BlueSky).

New user ranks have been added to further the challenge of becoming a grand master, the new elite tier sees legend, hall of fan and eternal icon added. Six members, including myself, are already within the top rank. Congratulations to: @super_ram, @Piethagoram, @Fan of Big Tone, @Robbie and @liampie. You are all within the highest rank of the Pride of Nottingham. 8 Members now fall into the 'Hall of Fame' level, with 6 in 'legend'. New badge awards will soon be added: Loyal Fan, Community Builder, Positive Vibes, Event Organiser, Trivia Master, Top Contributor, Creative Genius, Tech Savvy, Game Changer, Social Butterfly, Matchday Hero, Tactician, Meme Master, Stat Guru, Charity Champion, Super Fan, Designer, Historian, Travelling Supporter, Friendliest Fan, Diehard Fan, Talent Scout, Matchday Predictor, Video Creator, Editorial Expert, Celebration Specialist, Merch Master, Voice of Reason. More in addition to these may be added. Automatic Badges are under consideration. Early Bird: For those who log in early in the day. Night Owl: For those who are active late at night. Milestone Achiever: For members reaching specific milestones like 100 posts, 500 likes, etc. Comment King/Queen: For those who comment frequently. Profile Completer: For members who fill out all details in their profile. Quiz Taker: For members who participate in quizzes or surveys. Anniversary Badge: For members who celebrate their registration anniversary. Top Liked: For posts or comments that receive a high number of likes. Photo Uploader: For members who upload a certain number of photos. Poll Participant: For individuals who actively participate in polls. Suggestions on this subject can be posted here: (If you don't have access, you can PM me) Thanks for reading this, now go earn some achievements.

Tonight's game is very important for Notts. The league is very wide open, with the top 4 fighting for first place. We're still in that fight, as are others, but games like today's could be where we make some ground up.

Over the years, I have heard many stories about Pedro Richards. He was a brilliant player, and a very good signing for Notts. At the time it wouldn't have been easy to be accepted in football due to the colour of his skin, but I am pleased that Notts offered him a home, which our fans took to him. Having seen various documentaries about racism in football, it makes me feel prouder of Notts and Pedro's achievements. We all bleed the same colour, but the fact that we were such an accepting club (which was only right). It makes this achievement something more than just a memory. We have been fortunate to have exceptional players in our history, such as Tristan Benjamin and Justin Fashanu. Pedro paved the way, and whilst there might have been some in the fan base back then less accepting, the majority took to the players for their ability and personality. It's a shame that Justin Fashanu's time at Notts tends to be overlooked, because I do recall seeing an interview where he spoke highly of the club for saving his career.

@menzinho I have the bad habit of scrolling through Facebook's 'reels', and a behind the scenes look at Day of the Jackal showed. It looked interesting, as at first I thought it was going to be some Johnny Knoxville type prank but turned out to show glimpses of how the main character changed his identity. -- Yesterday, I watched Brian and Charles (2022) on Channel 4's on-demand app. It's different, somewhat strange but very well produced. There's some very funny moments; it's like a mock documentary about Brian who has a quirk for inventing things.

I really don't understand the sense of the appointment, it's not like he's earned a reputation as being a good manager in any other league, and it seems to be a very reckless appointment. If they wanted to give someone inexperienced the chance to shine, they should have tried to get Frank Lampard before he went to Coventry. It might have given them some chance to poach some good youngsters from Chelsea, instead of the other way around. Had they gone for Lampard, I would have laughed. Good luck to them against West Ham tonight, they'll be hoping the hammer doesn't fall on van Noodlehead.

It's probably time that we plan another PON gathering, where we book an executive box again. I won't lie, I am looking forward to watching Notts in a nice and warm room. Even if I won't hear the game as well, I will still probably be as animated as always. ???? PS. We know you love Christmas, don't hide it. You've earned it. I actually forgot about the feature, plus that @Piethagoram had been awarded one for being the Member of the Month. I'm going to add more badges/awards. ---- Today, I am taking it easy. I had wanted to go to Walsall, but it's not worked out. I have things I can be doing though, so I will focus on them. There's not much else I can really add.

The drop in level does seem to be where Junior Morias thrives, but I have always been a fan of his. His pace always seemed something we should have made use of; however, we never did. His finishing didn't seem that bad either; I just felt he needed time to settle and to be actually played. I don't see him returning to us; I fully expect him to leave when his contract expires. If there was any chance we could recall him, I would but considering the club will most likely look to strengthen our options up top - I think it would be unfair to bring him back when he's unlikely to get the game time he deserves. I don't believe it's fair to write Junior Morias off at League Two level, we haven't seen enough of him and the brief glimpses we did he performed well enough and scored. At 29, I do hope another League Two team gives him a shot because I think he would succeed.